Indian Game Chicken

The Indian Game chicken, known as the Cornish in the United States, originates from Cornwall, England, and plays a significant role in the table chicken industry due to its heavy, muscular build. This breed is distinguished by its poor egg productivity, making it more valued for meat production than for laying eggs.

Key Characteristics of the Indian Game Chicken

• Muscular Build: Indian Game chickens are noted for their heavy, muscular bodies, which contribute to their popularity in meat production. This physical trait makes them one of the most sought-after breeds for the table chicken industry.

• Colour Variants: The breed exhibits a dark blue-green colour, with brown patterning noticeable in hens. In the US, the breed diversifies into Cornish Game and Jubilee Cornish Game varieties. The Jubilee variant is lighter, presenting a light wheaten colour with light brown patterning, distinguishing it from its darker counterparts.

• Physical Traits: Often referred to as the "bulldog among chickens," the Indian Game was initially bred from a mix of Asian game breeds and the Old English Game Hen, aiming for a fighting bird. However, the breed excelled more as a meat producer than a fighter. Despite its evolution, the breed maintains a broad and muscular stature but is prone to poor leg form due to its widely spaced hips.

• Feather Quality: The Indian Game has hard, close, and double-laced feathers, with the female birds showcasing elegant lacing in their plumage. The males, on the other hand, do not exhibit lacing but have a noticeable beetle green shine on their back feathers. This distinction in feather quality adds to the aesthetic appeal of the breed.

• Blue Laced Variety: Among its colour variants, the Blue Laced Indian Game is particularly admired for its beauty. This variety features blue lacing that replaces the black found in the Dark variety, creating a visually striking appearance. Notable physical features include an area over the breastbone with no feathers, pale red or pearl eyes, red earlobes, and orange or yellow legs, enhancing its distinctive look.

Considerations for Keeping Indian Game Chickens

When keeping Indian Game chickens, especially in a backyard or farm setting, it's important to consider their specific needs:

• Space and Housing: Due to their muscular build and potential for leg issues, adequate space and appropriate housing are crucial to ensure their well-being and prevent any health problems related to their physical structure.

• Diet and Nutrition: A balanced diet that supports their muscular physique without contributing to excessive weight gain is essential for maintaining health and productivity.

• Health and Welfare: Regular health checks and preventive measures against parasites and diseases are key to ensuring the longevity and quality of life for Indian Game chickens.

This breed's unique characteristics, from its striking colours to its muscular build, make it a fascinating subject for poultry enthusiasts. Whether kept for meat production or as show birds, Indian Game chickens offer a blend of utility and beauty, with their distinct appearance and substantial contribution to the poultry industry.