Cockfight

A cockfight is a contest, held in a cockpit between two gamecocks. Gamecocks are not typical farm chickens. These male roosters are extremely territorial and will severely injure and/or kill one another. The roosters are specially bred and trained for increased stamina and strength. They posess an inherent aggression toward all males of the same species, and as such do not have to be trained to fight. This natural agression is what distinguishes gamecocks from farm chickens. Cockfighting is considered a traditional sporting event by some, and an example of animal cruelty by others. Usually wagers are made on the outcome of the match, with the surviving or last-bird-standing being declared the winner.

Related Topics:
Gamecocks - Bred - Aggression - Species - Sporting event - Animal cruelty

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It is interesting to note that Abraham Lincoln may have gotten his nickname, "Honest Abe," by officiating cockfights fairly.

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In some regional variations, the birds are equipped with either gaffs or knives tied to the leg in the area where the bird's natural spur has been removed. A cockspur is a bracelet (often made of leather) with a curved, sharp spike which is attached to the leg of the bird. The spikes typically range in length from "short spurs" of just over an inch to "long spurs" almost two and one half inches long. In the highest levels of seventeenth century English cockfighting, the spikes could be made of silver. In other variations, the bird's natural spurs are left intact. Fighting done without gaffs or taping is called "naked heel" and can continue for many hours.

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