I must say, when I began my journey researching the Aseels, I had little knowledge and experience of this breed. In fact, they were not my breed of choice. However, I was pleasantly surprised and found this breed both enlightening and quite interesting. By the time I had finished my research and written the article, I was elated to share my findings with my readers. I hope you will, through this article, find a new love for this breed and for those of you who already breed this extraordinary fowl, I gladly accept your “I told you so” comments with glee.
Origin of the Aseel
- Aseel“High-born, high caste, pure and original” in Hindi
- Aseel“of long pedigree” in Arabic
Originating in India, Pakistan, and its surrounding countries, the Aseel is considered to be one of, if not, the oldest and purest domestic breeds in the world, existing for more than two thousand years.
Aseel breeders
Western breeders merely use the name “Aseel” to define this breed of chicken, whereas, in India, this word means so much more. The Aseel term is applied to all true (pure) game fowl. For example, the late Dr. H.P. Clarke, an American authority and supporter of the Indian Game bird, had this to say: “The Asil is a true Indian Game. The word Asil (sometimes also spelled Aseel or Azeel) is a Hindustan term, meaning ‘high-born, high caste, pure and original’ and is applied in India to any fowl which is genuine game.” Also, the Haiderabad, Calcutta and Madras games are considered true Aseel in the full meaning of the word.”
Thankfully, to the world of Historians, who study the breeding and procuring of chicken breeds, the Aseel breeders took their job most seriously. They kept good records of their breeding practices, which are studied by new breeders to learn those practices of old and to understand the conformation of this breed in order to keep it pure. One thing must be understood about the breeders of Aseel. As I said in the beginning of this article, the Aseel breeder took their job seriously. If they felt that a stag or pullet didn’t measure up to the superior stock in which the breeder determined, the offspring would be strictly culled or taken elsewhere. No inferior stock was to be bred, only the most superior. It is for this reason that – those who still have the pure Aseels, are the master breeders, who have refused to allow this breed to become second-rate, or through selective breeding, become a fowl that does not resemble, in any way, the original fowl of old.
The Aseel’s purpose was, and still is, predominately for sport in foreign countries, and has been for many centuries. In past centuries, the Rajahs of Oudh kept excellent records (studbooks) of their cocks and employed many professional cockers to attend to their breeding programs and conditioning of their fowl. They were very committed to their breeding practices, taking extra care in selecting the offspring. 75% of the stags produced yearly were either culled or disposed of elsewhere. However, if a few stags were of good quality, but not considered superior, a working breeder may take it home to raise. However, this stag was then considered a second rater. It is for this reason, in today’s world, it’s very difficult to find true, pure strains of Aseels.
Nonetheless, there are still those who can depict an original pure strain among the many strains of today. They are master breeders who have studied the past centuries of breeding records and can allocate a true strain. There are only two varieties left that rank in the highest order. One is very blocky and broad across the shoulders: the other has a bit longer neck and leg, but not as feathered. Some of these strains originated mostly in the highland of India, while others may be found bred in the lowland, which tend to be a bit heavier and not so small.
The Aseels of Europe
Whether it is by trade, travels, or war, Aseels made their way to Europe, and by 1846 had become well known there. The Aseel, becoming so popular by British fanciers, soon had an established standard. And interesting enough, the Aseel was the forbearer of the Dark Cornish. In 1846, Cornwall, England, a red Aseel fowl, being imported from India, was introduced and crossed with other Malay blood, thus, around 1870, was used to develop the Cornish. Oddly enough, in America, the Cornish breed are considered (classified) as English and not Orientals, as they were after all procured in England.
Today, in the United States, the Aseel is mostly kept for ornamental reasons, even though the sport of cockfighting has become illegal, but still well respected and fancied throughout this country.
The First Exhibition of the Aseel in America
The first exhibition of the Aseel was in 1887 at the Indiana State Fair brought by Dr. H.P. Clarke of Indianapolis, IN. He imported his brood family from Lucknow, India. However, it was nearly a century before the Aseel (Asil) was admitted into the American Poultry Association (APA) in 1981 – in these following colors: Black Breasted Red (Wheaten), Dark, Spangled, and White. This breed is on The Livestock Conservancy “Watch” list as it has, in recent years, been overshadowed by other breeds.
Temperament
Both male and female are naturally aggressive toward other breeds, as well as, their own breed. Bred for their aggressive nature, known as gameness, the Aseel is popular among those who practice the sport of cockfighting. With only their natural spurs and strength, this breed will fight to the death. They are considered to be smart fighters who, after their opponents are tired out, strike in the neck area; hence, the nickname of “Neck breakers” or “Head hunter”.
In fact, in America, it is common practice to cross the Aseel with the American Games to improve abilities, such as, power, intelligence and gameness.
Conformation of Body
The wide breast and heavy-boned legs are set wide apart giving it athletic capabilities. Its small pea comb and almost non-existent wattles make this breed very desirable for cockers.
Also, the Aseel has a conformation of body that stands upright with high shoulders, while their tail is carried below the horizontal giving it a tall station among other birds.
Aseel Hen
The hen is as aggressive as the male, especially during times of broodiness, or when among their chicks, and most often, unless raised together as chicks, cannot be housed together at all with other hens. Intergrading new hens into an existing hen house will ensue a bloody war between the hens. In some cases, raising a more docile breed together with an Aseel has been known to mellow the Aseel out a bit but not completely.
With a lay rate of only 6-40 eggs per year, depending on the size of the Aseel, this white or tinted light brown small egg layer will not be a good source of breakfast food for you. Although, they are not great layers, they do have a meaty carcass. The Heritage breed Aseel would be a great breed to have if you are pursuing a quality slow growth meat bird for your table.
Aseel Chicks
Even chicks will be combative at a very young age. In many cases, the chicks will begin fighting even before their down is replaced by feathers. This can be a problem for the keeper who just procured a good healthy hatch of chicks only to find a day or two later, half the clutch is dead.
Why raise this breed?
With so much aggressiveness going on, why would anyone want to raise an Aseel? It is because they are excellent mothers and setters, and are often used to foster and hatch chicks of other breeds. Furthermore, most keepers will say that this breed is worth the challenge, even with their aggressiveness. Aseels are very intelligent birds and are gentle in the hands of their keepers.
Owner Skill: experienced
This breed is best suited for the experienced feather fancier. However gentle this breed is to its handler, socialization among the flock will take some work and constant observations.
Climate
Aseels prefer a warm climate. However, they can tolerate a cold climate. If you are in a cold climate, it is important to keep the housing dry, as well as your bird.
Aseel Stats:
- Class: Orientals
- Purpose:Ornamental and originally breed for sport
- Cock: 5.5 lb (2.5kg)
- Hen: 4 lb (1.8kg)
Character Description:
- Comb: Small pea comb and bright red
- Wattles: Little to non-existent and bright red
- Earlobes: Small and bright red
- Eyes: Pearl, large, and round
- Body: Strong, solid and muscular
- Wings: Short, folded tightly, muscled and very strong
- Legs: Set wide apart, heavy boned, medium length, powerfully muscled and lightly feathered
- Crow: Distinctive chopped-off crow
Most often, the Aseels are divided into three major categories:
- Small Aseel: Reza-Type, Hindu: Height: Up to 19.5 inches tall. Weight: 2 kg to 3.5 kg in the 2nd
- Medium Aseel: (in former times called in India “Hindustan”): Height: 21 to 24 inches tall. Weight: 3.5 kg to 4.5 kg in the 2nd
- Large Aseel: North-Indian, South-Indian, and Madras, Calcuttas, Haiderabad areas. Height: Up to 29.5 inches. Weight: 5 kg to 7 kg in the 2nd
Varieties:(recognized in the standard) Black Breasted Red, Dark, Spangled, Wheaten, and White
Admitted to the American Standard of Perfection: Black Breasted Red, Dark, Spangled and White in 1981. Wheaten in 1996
Other Varieties:
Madras Aseel: Southern State of Tamil Nadu
More bulky and thicker boned, the “Madras” Aseel belongs to the large Aseel group with yellow, yellow-whitish, fleshy or dark shank color (slate grey to blackish allover). Some have said that this particular variety only come in blue-red color, however, Indian Aseel breeders express that the “Madras” Aseel may be found in all colors, even cuckoo. They are typically 23” in height and weight around 13.2 lbs. (6 Kgs) only in their homeland of India and barely reach 10 lbs. (4.5 Kg) in Europe.
In 1870, the first “Madras” was imported into England. After a short successful career, this variety faded away. Nevertheless, in 1968, the “Madras” Aseel appeared in the East German Republic having been imported as a study project for the East-Berlin Zoo, Friederichsfelde-Ost. In 1972, new blood was infused using the South Indian Aseel from the Madras area and since then has gained popularity in Germany. This popularity plays a large part in keeping this variety alive outside their homeland of India. Furthermore, they have gained popularity in America, as well.
Reza Aseel: UK Standardized by the Asian Hardfeather; The Society in the UK
From 800 A.C. to around 1500 A.C. the north of India was under Turkish-Afghani Muslim rule. During this time, Arabic language was incorporated into the local Indian culture. The interpretation of “Reza” or “Reeza” Aseel depending on which of the 19 national Indian languages used, means small and is of Persian-Arabic origin.
All Aseels, 19 inches in height or less are known to be a “Reza” Aseel, weight being between 4.4 to 6.6 lbs. (2 to3 kg). Their ancestries, however, lies in Northern India, yet in present day are bred around the world and are as plentiful as there are people on earth.
Bred particularly for sport, the Reza Aseel is fought in natural or sharpened natural spurs.
Lasani Aseel: Rarest of all the Aseel varieties, the Lasani Aseel is most rare possibly because they are held in high regard as determined battle cocks preserved by one generation to the next and considered like precious jewels. Those who are true and serious breeders covet these fowl. This may be the reason this particular variety is so rare. One who has a precious diamond of rare quality is less likely to let it be sold and this is quite true of the thought process of these breeders. We are fortunate that this breed is so well protected as we still have this breed in the purest of forms.
A few more varieties and origins but not all:
- Kulang Aseel: North Indian, South Indian and Madras
- Sindhi Aseel: Sindh (major provinces of Pakistan)
- Mianwali: Mianwali district of Pakistan
- Java: Punjab region but origin of Mianwali district
- Amroha: Pakistan and India but pure breed is quite rare
Aseel Bantam: The Aseel Bantam breed had a rough beginning. Created in the late 19thcentury by William Flamank Entwisle of England, it flourished for a few decades only to die out. Years later, Willy Coppens, a Belgian breeder, recreated this breed using the Shamo, Indian Game, and Reza Aseel. Not only was the Bantam Aseel reintroduced in the UK, but the Netherlands, as well. His efforts brought back the Bantam Aseel popularity in various colors.
Conservancy list:Watch
The history, strength, longevity, and instinct for survival of this breed are to be respected as are by many. Let’s not let this intelligent breed go and help us to get if off the “The Livestock Conservancy” conservation priority list as being “watched” to the “recovering” list.
