Modern Game facts for kids
Brown red Modern Game pair
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| Conservation status |
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|---|---|
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Standard | PCGB (standard-sized and bantam) |
| Traits | |
| Weight |
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| Classification | |
| APA | all other standard breeds |
| ABA | Modern Game bantam |
| EE | yes |
| PCGB | hard feather |
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The Modern Game is a special type of chicken known for its beautiful looks. It first appeared in England between 1850 and 1900. These chickens were bred mainly for shows and competitions. They were designed to look very stylish and graceful.
Contents
The History of Modern Game Chickens
In Britain, a sport involving chickens became illegal in 1849. Because of this, many people who enjoyed raising these birds looked for a new hobby. They started breeding chickens for shows instead.
The Modern Game chicken was created by mixing two other breeds: the Old English Game and the Malay. Even though they are called "Game" chickens, these birds were never meant to fight. They were bred only for their appearance.
Early Recognition for the Breed
The first book of chicken standards, called Standard of Excellence in Exhibition Poultry, was published in 1865. This book included the "Game" chicken in nine different colors. A smaller version, called a Game bantam, was also listed.
Later, in 1874, the American Poultry Association published its first Standard of Perfection. This book also recognized the "Game" chicken. It included eight different colors of the breed.
What Makes a Modern Game Chicken Special?
Modern Game chickens have a very unique look. When you look down at them from above, their body shape looks a bit like a flat iron. They have a short back and a fine, elegant tail. Their feathers are hard and lie flat against their body. They also stand very tall and upright.
Colors and Features
You can find Modern Game chickens in more than twelve different colors. Some of the most common colors are black red, birchen, brown red, duckwing, and pyle. These colors can be grouped into two main types:
- Chickens with willow-colored legs and red eyes.
- Chickens with black legs and dark eyes.
The color of their skin, comb, and wattles can be red or a dark purplish color. This depends on the specific color variety. All Modern Game chickens have a small, single comb on their head.
For show competitions in some places, the combs and wattles of male chickens are sometimes trimmed. This is done to match the traditional look of their ancestors.
Sizes of Modern Game Chickens
Like many chicken breeds, Modern Game chickens come in two main sizes:
- Standard size: These are the larger chickens. Male standard chickens usually weigh between 3.20 and 4.10 kilograms. Female standard chickens weigh between 2.25 and 3.20 kilograms.
- Bantam size: These are much smaller. Male bantam chickens typically weigh between 570 and 620 grams. Female bantam chickens weigh between 450 and 510 grams.
The bantam version of the Modern Game chicken is very popular among people who enjoy raising chickens as a hobby.
How Modern Game Chickens Are Used
Modern Game chickens are not known for laying many eggs. They are also not raised for their meat. Instead, they are almost always kept by people who enjoy showing them in competitions.
These chickens are known for being friendly and curious around people. They can be easily tamed, which means they can become good pets. Because of their calm nature, Modern Game chickens can be a good choice for people who want to keep chickens in their backyard.
