Australian Pit Game fowl facts for kids
| Other names | Pit Game, Australian Pit |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Australia |
| Traits | |
| Weight |
|
| Egg color | Tinted |
| Comb type | Varies |
| Classification | |
| APS | heavy and light breed hardfeather |
| Notes | |
| Pea, Single or Triple | |
|
|
The Australian Pit Game is a special type of chicken. It was first developed in Australia in the early 1900s. Soldiers in New South Wales created this breed. They wanted chickens known for their strength and competitive spirit.
Contents
A Brief History
The Australian Pit Game chicken has a clear set of rules for what it should look like. These rules are called "standards." The first standards were made in 1936. This was done by the Big Game Club of Australia.
Bantam Varieties
A smaller version, called a bantam, got its own standards in 1981. This happened thanks to the Bantam Club of New South Wales. The Pit Game Club of Australia also helped. This club was started in the same year.
Official Recognition
The Australian Pit Game was officially recognized in 1998. It was included in the very first Australian Poultry Standards book. This book lists all the official chicken breeds in Australia.
How They Were Developed
The Australian Poultry Standards explains how this breed was made. It says they came from mixing different types of chickens. These included English Pit Fowl (also known as Old English Game). They also used Malay Game and Asil chickens.
Possible Additions
The Pit Game Club of Australia suggests another chicken might have been used. They think Sumatra chickens might have been part of the mix too. This blend of breeds gave the Australian Pit Game its unique traits.
What They Look Like
Australian Pit Game chickens have very flexible standards. This means they can look quite different from each other. The 2012 Australian Poultry Standards says a lot about this.
Appearance Details
It states they can be big or small. Their combs (the fleshy part on top of their head) can vary. They might have a single comb, a pea comb, or a triple comb. Their feathers can be any color. Some might even have extra feathers around their face (muffled). Others might have a tuft of feathers on their head (tasseled).
Focus on Health and Strength
Because they were originally bred for competitive displays, color is not important. The standards focus on how healthy and strong they are. They should look proud and ready for anything. Their movements should be quick and alert.
Body Shape
They should have a body shaped like a heart. Their back should be short and flat. They need strong shoulder muscles. Their chest should be broad and stick out. It should have strong pectoral muscles. Their belly should be neat and tight, without fluffy feathers.
Wings and Tail
Their wings should be powerful and long. The tail should be medium length. It should not droop. Its position depends on the chicken's overall look.
What's Not Allowed
There are many things that would disqualify an Australian Pit Game. This includes having a flat-sided body. Thin thighs or a thin neck are also not good. Soft flesh or fluffy feathers are also not allowed. They should not look clumsy when they move. White earlobes are also a disqualification.
Weight Categories
Their weights are divided into three groups. This is different from most breeds.
- Heavy Males: Over 2.7 kg (about 6 pounds)
- Heavy Females: Over 2.0 kg (about 4.4 pounds)
- Light Males: Under 2.7 kg
- Light Females: Under 2.0 kg
- Bantam Males: Under 1.36 kg (about 3 pounds)
- Bantam Females: Under 1.135 kg (about 2.5 pounds)
