From Darren U. Talissen’s Blog

For months now gamefowlfacts.org has planned an unprecedented effort to dispel many of the myths surrounding gamefowl, cockfighting, and gamefowl enthusiasts. Not unlike many previous efforts at promotion of gamefowl, this effort has already faced it’s share of doubters. Of course, I would be claiming psychic abilities if I were to pretend that I can predict every facet of the outcome of this project. I do, however, believe that this project will serve the poultry community in many ways, perhaps while simultaneously discrediting many of the myths that have been brought into light by the Animal Rights movement.

This gamefowl live video feed project promises to provide around-the-clock live video feeds of the entire first year of the lives of a number of gamefowl. Several webcams will capture the activity beginning with the placement of eggs in an incubator, and ending a year later when those eggs have become mature gamefowl. This monumental task will result in countless hours of footage, all to be kept on DVD as documentation of every action made by the subject fowl.

The first twenty-one days of the project, admittedly will be as entertaining as watching paint dry, but this footage will also serve two purposes. The first purpose will be verification that the eggs placed in the incubator will be the same eggs that hatch into gamefowl. The second will be educational in nature. This video feed could serve to educate people all over the world, from kindergarten classes, to beginning poultry enthusiasts in regards to incubation. I can certainly envision 25 first graders sitting around the classroom computer with wonder in their eyes as they watch the chicks emerge from the eggs and take their first steps into the world.

Next, the video will show these chicks as they grow in the brooder. Viewers worldwide will be able to observe the daily activity of these chicks as they interact with their miniature world inside the brooder. We will be able to see the thermometer and make observations regarding the behavior of the chicks as they seek warmth, or as they move away from the heat, this could become priceless to a beginner who is unsure of optimum temperatures as the chicks mature. We will be able to make notations of which chicks spend more time at the feeder, and compare that information to the growth rate and overall health of the chicks. We will also see the inevitable pecking order as it is first established in front of the feeder, and how it carries out through the duration of the project. It will certainly be interesting to learn if the chick who is at the top of the pecking order remains at the top as the chicks mature into young stags and pullets.

Webcams will show feed sacks as they are opened, and the feed dispensed into the feeder. Closeups will be shown of the feed label, and this will serve to dispel the myth that gamefowl enthusiasts feed our fowl a special diet to make them more aggressive. The aggressive behavior will certainly surface, however the fowl will never leave the camera’s watchful eye, proving that special drugs are not administered to create fighting machines. These chicks will not receive any medication other than wormer or antibiotics, and specifics regarding the types used will be presented so that beginners may learn, and those who have been misled may be enlightened.

Inevitably, the scene will become violent and bloody as the young males begin to become aggressive. They will be separated when this behavior warrants such, however, we will not be able to foresee the exact day that this happens, therefore the scenes on that particular day may not be for the faint of heart, before the caretaker of the fowl notices the situation. Of course this will enlighten many, as these young fowl who have been raised as brothers their entire lives now seek the death of his former friends. Since these young fowl have spent their entire lives in front of a camera, this will prove that no special training was used, and no drugs administered. These young warriors will be simply following their instincts, and following their destiny that was predetermined from the moment that the egg was laid. Surely no viewer will be able to deny what his own eyes have shown him as these half grown roosters begin to fight, and show no signs of quitting.

The opponents of cockfighting and gamefowl have long said that game-fowl, if not given training or special drugs, will behave just as other poultry in regards to aggression. Most poultry will fight for a minute, or perhaps two, until the weaker, or less valorous, individual accepts defeat and runs away. Game fowl, on the other hand will only behave this way for the first few months of their lives. At some point before the year has ended, the gameness that God provided them with will take charge, and these individuals will forget about pecking order, and seek the destruction of every other male in the group. Our fraternity will have video evidence to serve as proof of such, thanks to this project.

Of course, in spite of the video evidence, the leaders of the animal rights movement will deny what is obvious, or more likely ignore the existence of this video footage. The architects of this project make no claim otherwise, as they are aware that many or our opponents refuse to admit error, as such admission would certainly blemish their credibility as well as their bank accounts. I do, however, believe that many individuals will believe their own eyes and accept the truth for what it is. Perhaps this could serve to, in some small way, prove the dishonesty of our opponents, as well as change the perception of many in regards to the fowl that we love.

I certainly hope that once this project is complete, a full set of DVD footage will be supplied to Congress along with transcripts of testimony given by animal rights leaders, as proof of the perjury that has been committed. Perhaps this could serve as a step in the right direction for game fowl enthusiasts, as our lawmakers realize that they have passed new legislation based upon dishonest testimony. Perhaps this could become evidence used as cockers across the nation file lawsuits against the HSUS, PETA, SPCA and similar organizations for libel. The possibilities of the benefits brought about by this project are seemingly endless if we look for them, instead of looking for excuses.

Talk about a good looking rooster!!!

This beautiful Spangle Gamecock owned by EagleEye has won the “Viewers Choice” award over at the gamefowl online photo show.

Definition of a Spangle: As described by the Game Fowl Facts Gamefowl wiki:

Whenever fowl have a substantial percentage of feathers that are tipped with white, they are referred to as spangled. Usually, the white tips will not only be on feathers of the body, but also in hackle and saddle feathers. The base color of spangled fowl is usually red.

Often fowl of splashed, mottled or pile colors are mistaken as spangled. These other color patterns have a number of feathers that are entirely white, while a true spangled cock or hen has white tips on black, brown, or red feathers.

Congrats EagleEye

The internet poultry giant game fowl facts has launched a monster advertising campaign for your gamefowl, poultry, hunting or animal related site. Find out more about advertising your web site. Not only have they launched this brand new way of advertising they now offer web site design and hosting at an extremely low price.

If you own any kind of animal related, gamefowl or poultry site or would like to have one built for you and put on the word wide web then find out more at the links above.

The online game photo fowl show has announced its winners for the month of Febrary 2008 and a brand new show has begun for the month of March. The game fowl photos where awesome. You can view the gamefowl show winners or the archived game fowl photos for all of the entries by choosing any of the above links.

If your enterested in getting involved with this great contest just go this link: Gamefowl photo contests.

I would also like to remind all of my readers about gamefowlfacts.org the largest informative gamefowl website on the web. The game fowl facts site has everything from a photo gallery to game fowl message forums, news and chat. It also host the only 100% free to sell anything game fowl auction on the web. The auction is not limited to only game fowl or gamefowl items. Persons can sell any kind of poultry or livestock. You can even sell household items, farm animal, music etc.

If your looking for debate then check out the animal rights debate forums too!

I found this game fowl and poultry handbook and felt the need to post it here for my readers.

Enjoy!

When it comes to Game Fowl health and nutrition follow the guides below for best results.

 Nutrients

The feed which chickens eat is made up of water, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals and vitamins. Each nutrient serves a special need. What we feed supplies the building material for the development of bone, flesh, feathers and eggs. When nutrients are properly formulated and balanced will produce fowl that produce in the manner they were designed, provide eggs for market, table or incubation, and develop a healthy meaty fowl. Each nutrient provides a solitary source, but is not complete, yet when gathered and combined provides the proper balance and energy that a fowl needs.

Water
One of the most important, yet often overlooked nutrients, is water. A young chick needs a constant supply of fresh water to stay healthy. It doesn’t drink a lot of water at one time; therefore, it has to drink often. A fowl’s intake of daily water will depend upon availability and weather conditions. Desiring less in winter and more in hot summer months. Placement of water containers is essential, making easy access to old and young alike. Water also can be a source of bacteria, if not cleaned on a regular basis and therefore should be changed frequently depending upon weather, consumption and exposure. Stagnant or long term standing water can be a host and breeding ground for insects that carry disease to poultry.
Water carries waste products out of the body, helps cool the bird by evaporation, softens feed and carries it through the digestive tract. Water should always be available and fresh. During hot summer month’s water containers should be kept in cool shady areas and not allowed to become stagnant or develop algae build up. Which would allow for the ingestion of microbes or bacteria. Lack of free access to abundant water supply may also slow productivity down. Denial of water can lead to dehydration, molt, dry feathers without sheen, undue stress and the inability to properly digest food. Fowl consume their greatest amount of water following eating or right before roosting.Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates include starches, sugars and cellulose. Carbohydrates in the form of starches, or simple sugars are needed for body maintenance and energy. Carbohydrates cost less than fats and are easily digested, absorbed and transformed into fat.
Important sources of carbohydrates in poultry feeds are corn, wheat, oats, milo and various other cereal grains. Since energy is provided by the intake of carbohydrates, whether it is for warmth in winter by adding extra grains like corn to the diet to naturally produce body heat, or energy to maintain a balanced and vibrant flock. An over abundance of carbohydrates in the diet can produce added amounts of fat cells reducing health benefits and productivity. Reducing the ration of corn, yet providing other beneficial grains, and increasing the sources of protein to provide the energy that a fowl needs for egg production, general health and energy, and the viability of the egg can be beneficial.
Whole Grains such as wheat, oats, barley, and corn are vitamin sources of the B complexes, E, folic Acid and Biotin. With wheat having the highest source of biotin and vitamin E, along with B/1 known as Thiamin. You may see it listed on feed sources as Hydrochloride. Another good source for the complex B vitamins is ground meals and dried yeast. B vitamins are depleted during stress and are essential in the release of energy from absorbed or stored carbohydrates and fats. B vitamins aids in disease resistance, fertility and viability of the embryo.

Fats
Animal and vegetable fats, such as cottonseed meal or fishmeal, are the highest energy sources in feedstuffs. They also improve the physical consistency in feed mixtures. Supplemental fats may increase energy utilization in adult birds in association with a decreased rate of food intake. The substitution of fat for a portion of the dietary carbohydrates may enhance energy utilization by reducing the heat created by carbohydrates. Fats should be stabilized by an antioxidant; otherwise they are likely to become rancid, especially in hot weather or long storage periods. Small amounts of fat are desirable since they supply essential fatty acids, fatty acids are essential for rebuilding and producing new cells, and improve palatability. Essential fatty acids require Vitamin E for absorption. Some good sources of essential fatty acids for poultry are found in vegetable oils and fishmeal. The oil content in fishmeal will range from 2% to greater than 14%. So thus it should not be the sole source of fat content.

Proteins
Proteins are complex compounds made up of amino acids. Feed proteins are broken down into amino acids by digestion. They are then absorbed and transported by the blood to the cells, which assemble these amino acids into body proteins. Body proteins are used in the construction of body tissue. Tissues, which mainly consist of protein, are muscles, nerves, cartilage, skin, feathers and beak. The albumen (white) of the egg is also high in protein. The main sources of protein in poultry rations are animal proteins such as fishmeal, meat and bone meal, and plant proteins, such as soybean meal, cottonseed meal, and ground alfalfa and corn gluten meal. There is no one source of protein that will provide all the amino acids in one feed ration. But when the proteins from different feedstuffs are used, the ration can be formulated to contain all the necessary amino acids. Excellent sources of proteins for poultry are ground alfalfa meal, meat and bone meal and fishmeal. A balanced diet of proteins should be formulated for each stage of a fowl’s life and needs according to growth desired and productivity. Too low of protein count and you can see poor development in young and the health and overall vitality of the old effected with excessive weight loss. To high of a protein count from gathered resources and optimum growth can result in a short period of time with excessive weight gain for the skeletal structure to support, to cases of gout. A vitamin A deficiency can affect the ability of a fowl to utilize protein. Meat proteins also provide the enzymes that aid in digestion and metabolism of proteins. Fishmeal is an excellent source of protein for poultry since it contains adequate quantities of all the essential amino acids required by chickens, and is an especially good source of lysine and methionine. Good quality fishmeal is a brown powder, which will average between 60% and 70% protein. It cannot be used as a sole source of protein. Thus when added to feed rations should be done so as to not exceed the protein requirement of the fowl but only to insure a proper and balanced level, or provide what may not be readily available in the ration due to a poor protein source. The protein content of wheat is higher than corn. Protein content varies from 11 to 19%, depending on type of wheat. Wheat can be added at higher rates in summer months with a decrease in corn, for the reduction of heat and still supply the energy a fowl needs. Wheat does not contain caratenoids and will create a slightly lighter yolk color. Many Game Bird feeds gather several sources of protein, with animal proteins in a higher percentage compared to other feeds, for a well-balanced supply of all the essential amino acids. All feed should be formulated in such a way to provide balanced nutrition for appropriate age levels. With a higher count for the young and a decreased protein count as a fowl matures and has developed. Added supplements of animal protein sources to a balanced ration should be done at 2 to 4% levels due to the source and structure of the proteins. Grain proteins can be added at higher level. Yet should not exceed that of other sources of animal protein diluting the count to such an extent proper nutrition is affected. It is a combination of these proteins that fulfills the required diet.
In reading the tag on a bag of poultry feed you will see listed the percent of crude protein. This tells you only the percentage guaranteed for optimum performance for a particular need or stage of development according to age. It is beneficial to check the sources of protein that the feed is comprised of. Your main sources of proteins for each particular brand will be listed as the first of several ingredients.

Minerals
The mineral portion of the feed is inorganic matter. Minerals are absorbed through the small intestine. Minerals, especially calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, help build bones and make them strong and rigid. Laying hens also require minerals for eggshell formation. Other minerals are needed in trace amounts. Trace minerals are those minerals required at very low amounts for good growth and production. Potassium is essential in egg production and when depleted a drop may arise. Most feeds, in crumble, pellet or mash forms are formulate with a certain amount of trace minerals. Grains are low in minerals, so it is necessary to provide supplements. Calcium, phosphorus and salt are needed in the greatest amounts. Ground limestone and oyster shell are good calcium sources. Trace levels of iodine, iron, manganese and zinc are also included in mineral supplements. Bone meal, and ground limestone supply additional calcium and phosphorus. Phosphorus in meat and bone meal is almost completely absorbed by the bird. During stress related times and heavy production minerals such as calcium will be absorbed at a faster rate leaving the system depleted drawing its source form other areas such as bones resulting in brittleness, poor egg quality and lack of production. Calcium given freely in oyster shell form can be scattered or made available freely for a hen to consume, as her body desires to replace the loss during heavy production. Fishmeal is an excellent source of calcium and phosphorus for poultry. Fishmeal contains three major nutrients; protein, fat and minerals (ash). The ash (mineral) content of fishmeal is relatively high and is usually an indication of a higher calcium and phosphorus level. Another valuable source for minerals, protein and vitamins is Alfalfa. Many times it is offered in a feed ration as a ground meal form. Alfalfa meal contains Chlorine, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, and Sodium. Many Game Bird Feed rations will offer alfalfa meal as a protein source, but it also provides trace mineral elements. Those fowl; that do not have access to free ranging or forging and are limited to soil for dusting and consuming minerals may need periodic mineral supplements or mineral grit.

Vitamins
All feed rations will provide small amounts, and are absolutely necessary for growth, reproduction and the maintenance of health. They occur in feedstuffs in varying quantities and in different combinations. Regardless of brand or form vitamin supplements may be required periodically for health and vitality. Many things can interfere with the efficiency of vitamins; stress and antibiotics can deplete the body of many vitamins. Microorganisms of the intestinal tract produce some vitamins. A side effect of medications is the depletion of naturally produced vitamins in the intestines especially after cocci treatments. Vitamin D can be produced by sunlight on the bird’s skin. Caged fowl are more likely to need the aid of a D supplement. Other vitamins must be supplied in the ration. Vitamins are required for normal growth, feathering and leg development in the young and stamina, health, fertility and production in the old. A wide range of problems can arise and will depend on which vitamin or vitamins a fowl is inadequate in and how deficient the diet is. Many poultry diseases and illnesses can be often attributed to a vitamin deficient ration.

There are 2 groups that vitamins fall into, fat-soluble and water-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body’s fat and used when needed Water-soluble vitamins are not stored by the body and are lost through fecal droppings or stress. Water-soluble vitamins will need to be kept balanced in a diet.
Fat-soluble vitamins: A, D, E, K
Water-soluble vitamins: C, Thiamin (B/1), Riboflavin (B/2), Pantothenic acid, Niacin, Pyridoxine, Choline, Biotin, Folic Acid, B/12 and B complexes.
Vitamin A is necessary for the health and proper functioning of the skin and lining of the digestive, reproductive and respiratory tracts. Vitamin D plays an important role in bone formation and the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus. The B vitamins are involved in energy metabolism and in many other metabolic functions. On going studies are finding a relation between vitamin B and disease resistance. A vitamin premix is included in the commercial ration to provide additional supplements such as vitamin A, B/12, D/3, E, K, riboflavin, niacin, Pantothenic acid, and Choline. It was discovered that B/12 could be obtained by foraging through manure. Thus pecking at litter will maintain B/12 in a fowls system. Alfalfa meal added to feed provides K, A, C, B/3, D, and E. Housed flocks, or caged birds tend to have deficiencies at a higher rate than those that are allowed to run, scratch and forage. Access to soil minerals and fresh greens aid in replenishing vitamins and minerals lost to natural stress and stressful conditions. Some vitamins are not stable and their benefits can be lost in stored feed if not properly kept. If stored properly, to maintain the stability of vitamins, most feeds will remain stable for approximately 3 months.
On the other hand an excessive amounts of vitamins given in an improper balance can have serious health effects. There are specially formulated vitamin packs readily available in proper proportions, in the aid of a vitamin deficiency. Such additives that are aimed at providing vitamins are Cod liver oil, Wheat Germ oil, Brewers yeast or Dried Yeast, AD& E powders. These can be added to the diet during breeding, stress, or after medications, especially coccidiosis treatments or any illness that may have depleted the body of vitamins through stress of the illness or excrement. Many medications interfere with the absorption of vitamins.
Commercial poultry feeds contain numerous similar feed ingredients. There are, however, several different types of rations available. As an example: starter, grower, finisher and layer rations. These are designed to meet the specific needs of different type birds at different ages and developmental stages. All will provide ample nutrition if used in a proper fashion. Only the quality of each formulated ration will vary by the sources of Proteins, Carbohydrates and Fats.

Feeding and Formulating the Right Ration
Commercial poultry feeds contain numerous similar feed ingredients. There are, however, several different types of rations available. As an example: starter, grower, developer, finisher and layer and breeder rations. These are designed to meet the specific needs of different type birds. All are basic in their design with all formulations gathering their sources from either animal or vegetable proteins. With the greater concentration and best source of protein for the young and their developmental rate. Grower and developers are designed to bring a young fowl into the mature stage of egg production. Growers and developers are designed for the “adolescent” stage of fowl. They will be slightly reduced in protein count yet should contain good sources for continuing muscle and structure development. Layers or breeders need a proper nutrient balance to be able to produce eggs whether for the table or those to be incubated. A breeder ration will have a slightly higher protein count than a layer ration with added vitamins and minerals for viability of the embryo. Whether layer or breeder they may require less protein but added energy foods for production. Both are formulated with trace amounts of calcium but during heavy production may require a supplement of oyster shell.
Chicks should never be feed solid grain feeds due to the developmental stages of the gizzard in digesting solid grains. Mashes are formulated for easier digestion and consumption. Their proteins sources should be gathered from high quality animal proteins and not total reliance on vegetable proteins.
When introducing grains to a proper formulated ration it should be done at as a gradual process. Whether it is to supplement due to stress, weather, production or viability of the egg. When feeds sources such as grains are added to concentrated rations they dilute the protein count. Choice of grains is essential in maintaining protein yet providing the energy a flock may need for health and production. A good rule of thumb in formulating a ration for your flock is to gather all your protein sources and add the count, then divide the number of sources to get an approximation of the average. Foremost one should know the quality of the source and what it provides in establishing a healthy and productive flock. In formulating feeds all things should be considered form growth and development to egg production and breeding. Establishing a proper diet and feeding program will aid in the knowledge of areas that may require attention or supplements. Though fowl on a well-balanced and proper diet are less likely to have health related issues and require less supplementation. Remembering that each source of a nutrient you provide is energy for a fowl to perform and maintain its health.

See also: Game Fowl Blog, Game Fowl Encyclopedia and Game Fowl Shows

Pacelle and Goodwin.
These two former animal rights activists shocked the world when they suddenly appeared in Manila and took home the coveted World Slasher Cup, and have not lost an ounce of momentum since. They vow to win Cocker of the Year honors at every major pit in the world this year, and many think they may accomplish just that. Finally, in this exclusive story, their silence has been broken, and their story told of why they turned their backs on the Humane Society of the United States, and how they catapulted straight to the top of the cock fighting world.

Just looking at 3 states (the first 3) Alaska, Arizona and Colorado, participating in a cockfight is punishable to the same degree as molesting a child and many other hard core crimes. Our judicially system has gone to far and is out of control.

Take a look at this article on “is this what you stand for” and after reading it you decide.

If your OK with these crimes being treated as equal then your out of your minds also!

Its disgusting that lawmakers are considering a chicken’s life to be as important as crimes like human trafficking, sexually abusing children, manslaughter, human slavery or arson.

I will be eagerly awaiting the Animal Rights advocates to explain how they justify this BS as equal. If your with me I would love to hear from you also.

By Will D. Jenkins, “The Chicken Fighters,” Last Frontier in the North Cascades. Mount Vernon: Skagit County Historical Society

One of my good friends at Darrington was Fred Griffith, whom I had known when my folks lived at Lake Whatcom. His father and brothers had built our original log house in Geneva, near Bellingham, in 1905. That’s where I got to know Fred. He played the fiddle and raised game chickens.

In 1917 when I was stationed at the Blue Bird with Ranger Eilert Skaar, Fred was running a little six-stool lunch counter in Dar- rington, called the White Horse Cafe, for the mountain of the same name. The patronage was mainly loggers from Sauk Valley and camps along the Stillaguamish.

Fred had an active sideline, however a surreptitious one, of fighting gamecocks. He owned some mighty fine birds, including Cu- ban Reds, Hatch Clarets, Blues, Grays, and English Games. He swore by his Cubans, especially, and claimed there was never a dunghill among them. Fred had collected quite a few good bets as evidence of his judgment of fighting quality.So that no one, particularly the law, would get the idea he was leading a double life, Fred kept his birds walked out on Old Uncle Aaron’s ranch near Lyman. Uncle Aaron was an acknowledged dean of the Tarheel cockfighting fraternity. He and Fred did considerable dealing in hot-blooded birds. The two men had a profitable working arrangement involving their game chickens, and in the winter months, when the cocks were in full feather, they often attended secretly held mains together.

Of course there were people in the valley who considered cock fighting wicked, and there had been raids by the sheriff at various times, most probably based on information supplied by local informants. I doubt that any of the squealers who stool pigeoned on the mains were Tarheels because the North Carolinians and their kin who made up the bulk of the population, were known to regard cock fighting as they did moonshining – a traditional inherited birthright which could readily be supported by any unbiased interpretations of the Bill of Rights.

In a raid on a pit barn on the North Prairie one snowy night, the game cockers were jumped before they had a chance to start the main. The birds, including Fred’s Cubans and Uncle Aaron’s Clarets, were all in their tight little pens as the boys fled the barn. The men escaped by running down a shallow creek-bed, leaving no tracks for the sheriff to follow. There were no arrests but some brave and willing chickens were confiscated in their pens.

From what I heard of it, the sheriff held the birds for about two weeks in the futile hope their owners would show up but none did. He was getting awful tired of feeding and watering his scrappy, crowing prisoners when Fred decided the time was right to approach the law with a proposition.

Possibly because no actual crime had been committed when he made the raid, and the legality of the seizure of penned birds might reasonably be challenged, the sheriff appears to have been open to suggestions for a way out.

“I could use them chickens for stews in my place in Darrington,” says Fred, referring to the White Horse lunch counter. “But, of course, Sheriff, I couldn’t afford to pay much for them. I only get two bits for a chicken stew.”

The sheriff sold the gamecocks to Fred for twenty-five cents apiece and the way Fred related it to me, seemed glad to get rid of them.

I met Fred walking home one moonlight night. He had a beautiful Cuban Red snuggled under his coat. Its natural spurs had been filed short to receive the sharp pointed gaffs it would ultimately wear in battle, and the nubbins were carefully wrapped in chamois. We talked about the raid in North Prairie.

I can still see Fred’s white teeth grinning in the moonlight as he related how he and Uncle Aaron and several of their friends got all their birds back – at very nominal cost.

Cockfights

Roy Franklin Jones, Boundary Town: Early Days in a Northwest Boundary Town. Vancouver, Wa.: Fleet Printing Co. 1958, p.150-3.

It must have been the railroad section hands who first brought the cock fights to Sumas. I suppose it was a good place because it was up there against the boundary line where a man could take his birds and scoot across in case of raids by the sheriff. There were always plenty of saloons where the visiting owners could whoop it up in celebration afterwards and losers could salve their bitterness.

But cock fighting was something else my father would have nothing of. It was only at the blacksmith shop or around the saloons, when we boys went in to sell some gathered up empty bottles, that we would hear the enthusiastic tales about the feathered fighters. Some of the older boys like Al Warnick, Clarence McBurney and Jim Smith talked about the “birds” while we small fry were trading marbles. It got to be quite a deal for several years, and here is what the Daily Reveille, at New Whatcom, had to say in their issue of Jan. 28, 1898:

“Cockfight at Sumas” – “The greatest cocking main on record took place near Sumas last Saturday night, and as a result, Billie Belong, ‘The Original Mug’, went back to Seattle with $2100.00 in his pocket. The other fellows were broke. One of them owes Billie a pig, another a shirt.”

“The main, proper was to consist of eleven battles. Only nine were fought, as Billie’s birds won six out of the nine, thus making a majority, no matter how the others would have ended.”

“After the main was over, six ’shake’ fights took place. Belong won five out of the six.”

“The main was the outcome of a persistent effort on the part of some of the sports to show Belong that he is not the owner of the greatest fighting cocks in Seattle. It was Belong against a combination consisting of Frank Burns, Frank Dollarby, Ed Clark, Smith, McGee, Phinney, Perry and another whose name could not be learned.”

“They scoured the country to get the best birds possible. That they were confident in winning is shown by the fact that they readily agreed to have the main for $350.00 with $20.00 aside on each battle. Those who were in on the fight left Friday night and went to the battleground near Sumas. The main took place Saturday night and was witnessed by many of Seattle, Whatcom and Vancouver’s best known sports.”

The cockfights furnished a lot of entertainment. When advertised, the billing gave the impression that the fights were held across the line, but that was a misleading statement. Perhaps this was to save face for the sheriff because the fights were illegal. Most bouts were put on in a pit in a shed adjoining Ottestead’s saloon. It was there, one night, the sheriff raided and Jim Smith and Will Eaton made a quick exit through a window, jumping eight feet to the weeds below.

But Billie the Mug was not always tops as the Reveille article seemed to claim. George Handley had a Wyandotte rooster which killed one of Billie’s best birds. Billie then put up another and George’s bird put that one away, too. Then Billie offered George $25.00 for his bird. A rooster like that at market prices was worth about fifty cents but George wouldn’t sell for twenty-five dollars.

After the raids the pits were moved to other spots. One fancy place was in the back of the I.O.O.F. Hall, which made it a brotherhood activity. A check of attendance there would have revealed the names of most of the leading men in town.

These were all on an organized basis but occasionally there was a private match to bolster up an owner’s ego, just the same as the dog fights, which sometimes preceded a fight of the owners of the dogs. One of the funniest things we kids learned about was the cockfight by Jessie Lindsey’s pet.

Jessie Lindsey was a little girl, but quite a few people had bantams or fighters for pets so her father gave her a small rooster. A fighting cock or a gander made a pretty good watch dog to have around in the yard.

Jessie had a dog, too, Rover, full of fun and mischief. Rover was very much intrigued with the little rooster and would lower himself on front elbows and bark at the feathered member of the family. Jessie had named him “Warhorse” at her father’s suggestion and he soon began to show that he was well named. When Rover barked, the bird was annoyed and began to flutter to the attack. With spurs and beak he made quite a commotion against Rover’s black shaggy shoulder. In time, Rover too, went to the attack. He would catch his playmate in his mouth and shake him, but at Jessie’s watchful supervision, he was careful not to hurt the bird. When Warhorse was grown he got lots of exercise in the yard chasing the dog and being chased.

One day neighbor Williams dropped over to talk to Mr. Lindsey. He had a fine fighting cock at home, kept carefully closed up in a fancy wire enclosed run. As he left he saw little tomboy Jessie chasing her rooster.

“Nice looking bird you have there, Jessie. I don’t suppose you’d let him fight a real game cock, would you?”

“Me, my bird! that bird of yours in the cage! Why, no, I wouldn’t want him to fight because your bird isn’t tough like Warhorse. My bird would lick him in a minute!”

“Ha, ha, ha! What do you say we let them have a little exercise.”

“All right, Mr. Williams, you bring him over and we’ll see.”

Williams was soon back with his prize bird. They went around behind the house.

“I’ll put Dixie Traveler down first and then you can throw Warhorse down,” said Williams.

“Oh, no, Mr. Williams. my bird is going to lick yours. You better let me put Warhorse down first, then you can throw the Traveler.”

“All right, Jessie, I’m afraid it won’t make any difference, but I’ll watch the Traveler and pull him off.”

When Dixie Traveler was thrown down he flew to the attack as only a fighting cock can. But Warhorse went up in the air, too, and as they came down together, he closed the attack with beak and spurs, just like a battle with Rover. They had the air full of flying feathers. Fluttering back for fresh starts the fury of the battle was renewed again and again.

Blood showed on Warhorse and Dixie Traveler alike. Soon the Traveler began to lose ground. When he saw Warhorse coming in again, he suddenly turned tail, made a fast run and flew through the hedge in the back, ran across the pasture and disappeared in the woods. It was about a week before Mr. Williams found his Traveler and got him back in that nice enclosed pen.

The all new game fowl cyber show has hit the scene and is drawing a lot of interest from breeders throughout the USA. The show will be judged by Anthony Saville of American Game Fowl Society. They could not have picked a better person to judge these monthly contest. Anthony has written the book called the “American Game Fowl Standard” that is extremely detailed on what a perfect gamefowl specimen should be.

The Gamefowl Cyber show can be seen in action at http://www.gamefowlshow.com

I keep my eyes opene for gamefowl and cockfighting sites that seem to be drawing the most attention. I see sabong is still doing great and so is gamerooster and gamefowl.com. However there is one site that stands out above the rest. They have only been around for a few months and they just keep adding more and more gamefowl related news and site features.

This gamefowl site in particular has a no nonsense approach regarding its gamefowl content.  They just lauched a totally free gamefowl auction and poultry auction.

If you breed chickens of any kind the people over at gamefowlfacts are a friendly and knowledgeable group. I recommend you visit them and check out the entire site. Well maybe not the entire site because there is just to much to see. They also just launched a new section called “The Cockers Virtual Community“. Its brand new but looks to have everything a person would like.

Anyway, until next time, keep em crowing!