Let me start by illustrating many of the gamecocks interesting historical facts. The gamecock has been used throughout history, and around the world, as a symbol of valor and courage. Proof of this fact can be seen on the spires of churches throughout Europe. Through the ages, the sport of cockfighting was embraced by many members of the Royal Family, including King James I, Charles II, King Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth, numerous Earls and Lords, including the famous breeder, “Earl of Derby.” At one time the sport of cockfighting was considered to be the “Royal Pastime.” It was also thought of as the “Sport of Kings.” In fact, one cockpit in Westminster, which was built by Charles II, was called the “Royal Cock-Pit” and was the location of the annual “Gold Cup.” Throughout England, cockfighting was considered a normal function of society, so much so that nearly every town had its own cockpit. Well accepted by the culture of the day, boys were allowed to fight their cocks in the schoolrooms. Special Note of Interest: Others who participated in this sport were rulers, such as, Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar. Often, opponents of the sport have attempted to depict people who participate as being on the “fringes of society.” But the truth of the matter is that the sport was played by all classes of people, the rich, the poor, and the middle class. Also participated in the sport were professionals, such as politicians, doctors, lawyers, and businessmen. History has shown us that the sport of cockfighting had the power to transcended race, nationality, and gender. The Gamecock and the New World: The colonization of the New World was also responsible for the introduction of cockfighting in the American continents. A fact that many Americans dont know is how significant a part of American history the gamecock actually is. In fact, cockfighting and horse-racing were the main source of entertainment of the time, with advertisements and results of derby’s and mains being published in the local newspapers. A fact that gets missed by many American historians, most likely on purpose, due to views of political correctness, and completely lost in modern history books is the fact that the gamecock and the sport of cockfighting was held in such high regard by our forefathers, that the gamecock was considered as a potential choice as our country’s national bird. Very few Americans know that when our Founding Fathers were in the process of choosing our new country’s symbol, the gamecock lost to the Bald Eagle by only one vote. President George Washington, who was a great spectator of the sport, was one of them who voted on the side of the gamecock. The Bald Eagle got 7 votes, the Gamecock 6 votes, and the Wild Turkey 1 vote. Benjamin Franklin voted for the Turkey. It is highly conceivable that the future of the gamecock would have been much different if only a small number of the votes would have favored the gamecock rather than the Bald Eagle. Another fact that gets lost by historian, and the books they write, is that throughout the ages this sport has been enjoyed by many of our public leaders and famous people, such as first President of the United States, George Washington; President Thomas Jefferson, who was the main author of our “Declaration of Independence,” and who was also a well-known gamefowl breeder and cocker. Even Abraham Lincoln participated in cockfighting, and was better known in his younger years as a cockfighting referee. In fact, he earned the name “Honest Abe” from his honesty in the cockpit. Then there were men such as Benjamin Franklin, who was known as a scientist, inventor, as well as one of our most important statesmen; President Alexander Hamilton; President John Adams; President Andrew Jackson, who also held cockfights in the White House; President Henry Clay; President John Calhoun; President Martin Van Buren; and of course General Robert E. Lee, and General/and later President Ulysses S. Grant. These are just a few of the more prominent early Americans who were reported to have participated in the sport of cockfighting. As you can see, the gamecock has a long history, here in the United States and throughout the world. Even today, we have universities who proudly use the gamecock as their school mascot. With all this history, breeders of American Games should feel honored and proud to perpetuate such a historical breed of fowl, especially in times when everything around us seems to be losing ground, to what I feel has become a throwaway society. Every day we are losing our rights and freedoms. As Americans, if we were to lose our fowl, our American Gamefowl, we would lose a part of ourselves. Let’s not forget, nor abandon a historical and important breed of fowl. Extinction is forever! The chicken owes its very existence to the gamecock: Another fact many breeders of domestic chickens (which includes ornamental, general purpose breeds, as well as the commercial breeds and strains) dont know is that all chickens that exist today owe their very existence to the gamecock. All chickens today have a percentage, be it very small in most cases, of gamefowl blood running through their veins. As you well know, all chickens originated from the Wild Red Junglefowl of South East Asia, and gamefowl originated directly from the Junglefowl. Although there are some fowl that also originated directly from Junglefowl, most breeds share their origins with that of gamefowl. In the early stages of man, Junglefowl were hunted, similar to other wild animals, for the occasional meat and eggs, but their true popularity with humans was derived from the fact that the cocks were willing to fight. It is for this reason that the sport of cockfighting is known as The world’s first spectators sport. As man became more sophisticated, the Junglefowl would be kept and raised in captivity, and perpetually breed. Through the early processes of selective breeding, breeders were able to enhance the bird’s willingness to fight, and eventually the birds would fight to the death. We now refer to this as “gameness.” As humans became more civilized, and would begin to claim property as their own, they would soon keep and raise livestock of all kinds. Small farms would become the norm. Eventually, both the Junglefowl, and its closest cousin, the gamecock, would be recognized as a good source of food (eggs and meat). Easy to raise and cheap to keep around the farm, chickens would soon become a major source of food. As the needs of the farmer changed, such as the necessities for more meat and eggs, the chicken would change as well. Chickens, such as, Dorkings, Plymouth Rocks, Rhode Island Reds, and a number of other similar type breeds would rise to meet those needs. Sometime in the 1800s, during the industrial revolution, farmers began to realize the importance of the chicken as a commodity. The mass production of both eggs and meat would bring upon the birth of the commercial chicken farmer. This industrial rise of the chicken would be powerful enough to change the world. Again, as the needs of the commercial poultry business would change, such as the need for larger, faster growing meat birds, and chickens that can lay more eggs per year, so would the chickens change to meet the needs of the farmers. As in the natural order of things, the commercial poultry business would become responsible for many of the breeds that we have today. As the breeds advanced so has the poultry industry. Fowl that were considered to be high production for the time are now being considered simply as general purpose breeds. Although we have seen many breeds that would play a role in the commercial poultry industry, its breeds such as Leghorns, and the discovery of the Cornish-Rock-Cross, that would change the poultry industry in a huge way. In the 1800s, poultry shows would become popular among farmers and city folk alike. Anyone who was interested in raising chickens could get involved. Poultry shows would play a big role in the development of all chickens. For many, it made raising chickens fun again, for others it would cause the reemergence of the backyard breeder, in a time when they were most needed. Many fowl were beginning to disappear, and it was the backyard breeders who would save many of those endangered breeds. Through the years, poultry shows have become responsible for many of the ornamental breeds, as well as many of the newer varieties within the breeds of fowl we have today, this includes many of our gamefowl strains. For instance, the old English and American Games both have as many as 30 different varieties within the breed, which were created partly due to interest in poultry shows, and an interest in creating new varieties. Summary: As the desire to improve the breed (American Games), and create new varieties and strains, progresses, they will continue to play a large role in the future of all fowl. However, we must recognize the fact that if it wasn’t for the Wild Junglefowl, and their eventual transformation into gamefowl, the chickens that we have today would most likely be nonexistent. Gamefowl have played an important role in the progression and development of the modern chicken. And rest assured that they will be called upon to play a larger role in the future survival of all chickens? Gamefowl could very well be the savior of all chickens: Today, there are many breeds of fowl that are in danger of genetic implosion, where the gene pools are losing their genetic variation. Many ornamental and commercial strains are heavily inbred. Because of this, they have become less resistant to disease, and lack the constitutional vigor needed to survive a serious outbreak, such as an unknown virus. Many of these breeders are terrified of the idea of introducing outside blood. There is good reason for this concern; the wrong blood could ruin a good family of fowl. But there comes a time when the introduction of new blood is a good thing. I understand the importance of knowing which blood to introduce. For some breeds of fowl the introduction of new blood will improve the genetic diversity that is much needed. However, if we continue to operate our breeding programs (close inbreeding) in this manner our fowl will become susceptible to some unknown disease that could devastate our fowl. I predict that when the next big disaster hits that it will be the gamecock that will eventually save the day. Although there are many highly skilled backyard breeders that will do fairly well, I think most ornamental breeders and commercial breeders will be hit the hardest. This is especially true when it comes to breeders who raise highly specialized breeds, where there are only a small handful of breeders. Someday there will be a virus that will destroy most of these breeds, for they will lack the constitutional vigor and genetic diversity that they will need to overcome these outbreaks. Not many breeds have the genetic diversity as do the modern day gamefowl, and especially that of the American Games. Therefore, it will be the American Games that will be called upon to introduce the needed genetic diversity, and strengthen the weaknesses that have accumulated over time due to close inbreeding and poor selective breeding practices. American Games have the constitutional vigor and genetic variation needed to save all chickens, and to preserve those bloodlines well into the future. As you can see, American Games have come a long way, and have survived many of the world’s hardships. Their existence is no accident, and yes they have a purpose that surpasses the one of a fighter, it is the role of Savior. We are the guardians of the breed: Each and every individual who breeds and raises American Games must think of themselves as the guardians of the breed. We must protect these magnificent birds from the dangers of extinction, and from the carelessness of breeders who unknowingly breed towards degeneration. What is the role of an American Gamefowl guardian? It begins: By protecting American Games from those who wish to harm them. Remember, by protecting American Games, we are also protecting the future of all fowl. For instance, there are numerous Animal Rights Organizations who are highly motivated in the extermination of the breed, and if allowed to accomplish their goals, would exterminate all breeds of chickens. They believe that now that it is illegal to fight them that there is no other reason to have them, and that they should be destroyed. In their minds extinction is the only solution. It’s ironic, but these are the same people who are supposed to be looking out for the welfare of all animals. By being good representatives of the breed, and by showing their importance. If we can’t demonstrate to the general public the importance of the breed, and that there are other places for our birds besides the pit, as well as other reasons to have them, such as eggs and meat production, and for showing at exhibitions, and most importantly, as an important source for genetic diversity, we will lose them for sure! By representing American Games in a more positive light. If you were to talk to the average chicken breeder about American Games, you would soon observe the negativity associated with the breed. The average chicken breeder looks down on the breed as though they are the bastard children that nobody wants to acknowledge. They look at American Games as a stain or blemish, something of a contamination to all fowl. We need to change that misconception. We can start by being responsible breeders and by educating others about the history of the breed, and by keeping the birds out of the local newspapers. By learning the history of the breed and teaching it to others. By learning the history of the breed we will appreciate them more. By teaching the history to others, they too will appreciate the importance of American Games. By following a proper “Standard of Perfection.” It is important that we have a guide book that all breeders can follow, one that is considered as the final authority for the form, function and beauty of the breed. There are many “Standards” circulating, but not one that the majority of breeders have embraced as the authority of the breed. We need to come up with one that everyone can embrace and follow, one that is recognized by all poultry organizations and clubs. Having a proper “Standard” will help to guide breeders in acquiring and breeding the proper American Games. By preserving the breed and keeping them free of foreign blood. By keeping American Games pure, we can preserve the form and function of the breed for future generations. American Games are unique. They are sought after throughout the world. As breeders of American Games we gain nothing by changing the breed. There are many other different gamefowl breeds available, all bred for a specific purpose and function. American Games too have a specific purpose and function; there is no need to alter them only to simulate the purpose of other breeds. By maintaining the proper conformation of body and color of plumage of American Games. There are those who love the breed, but feel the need to change them, such as altering their conformation of body, or adding outside blood, such as Aseels, thinking they can improve the breed. In most cases, these are breeders who dont understand their true form and function, and the importance of their very structure. High station of leg is the most common of these offences. There are many breeders who strive for taller fowl, thinking it will improve the breed. But the truth is they are making the breed weaker. The more you extend the thighs, the more you elongate the muscles in the thighs, therefore weakening the legs. By breeding better fowl, and teaching others to become better breeders. Many breeders use crossbreeding as their main method of breeding. In fact, they use crossbreeding as their only method of breeding. They have no idea what it takes to create, maintain, or improve a strain. We need to change that trend. We need to become breeders again, and to teach this to the new, up and coming breeders. This is essential for the future of American Games. For each breeder to keep his fowl healthy and free of defects. The most devastating fault a family of fowl can have is poor health. Second, are genetic defects. No family of fowl can continue with weaknesses such as these. All fowl that show poor health or defects of any kind should be culled. By breeding to weak and defective fowl you are perpetuating those faults and weakening the overall family. By organizing and joining forces: What the average backyard breeder doesn’t understand is that once Animal Rights Organizations accomplish their goals, the extermination of gamefowl, they will move towards the extermination of all fowl. They are against the concept of animal ownership of any kind. We must join forces. All breeders, from gamefowl breeders to ornamental breeders, from backyard breeders to commercial breeders, must work together as one to protect our fowl, our rights and to preserve our freedoms. And understand that if one falls, we all fall. Join your local poultry clubs, participate in the local fairs, and encourage your children to take part in 4-H and FFA. By participating in poultry shows and in the exhibition of American Games. Showing American Games at your local poultry shows and fairs, as well as maintaining their original form and function, and all required attributes, such as conformation of body and color of plumage, requires considerable knowledge and skill, but most importantly it requires your participation. This participation includes educating yourself of the proper structure of American Games and in attending your local poultry shows, where you too can educate others about American Games. By showing our fowl, we allow the general public and breeders of domestic chickens see how magnificent these fowl actually are. My intention is to make everyone aware of how valuable the gamecock is to our heritage and to the future of all fowl, and to show everyone who raise gamefowl and chickens the importance of fighting for our rights and preserving our freedoms. We know what needs to be done,
Posted on: Wed, 15 Jan 2014 15:38:31 +0000