I agree with this but I can see where centrarchid is coming from on breeds genetically drifting . Although I would still consider it a pure game bird just lacking the fighting characteristics . (which I would consider unnecessary unless it was preserved for historical purposes ).I agree. Some of the most beautiful games I've ever seen wouldn't fight unless provoked by a bully. They were scared of their of shadow. But those were the wilder ones that lived on to breed and pass on their genes. Personally, I'd rather have the more timid ones that usually get along, rather than having ones that constantly try to kill any other male that they see. All my neighbors raise games to sell, but other than a few games for the yard, ill stick to the meat and egg birds.
Those a called walks. We did most of our breeding on those with considerable control over parentage. It was not a southern only thing. Owners of land supporting the walks had no interest in fighting them. They could harvest some after grade birds harvested and were often payed for the grade birds. Other times they were just happy to keep pretty birds on their place.
My family has done for many generations what you have researched and write about hypothetically.
You could make an interesting fact book on game chickens. What was the land scape like on the walks? Coverage .ect
Nice farm and chickens to go with it. Definitely something cool you are doing by preserving this breed. I'm trying to get more into agriculture this year I'm leaning toward the older more self reliant equipment. Like 1800s stuff modified to fit a modern tractor. I even considered draft animals. But they would be expensive. Wish I knew more about blacksmith work so I could make some of my own parts. It would be cool to see What it was like when America was made up of family owned agriculture farms and people worked together more.I have some updated pictures of all of the stags that went to friends and family.
This one went to a co-worker and free ranges on her farm. He roosts in the trees at night. He was hand tame for a while but is now human aggressive. His name is Ricky (Ricardo).
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This one went to my brother. His human aggression is mild, he just puffs up but doesn't flog. Note that he kept the greenish eyes of the chicks.
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For comparison, Hei Hei and Raptor:
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As RJF crosses, Hei Hei looks the most authentic RJF. Most of my bitties coming up are off of him. But simply as roosters, I still like the look of Raptor the most. He has a broad head and a broad body. And yet runs like a little Jurassic Park velociraptor.