[lord flynn]

on another forum, someone who was selling surplus cockerels was approached by someone wanting them as sparring partners for game birds. now although I was surprised they (the buyers) were so open about it, I'm sure the poster was genuine as they couldn't work out why someone would want to put them in with pheasants! she hadn't heard of game fowl.

so please be careful, although its nice to get them new homes and some can't bear the thought of culling, cock fighting is seemingly rife atm and I know which end I would rather my cockerels met. I expect I am preaching to the converted on here but thought I would mention it.

[mentalmilly]

I agree with you, a horrible thing for a cockerel.

[plumseverywhere]

There is a lot of cock fighting here (as well as dog fighting) and I cringe every time I see ad's for "free to good home" birds or pooches as there's a very good chance they will end up in the ring as bait.
I wish preloved would ban free to good home ads. I know when we have too many cockerels it seems a quick option but having bred animals or birds, I believe we have the ultimate responsibility for their welfare, as far as practicle - to the end. 

[lord flynn]

its ghastly isn't it-but these guys were for sale, they weren't phoning up about freebies although I don't know what breed/how much etc they wanted.  all of my spares have been culled or given to friends for breeding so far. next year the operation will be increased and they will end up in the freezer.

[plumseverywhere]

oh I missed that bit about them actually being for sale. Seems we aren't safe to sell on any cockerels in that case (unless we put a daft price tag on them and no-one will buy in that case    )  Pot it is then.

[HallePalomino]

I feel pretty naive, I honestly had no idea it was so rife in this country. I've got a cockerel or two for sale but will not be advertising them, I'll try find a local buyer. Thanks for the heads up!

[mab]

I'm surprised the're so open about it.


have to say my cockerels are surprisingly tolerant - I was expecting to have to separate them / put them in the freezer once they matured, but no, they just sit on a branch side by side and crow in chorus & off key. they must do something to them to make them fight I suppose.

[lord flynn]

if they're raised together they don't tend to fight-depending on breed and if they have enough/no girls and space.


and they don't cock fight with normal breeds, they use game fowl which naturally more aggressive-plus they arm them with metal spurs.


http://www.rspca.org.uk/in-action/whatwedo/prosecution/report/cover/details/-/article/PROS_PAR_2012_Animal_Fighting_1


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-22894778

[chrismahon]

We went to a show a few years ago. One of the judges told us that he had 20 bantam cockerels stolen the night before. He thought they were to be used as 'confidence builders' for fighting cockerels. Apparently cock-fighting is widespread in his area, as perhaps it is in all areas now.

[Steph Hen]

Is it widespread in Scotland? My area? Angus? I find it hard to imagine 

I don't think I will be giving any away. Although I have been known to change my mind before! There's something to be said for sort of making something valuable.
I kept only three cocks from my first hatch. So far I have sold only one. Looks like the last two might be destined for the pot.

[plumseverywhere]

They'll take any breeds for bait here. Its horrible. I know exactly where it happens and they also fight akita dogs and pet dogs and cats are sometimes 'lost' and never found. POlice and RSPCA no use at all when it comes to this place.

[lord flynn]

I don't know Steph Hen.  I come from Newmarket and it was happening there in the 80s/90s-a well known trainer was involved. I'm now in the Lothians and I have no clue about round here.  People who show these birds tend to keep pretty quiet about them and targeted theft is common-they're worth alot of money. I just wanted to flag this up as a risk for people.

[lachlanandmarcus]

They did it at the travellers site near our old place. Large sums of money bet on the outcomes. Horrible, and the RSPCA wouldn't do anything when we reported it, instead they suggested we go into the site and distribute animal welfare leaflets for them.....