Each and every individual who breeds and raises American Games must think of themselves as the guardians of the breed. We must protect these magnificent birds from the dangers of extinction, and from the carelessness of breeders who unknowingly breed towards degeneration.
What is the role of an American Gamefowl guardian?It begins by protecting American Games from those who wish to harm them. Remember, by protecting American Games, we are also protecting the future of all fowl. For instance, there are numerous Animal Rights Organizations who are highly motivated in the extermination of the breed, and if allowed to accomplish their goals, would exterminate all breeds of chickens. They believe there is no reason to have them, and that they should be destroyed. In their minds extinction is the only solution. It’s ironic, but these are the same people who are supposed to be looking out for the welfare of all animals.
By being good representatives of the breed, and by showing their importance. If we can’t demonstrate to the general public the importance of the breed, and that there are other places for our birds besides the pit, as well as other reasons to have them, such as eggs and meat production, and for showing at exhibitions, and most importantly, as an important source for genetic diversity, we will lose them for sure!
By representing American Games in a more positive light.If you were to talk to the average chicken breeder about American Games, you would soon observe the negativity associated with the breed. The average chicken breeder looks down on the breed as though they are the bastard children that nobody wants to acknowledge. They look at American Games as a stain or blemish, something of a contamination to all fowl. We need to change that misconception. We can start by being responsible breeders and by educating others about the history of the breed, and by keeping the birds out of the local newspapers.
By learning the history of the breed and teaching it to others.By learning the history of the breed, we will appreciate them more. By teaching the history to others, they too will appreciate the importance of American Games.
By following a proper “Standard of Perfection.”It is important that we have a guide book that all breeders can follow, one that is considered as the final authority for the form, function and beauty of the breed. There are many “Standards” circulating, but not one that the majority of breeders have embraced as the authority of the breed. We need to come up with one that everyone can embrace and follow, one that is recognized by all poultry organizations and clubs. Having a proper “Standard” will help to guide breeders in acquiring and breeding the proper American Games.
By preserving the breed and keeping them free of foreign blood.By keeping American Games pure, we can preserve the form and function and beauty of the breed for future generations. American Games are unique. They are sought after throughout the world. As breeders of American Games, we gain nothing by changing the breed. There are many other different gamefowl breeds available, all bred for a specific purpose and function. American Games too have a specific purpose and function; there is no need to alter them only to simulate the purpose of other breeds.
By maintaining the proper conformation of body and color of plumage of American Games.There are those who love the breed, but feel the need to change them, such as altering their conformation of body, or adding outside blood, such as Aseels, thinking they can improve the breed. In most cases, these are breeders who don’t understand their true form and function, and the importance of their very structure. High station of leg is the most common of these offences. There are many breeders who strive for taller fowl, thinking it will improve the breed. But the truth is they are making the breed weaker. The more you extend the thighs, the more you elongate the muscles in the thighs, therefore weakening the legs.
By breeding better fowl, and teaching others to become better breeders.Many breeders use crossbreeding as their main method of breeding. In fact, they use crossbreeding as their only method of breeding. They have no idea what it takes to create, maintain, or improve a strain. We need to change that trend. We need to become breeders again, and to teach this to the new, up and coming breeders. This is essential for the future of American Games. That is why I have created the Breeders Academy!
For each breeder to keep his fowl healthy and free of defects.The most devastating fault a family of fowl can have is poor health. Second, are genetic defects. No family of fowl can continue with weaknesses such as these. All fowl that show poor health or defects of any kind should be culled. By breeding to weak and defective fowl you are perpetuating those faults and weakening the overall family.
By organizing and joining forces:What the average backyard breeder doesn’t understand is that once Animal Rights Organizations accomplish their goals, the extermination of gamefowl, they will move towards the extermination of all fowl. They are against the concept of animal ownership of any kind. We must join forces. All breeders, from gamefowl breeders to ornamental breeders, from backyard breeders to commercial breeders, must work together as one to protect our fowl, our rights and to preserve our freedoms. And understand that if one falls, we all fall. Join your local poultry clubs, participate in the local fairs, and encourage your children to take part in 4-H and FFA.
By participating in poultry shows and in the exhibition of American Games.Showing American Games at your local poultry shows and fairs, as well as maintaining their original form and function, and all required attributes, such as conformation of body and color of plumage, requires considerable knowledge and skill, but most importantly it requires your participation. This participation includes educating yourself of the proper structure of American Games and in attending your local poultry shows, where you too can educate others about the breed. By showing our fowl, we allow the general public and breeders of domestic chickens see how magnificent these fowl actually are.
My intention is to make everyone aware of how valuable the American Game is to our heritage and to the future of all fowl, and to show everyone who raise American Games and chickens the importance of fighting for our rights and preserving our freedoms.
We know what needs to be done, so let’s do it! Let’s all become guardians.
