Modern Game Chicken: Breed Profile, Characteristics, Size, Temperament, and Price

The history of Modern Game Chickens is a fascinating journey that takes us back to the 19th century. These chickens were bred in England for cockfighting, a popular sport at the time. However, by the mid-1800s, laws banning cockfighting led to a decline in their popularity. Despite this setback, breeders recognized their unique characteristics and began focusing on developing them as exhibition birds instead. Through careful selection and breeding, they refined the breed’s appearance and temperament.

Modern Game Chickens are known for their tall and upright stature, with long legs and slender bodies. They have small heads adorned with bright red combs and wattles that add to their regal appearance. These birds come in various colors, including black, blue, brown-red, and white. Their feathers are tight-fitting and glossy, giving them a sleek look that sets them apart from other chicken breeds.

Modern Game Chicken

Physical Characteristics

The Modern Game chicken is an elegant and graceful breed known for its tall stature and slender build. Its long, slim neck extends gracefully from a small head that sports bright red wattles and a distinctive pea comb. The eyes are large and expressive, giving the bird an alert appearance. One of the most striking features of this breed is its long legs, which are strong and muscular.

These chickens have well-developed thighs that give them excellent agility and grace when moving around. Their feet are equipped with four toes instead of the usual three found in other breeds. The plumage of Modern Game chickens comes in a wide variety of colors, including black, blue, spangled, white, ginger red, wheaten, birchen, and crele, among others. Each feather is shiny and lustrous due to its tight-fitting nature.

Size and Weight

Size and weight are crucial factors to consider when it comes to modern game chickens. These birds are known for their tall, upright stature and lean build. On average, a mature male can reach a height of 22 inches, while females tend to be slightly smaller. Their long legs give them an elegant appearance that is hard to miss. In terms of weight, modern game chickens are relatively light compared to some other breeds. Males typically weigh between 6 and 8 pounds, with females weighing slightly less at around 4-6 pounds.

While they may not have the bulk of some larger chicken breeds, their slender physique allows them to move quickly and gracefully. Some strains may produce slightly larger or smaller birds than others. The size and weight of modern game chickens make them well-suited for agility-based activities such as shows or exhibitions. Their sleek form and impressive height contribute to their eye-catching presence in any setting.

Temperament

Temperament is a crucial aspect to consider when choosing a chicken breed, and Modern Game Chickens have some unique characteristics in this department. These birds are known for their energetic and active nature. They love to explore their surroundings and can be quite curious creatures. Modern Game Chickens are also known to be quite independent. They enjoy having some freedom to roam around and do not require constant attention or cuddling as some other breeds might.

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However, this doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy human interaction – they just prefer it on their terms. One thing to note about the temperament of Modern Game Chickens is that they can sometimes be a bit assertive or territorial towards other chickens. It’s important to provide them with plenty of space so they can establish their pecking order without causing too much stress or aggression.

Egg Production

Modern Game Chickens may not be the most prolific layers compared to some other breeds, but they can still contribute a fair number of eggs to your breakfast table. On average, these chickens lay around 50-80 medium-sized white eggs per year. As with any breed, variations in individual hens can occur. Some Modern Game hens might surprise you with a more impressive egg-laying performance than others.

The key is to provide them with proper nutrition and a comfortable living environment that suits their needs. When it comes to broodiness, Modern Games tend to lean towards being non-broody. This means they are less likely to sit on their eggs and try their hand at motherhood. If you’re looking for a breed that won’t tie up your nesting boxes for extended periods, then Modern Games might be just what you need.

Broodiness

Broodiness, a unique characteristic of Modern Game Chickens, plays an important role in their reproductive cycle. These chickens have been selectively bred to maintain their instinct for brooding and hatching eggs. When a hen becomes broody, she will exhibit certain behaviors that indicate her desire to incubate and care for eggs. During the brooding period, the hen may become more protective and territorial over her nest.

She will often spend extended periods sitting on her eggs, keeping them warm and turning them regularly to ensure optimal development. While broodiness can be seen as advantageous for those interested in breeding or raising chicks naturally, it can also present challenges when it comes to egg production. Broody hens may stop laying altogether or significantly reduce their egg output during this time.

It’s worth noting that not all Modern Game Chickens exhibit strong broody tendencies. Some individuals may show little to no interest in sitting on eggs or caring for young chicks. In order to manage broodiness effectively, it is essential to provide suitable nesting areas where hens feel comfortable and secure. This encourages healthy nesting behavior while minimizing disruptions within the flock.

Housing and Space Requirements

When it comes to housing and space requirements, Modern Game chickens have some specific needs. These birds are active and love to forage, so providing them with ample space is essential for their well-being. A spacious and secure coop or chicken house is necessary to keep them protected from predators. The ideal setup for Modern Games includes a coop that allows each bird at least 4 square feet of space. This ensures they have enough room to move around comfortably without feeling cramped.

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It’s also important to provide adequate ventilation in the coop to prevent humidity buildup and maintain good air quality. In addition to the coop, Modern Game chickens benefit from having access to a large outdoor run or free-range area. They enjoy exploring their surroundings and pecking at the ground for insects and vegetation. If you choose to let them free-range, make sure your property is fenced off or otherwise secure so they don’t wander too far or become vulnerable to predators.

Feeding and Diet

When it comes to the feeding and diet of Modern Game Chickens, it’s important to provide them with a balanced and nutritious meal plan. These chickens have specific dietary needs that should be met for them to thrive. A good starting point is to offer a high-quality commercial chicken feed that is formulated for game birds. This feed contains all the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals required for their growth and development.

In addition to the commercial feed, supplementing their diet with fruits and vegetables can provide added nutrition. Some suitable options include Spinach or Kale, as well as fruits like Apples or Berries. Be sure to chop these foods into small pieces before offering them to your chickens. Fresh water should always be available for your Modern Game Chickens. It’s crucial for digestion and overall health. Make sure they always have access to clean water.

Modern Game Chicken Price

Modern Game chickens are known for their striking appearance and regal demeanor. While they may not be the most common breed of chicken, they certainly command attention. As with any specialty breed, the price of Modern Game chickens can vary depending on a few factors. The price will depend on whether you are looking to purchase chicks or fully-grown birds.

Chicks tend to be less expensive but require more time and effort to raise them to maturity. On the other hand, fully grown birds can be more costly upfront but offer immediate gratification. Another factor that influences the price is the quality and lineage of the bird. Show-quality Modern Game chickens bred from champion bloodlines will usually cost more than those bred for backyard purposes.

Exhibition and Show Potential

For poultry enthusiasts looking to showcase their Modern Game Chickens, these birds have great exhibition and show potential. With their elegant appearance and striking features, they are sure to turn heads at any event. When it comes to exhibitions and shows, Modern Game Chicken’s physical characteristics play a crucial role.

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Their long legs, upright stance, and prominent breasts make them stand out from other breeds. The smooth feathers that tightly hug their bodies give them a sleek look that judges highly admire. In addition to their stunning looks, Modern Game Chickens have a confident temperament that adds to their show potential. They carry themselves with grace and poise in the show ring, captivating audiences with every step they take.

Conclusion

The Modern Game chicken is a breed that combines elegance, beauty, and utility. With their distinct appearance and regal stature, these chickens are truly a sight to behold. Whether you’re an experienced poultry enthusiast or just starting on your chicken-keeping journey, consider giving Modern Game chickens a try. Their striking appearance and gentle disposition make them the best choice for both ornamental purposes and practical use.

Note: The images presented in this post are intended solely for representation purposes. The images are meant to serve as visual aids and should not be relied upon as accurate representations of their real-life counterparts.

Modern Game Chicken: Breed Profile, Characteristics, Size, Temperament, and Price