Show Off Your Games!

[Chief]

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Wow what a tail!

 

[Chief]

Well here's some more pics for you all to scrutinize. Grade them, rank them, rate them. Let me know your thoughts.

6 months old Kelso hatch cross.

7-1/2 month stag

Asil's 5 months

I very pleased so far.

 

[gallo4319]

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i would def trade a sumatra for him (dont hav mine yet though

)

are getting some sumatras soon?

 

[gallo4319]

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I like the white asil or is a white tuzo? it looks impressive.

 

[Chief]

The white stags are Sonatol Asil's, the taller one is really put together well. Thanks.

 

[yomama]

I was cruising through BYC at some of the different threads and came upon this one. These are absolutely beautiful birds, but I was just wondering, is it common practice to tether them up by their legs? Please forgive me if I sound naive, I raise egglayers, not game birds. Thanks!

 

[DTchickens]

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Very common in the American gamefowl circuit.

-Daniel

 

[yomama]

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Very common in the American gamefowl circuit.

-Daniel

But why? Is it easier than keeping in runs? I would think they would be very vulnerable to predators like that. Again, just curious.

 

[Chief]

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Thanks, they are truly magnificent birds.

As Daniel posted, yes it's very common practice amongst those who keep game fowl.
They really don't mind the cord at all. And its an easy way for me to get them out of their pens and into the sun & grass. I'm sure you are aware that male game fowl do not co-habitat, due to their extremely territorial nature. Which makes free range difficult. This way I can let them have some freedom and not bother each other. Some folks actually keep their fowl on tie cords 24/7. Usually they have a dog that lives with the birds to keep predators from being a threat. I personally like to use large pens. Which seem more secure to me. And only tie my birds out when I can keep a close eye on them. Also I've noticed that it helps them get used to having people around in a relaxed manner instead of us invading their space.

 

[DTchickens]

Quote:
Very common in the American gamefowl circuit.

-Daniel

But why? Is it easier than keeping in runs? I would think they would be very vulnerable to predators like that. Again, just curious.

Tie cords are good for a few things, some of the things I can think of off the top of my head would probably be- cheap, more room, easier to interact with the bird (if you have a manfighting cock, putting him out on tie can sometimes calm him down. Especially since being able to walk up and pick him up is easier than climbing into a cage). Without the proper set-up, yes you are just feeding predators.. But if anyone knows how to truly care for fowl, it is the gamefowl breeders. They can stake out hundreds of cocks, and lose less than most people on this site with the "predator proof coops". Seriously.

To most people on this website, the set-up may seem vulnerable to them. But when you hang around a gamefowl owner, you will notice they have a couple of tricks up their sleeves.. Usually two main things are a pair of Great Pyrenees or Anatolian/Australian Shepherds (or other livestock dogs) inside a fenced perimeter. The only thing left is usually prey from above after those, and even then- my Great Pyrenees scared those off as well.

Still some people only use them for an alternative to free ranging though, since gamefowl cocks can't be allowed to roam free or they will kill each other. The tie cord allows them plenty of time in the sun, and grass with a lot more room than the typical 4X5 or whatever cage they use. So once it gets night, they put the birds up in a pen.

Maybe some others will come along and fill in more. Heading to bed myself

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-Daniel

ETA: Chief answered before me, and in a better reply too.