American Game Fowl

Current Uses: Show, ornamental

Appearance: According to the American Game Fowl Society, "American Game Fowl are not Old English Game (American) with different leg colors. Naturally American Game Fowl have more plumage, larger tails, longer wings and a different body conformation to Old English (American). The difficult part of the Standard for American Game is the different comb and because of the comb types the different head shape. Both Straight comb and Round head conformation is acceptable in the breed. Color is the next difference between the two breeds. Spangles are only Partridge base color in Old English Game. In American Game Wheaten Spangles are greatly prized as a color. The next difference is that in all the Light Red (Wheaten) varieties of American Game that white plumage in the wings and tail is allowed in specimens with White or Yellow legs."

Average weight: 3.3 - 5.5 lbs.

Lifespan: 10 - 15 years

Grooming: 

Diet: The American Game Fowl requires higher protein feed to support it's active lifestyle. Ideally feed should be around 22% protein for adults. To supplement any missing nutrients, veggies, fruits, and insects can be given. Fresh clean water must be available at all times.

Housing: Housing chickens takes some preparation and planning. If you take into consideration ease of cleaning, ease of access, and chicken comfort then you will be housing some happy chickens that require simple day to day care. If at all possible the best environment would be a safe coop to sleep in at night and allowing your chicken free range during the day. When allowed free range, the coop only needs to have 5 square feet of floor space per chicken. It should provide protection from the rain, wind, sun, and predators but still have good air flow. The coop should be furnished with perches and nest boxes. Flooring can be wooden, concrete, or dirt. Wood floors are easy to build, predator proof, and easy to clean by hosing but will rot quickly. Concrete floors are easy to clean by hosing but more expensive and time consuming to build. Dirt floors need to have underground mesh wire to prevent predators from digging in and will need regular replacements of fresh clean dirt. The dirt is easy to clean with regular raking. They will appreciate straw for bedding; make sure to change it regularly. Straw should never get wet as it will grow molds and fungi that can make your birds sick. Their yard area can be well planted with bushes and trees for shade and lettuce, kale, and herbs for eating.

Health issues: American Gamefowl are notoriously hardy animals. With proper housing, diet, and quarantine of new and sick fowl, your American Gamefowl should live happy healthy lives. However, occasionally chickens may require the expert care of an avian veterinarian and regular check ups. There are several diseases that they can receive vaccines for such as Newcastles, Avian Flu, Avian Pox, Infectious Laryngotracheitis, and Marek’s Disease. Your vet can also be a valuable resource on aspects of good care that will prevent the spread of disease within your flock.

Behavior / Temperament / Activity level: