Cockfight facts for kids

Cockfight on the outskirts of Kabul, Afghanistan

A cockfight is a sport between two or more roosters that is held inside a cockpit. The combatants, referred to as gamecocks (not to be confused with game birds), are specially bred and conditioned for increased stamina and strength. Male and female chickens of such a breed are referred to as game fowl.

Cocks possess congenital aggression toward all males of the same species. Cocks are given the best of care until near the age of two years. They are conditioned, much like professional athletes, prior to events or shows. Wagers are often made on the outcome of the match.

Cockfights are called blood sports by animal welfare and animal rights groups due to trauma inflicted between the roosters. The sport is illegal in the United States (and a felony in thirty States). In many places, cockfights and other animal fights have been outlawed, often based on opposition to gambling or animal cruelty. It has been banned outright in the United Kingdom since the 19th Century.

Images for kids

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  Cockfight in London, c. 1808

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  Colonel Mordaunt's cockfight in Lucknow, 1784–1786, by Johann Zoffany

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  The wantilan, a Balinese cockfighting pavilion, and important temple ritual

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  In this ancient Roman mosaic, two cocks face off in front of a table displaying the purse for the winner between a caduceus and a palm of victory (National Archaeological Museum of Naples)

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  Bas relief of cockfighting from the Khmer Empire, 12th/13th century

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  A single-edged spur (tari) used in Philippine cockfighting (c.1879)

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  Confronting two cocks for tabuh rah ritual tajen (fighting) in Bali, Indonesia, 1971

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  World Gamefowl Expo 2014, World Trade Center Metro Manila

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  Cockfight in Tamil Nadu, India

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  A cockfight in Mexico, ca. 1913

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  Cockfight in Davao City

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  Cockfighting club in Puerto Rico, 1937

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  Cockfight in Otavalo, Ecuador

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  Cockfight in Lima, Peru

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  A Philippine gamecock

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  A Philippine "lasak", or off-color fighting cock in teepee, gamecocks cord

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  Cockfight in Hilongos, Philippines

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  Painting of a traditional cockfighting village scene in southern Thailand

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  Cockfight in Vietnam

See also

In Spanish: Pelea de gallos para niños