Ultimate Guide to Indian Game Chicken Breed: Characteristics, Care, Feed, and Health Care

Indian Game, also known as Cornish Game, originate in Cornwall, England. These are large and stocky birds with short legs and broad chests. Their feathers come in various colors, including black, blue, brown-red, or white. One of the most distinct characteristics of Indian Game Chickens is their muscular build which makes them ideal for meat production.

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A calm temperament makes them easy to handle and manage. This characteristic also makes them great for exhibition purposes.  With their unique appearance and temperament, Indian Game Chickens make great additions to any backyard flock or exhibition coop. 

Ultimate Guide to Indian Game Chicken Breed

Indian Game Egg Production

On average, an Indian Game Hen can lay between 80-120 eggs per year, which is quite low compared to other laying breeds like Rhode Island Reds or Leghorns. 

Housing for Indian Game Chickens

  • Indian Game Chickens need ample space to move around and exercise, as they are quite active. The coop should also have proper ventilation to prevent the buildup of moisture and ammonia from the chicken’s waste. This can be achieved through windows or vents high up on the walls to provide adequate airflow.
  • Nesting boxes are also necessary for Indian Game Chickens to lay their eggs. To keep the eggs clean and comfortable, these boxes should be filled with nesting materials such as straw or shavings. Solid surfaces like concrete or wood are best for easy cleaning and maintenance. 
  • Ensure your coop has secure fencing so predators cannot get in and harm your chickens. Chicken wire should not be used as predators can easily tear it apart; instead, use hardware cloth that stands up better against wear and tear over time.

Requirements to Raise Indian Game Chickens

  • To successfully raise Indian Game Chickens, certain requirements must be met. These birds require ample space to roam and forage, so a large outdoor area is necessary.  Additionally, Indian Game Chickens need a secure coop or shelter to protect them from predators at night. The coop should be dry and well-ventilated, with adequate roosting space for each bird.
  • Clean water and feeders should also be provided daily, as these birds can eat up to two pounds of feed per week. Ensuring the feed contains all the necessary nutrients for their health is important.
  • Frequent monitoring of their overall health is crucial in keeping them disease-free. Regular check-ups by a veterinarian specializing in poultry care can help prevent potential health problems before they arise. Sufficient space, shelter, food, and healthcare are key requirements for raising Indian Game Chickens.

Indian Game Chicken Weight

The Indian Game chicken breed is known for its large size and weight. The cock, or male bird, can weigh up to 3.6 Kg, while the hen, or female bird, weighs around 2.7 Kg on average. This makes them popular among poultry enthusiasts who want to raise birds for meat.

How to Care for Indian Game Chickens?

  • When it comes to the care of Indian Game chickens, there are a few important factors to consider. First and foremost, you’ll need to provide them with adequate shelter, food, and water. Their coop or housing should be secure from predators, well-ventilated, and spacious enough for them to move around comfortably.
  • It’s important to establish a routine when caring for your Indian Game chickens. Consistent care will ensure they stay healthy and help you build a stronger bond with these beautiful birds. Maintaining the health of your Indian Game chickens is crucial to ensure their longevity and productivity. Regular check-ups by a veterinarian can help you identify any potential health concerns early on, allowing for prompt treatment.
  • Another important aspect of Indian Game chicken health care is vaccination. Maintaining proper hygiene practices when handling chickens, such as washing hands before and after contact, can reduce the risk of infection transmission between birds.
  • Maintaining a healthy diet for your Indian Game chickens ensures they receive all the nutrients required for optimal growth and development. A balanced diet of protein promotes healthy feather growth, while supplements like grit aid digestion by breaking down food particles in their crops.

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Feeding Tips for Indian Game Chickens

  • Indian Game Chickens are a popular breed for both meat and show. Their diet significantly affects their growth, health, and overall well-being. When it comes to feeding Indian Game Chickens, it is essential to ensure they receive a balanced meal that contains all the necessary nutrients.
  • A nutritionally complete commercial feed containing high-quality proteins such as soybean or fishmeal is recommended for Indian Game Chickens. The feed should also contain adequate levels of vitamins and minerals to support their health. In addition to commercial feeds, Indian Game Chickens can eat various other foods such as vegetables, fruits, grains, and insects.
  • Access to fresh water is crucial for Indian Game Chickens’ hydration needs. Ensure enough functional water dispensers are available within your flock’s easy reach.
  • Overfeeding your birds can lead to obesity which may cause several health issues like heart disease or osteoarthritis later in life. Supplementing too much food with scraps from the kitchen will help control overeating tendencies in your bird population. Providing proper nutrition and access to clean drinking water along with little snacks will help maintain healthy weight gain throughout the life of an Indian game chicken flock.

Health Problems for Raising Indian Game Chickens

  • Indian Game Chickens are known for being hardy and resistant to most diseases. However, they can still suffer from certain health problems that you must be aware of as a poultry farmer.
  • One of the most common issues that Indian Game Chickens face is respiratory infections. These infections can cause sneezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing in your birds. They’re often caused by poor ventilation or exposure to damp conditions.
  • Another issue that Indian Game Chickens might experience is mites and lice infestations. If left untreated, these parasites can cause irritation, feather loss, anemia, and even death. It’s crucial to regularly inspect your birds for any signs of these pests and take swift action if you discover them.
  • Indian Game Chickens may also suffer from nutritional deficiencies if not given a balanced diet with proper nutrients. It’s important always to monitor the health of your flock closely and address any potential problems early on before they become more severe, requiring expensive treatments and losing some of your precious birds due to illness.
  • Provide a balanced diet that includes all necessary nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins in appropriate quantities based on age. Administer vaccinations against common diseases in chickens like Newcastle disease virus (NDV), Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), etc. Ensure there’s enough space for your birds to move around freely without overcrowding which can lead to stress-related issues causing illnesses.

In case you missed it: Ultimate Guide to Naked Neck Chicken Breed: Characteristics, Care, Feed, and Health Care

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Conclusion

The Indian Game is a British breed of game chicken, now reared either for meat or show.  This British breed is popular for its impressive size and striking appearance. Indian Game Chickens are a breed of chickens that trace their origins to Cornwall, England.

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