Modern Game: An Ornamental Breed

The Modern Game is a distinctive British breed of ornamental chicken, originating in England between 1850 and 1900. Bred primarily for exhibition and showing, this breed is prized for its unique physical characteristics, resulting in an elegant, tall, and slender fowl.

History and Origin

The Modern Game breed emerged from cross-breeding Old English Game and Malay stock, driven by the ban on cockfighting in Britain starting in 1849. Fanciers began exhibiting these birds instead of fighting them.

Initially known simply as the "Game," the breed was formally recognized in exhibitions by 1865. Over the following decades, breeders developed specific traits desirable for exhibition purposes, leading to the development of the "Exhibition Game" around 1870. By 1910, the breed was officially named the "Modern Game," and dedicated clubs formed to preserve the breed. The breed has since been included in various poultry standards, including the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection in 1874.

Physical Characteristics and Appearance

The Modern Game is recognized for its distinctive silhouette and plumage:

Body Structure:

The birds are notably tall and upright, possessing a long neck and long legs. The body is broad at the breast and tapers towards the tail, giving it a shape reminiscent of a clothes iron. The back is short and flat.

Plumage and Coloration:

The breed is known for its hard feathering. Nine colors are recognized by the American Poultry Association, including birchen, black, black breasted red, brown-red, golden duckwing, red pile, silver duckwing, wheaten, and white. The color of the beak and legs varies depending on the plumage, ranging from black in birchen to yellow in pile and white.

Comb and Wattles:

The comb is single and small. The facial features, comb, and wattles can vary in color, ranging from black to deep purple to bright red.

Weights and Dimensions

Modern Game chickens are considered ornamental and are not valued for meat production. The standard weights vary slightly based on the unit of measurement:

• US Standard (Rooster) 6 lbs
• US Standard (Hen) 4.5 lbs

In the United States, the standard birds typically weigh between 4.5 and 6 pounds. They are generally tall, often standing over 20 inches.

Temperament and Behavior

Modern Game chickens are known for their gentle disposition:

• Temperament: They are generally curious, friendly, calm, and easy to maintain, making them excellent pets for adults.
• Social Nature: They are active and noisy birds and do not tend to scratch as much as other breeds. They thrive in warm climates and dislike confinement. They tend to be loners if kept in a mixed flock.
• Handling: While some sources describe them as spirited, they can become very tame and affectionate with human interaction when raised with care.

Aggression and Management

Despite their friendly nature, the heritage of game birds means that Modern Game roosters possess significant territorial instincts:

• Aggressiveness: Roosters can be quite aggressive, especially toward other roosters and during the breeding season, where they can become combative and unpredictable. They are high-energy fighters and possess a strong, territorial nature.
• Management for Coexistence: To manage potential aggression, careful handling and space are essential.
  • Separation: Males should typically be kept separate from other roosters once they mature (around six months old) to prevent fighting.
  • Space: Providing ample room for free-ranging helps reduce territorial disputes.
  • Handling: Frequent, calm interaction prevents the birds from perceiving humans as threats.

Production and Health

• Meat Value: The Modern Game is strictly an exhibition breed and is not suited for meat production.
• Annual Egg Output: Hens typically lay between 50 to 80 small, white eggs per year.
• Time to First Lay: Game hens generally start laying eggs between 22 and 26 weeks of age (about 5 to 6 months old).
• Lifespan: Modern Game chickens are known for their strength and resilience, giving them a robust lifespan. When properly cared for in an ideal, low-stress environment, they can live for 10 to 15 years.
• Health and Care: As hardy, free-ranging birds, Modern Game chickens are generally "predator-savvy" and physically strong. They require adequate, safe space and sufficient exercise to maintain muscle tone and well-being.

Ultimately, the Modern Game is a beautiful and manageable breed, thriving best when owners provide the space and social interaction necessary for their gentle temperament. Proper management, especially concerning male separation, is key to ensuring these ornamental birds remain calm and healthy companions.