Shamo Chicken Breed Characteristics, Behavior, and Other Details

June 25, 2023 by Lauro Braganza

Are you looking for a chicken breed that stands out from the rest? Look no further than the Shamo chicken. With its impressive size, striking appearance, and unique fighting style, this breed has captured the attention of poultry enthusiasts around the world. But there’s more to these birds than just their looks – in this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Shamo chickens, including their history and origin, physical characteristics, behavior and temperament, egg production capabilities, popularity as gamefowl crosses in the Philippines and much more! So let’s dive into this fascinating breed of chicken and discover all that makes them so special.

Shamo Chicken History and Origin

Shamo chickens are an ancient breed that originated in Japan, with the name “shamo” translating to mean “game fowl” or “fighter.” The exact history of this breed is somewhat disputed, but it’s generally believed that they were brought over from Thailand and then bred selectively in Japan for centuries. Originally used for cockfighting, Shamos were prized for their strength and fighting abilities. They quickly gained popularity among Japanese nobility during the Edo period (1603-1868) as a symbol of wealth and status. It was during this time that the breed began to be refined and developed into its distinctive appearance.

Today, Shamo chickens can be found all over the world thanks to their unique qualities. In addition to being excellent fighters, these birds are also known for their impressive size – some males can weigh up to 5 kg! Their striking appearance sets them apart from other chicken breeds as well; with long legs, broad shoulders, and a large comb atop their head.

Despite being primarily used for cockfighting historically, Shamos have become more popular recently as backyard chickens or gamefowl crosses in areas like the Philippines where cockfighting is still legal. With their fascinating history and impressive physical characteristics, it’s no wonder why these birds continue to captivate poultry enthusiasts around the globe.

Physical Characteristics

Shamo chickens are known for their impressive physical characteristics that make them stand out from other chicken breeds. These birds can grow up to 30 inches in height and weigh as much as 6-8 pounds, making them one of the largest gamefowl breeds.

Their appearance is striking, with broad shoulders and a muscular build. They have long legs that give them an upright posture and make them walk with confidence. The comb on top of their head is small and simple, while their plumage is thick and dense.

When it comes to color, Shamo chickens come in a variety of shades including black, red, white, blue-grey, or brown. Some even have unique patterns like speckles or stripes.

One distinguishing feature of these birds is their strong legs which are perfect for fighting off predators or other roosters during cockfighting matches. Their feet have four toes instead of the usual three found on most chicken breeds.

The physical characteristics of Shamo chickens make them both aesthetically pleasing and functional animals that serve multiple purposes such as meat production and cockfighting events.

Behavior and Temperament

Shamo chickens are known for their lively temperament and assertive behavior. They are highly active birds that exhibit a strong sense of curiosity. Their energetic nature makes them great foragers, as they love to scratch around in search of insects and other small creatures.

Despite their feisty demeanor, Shamos can also be quite docile when handled correctly. They tend to form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy being socialized from an early age. If raised properly, these birds can become friendly and affectionate pets.

However, it is important to note that Shamo roosters have a reputation for aggression towards other males due to their history as fighting birds. This is something to keep in mind if you plan on keeping multiple roosters together or introducing new birds into an established flock.

The temperament of your Shamo chicken will depend largely on how well it is socialized during its early years. With proper care and attention, these birds can make wonderful additions to any backyard flock or even indoor pet collection!

Shamo Chicken as Fighting Roster

Shamo chicken is one of the most popular gamefowl breeds in the world. They are known for their fighting spirit and toughness, which makes them a favorite among cockfighting enthusiasts.

The Shamo chicken’s muscular build and aggressive temperament make it an ideal candidate for cockfighting. Their strength and endurance allow them to last longer in fights than other breeds.

While some people may have mixed feelings about cockfighting, it cannot be denied that the sport has played a significant role in promoting the breeding and preservation of certain chicken breeds, including Shamos.

It’s important to note that not all Shamo chickens are bred specifically for fighting purposes. In fact, there are many breeders who focus on developing Shamos as exhibition birds or simply as pets due to their unique appearance and disposition.

Regardless of their intended purpose, it’s undeniable that these birds possess impressive physical characteristics and behavior traits that make them stand out from other poultry breeds.

Shamo Chicken Crosses

Shamo chicken is an incredibly versatile breed, and it’s no surprise that breeders have experimented with crossing them to create some unique and fascinating hybrids. One of the most popular crossbreeds is the Shamo x Malay, which results in a bird that is both taller and more muscular than either parent.

Another common mix involves crossing Shamos with American gamefowl breeds like the Rhode Island Red or Plymouth Rock. These crosses tend to be hardier and more resistant to disease than purebred Shamos, making them ideal for backyard flocks.

Those who are looking for a meatier bird may want to consider mixing their Shamos with broiler breeds like Cornish Cross or Freedom Rangers. The resulting birds will grow quickly and produce plenty of tasty meat.

Some breeders have even crossed Shamos with bantam breeds like Silkies or Seramas, resulting in diminutive birds that still retain many of the characteristics of their larger ancestors.

Whether you’re interested in creating your own unique hybrid or simply curious about what’s possible, there’s no denying that Shamo chickens offer endless possibilities when it comes to breeding.

Shamo Chicken Hen

The Shamo chicken hen is a sturdy and muscular bird that can weigh up to 9 pounds. While it may not be the most prolific egg layer, with an average of around three to four eggs per week, what it lacks in quantity it makes up for in quality. The hens lay large-sized eggs with rich and flavorful yolks.

Another unique trait of the Shamo chicken hen is its broodiness. They are known to go broody often, which means they will sit on their eggs until they hatch or until someone takes them away. This makes them excellent mothers for raising chicks naturally.

The Shamo hen has a similar build to the rooster but tends to have more rounded features and less prominent tail feathers. Their plumage comes in different colors such as black-red or wheaten.

While some people keep the Shamo chicken hen purely for ornamental purposes due to their striking looks, others raise them for meat production since they have lean muscles that make tasty dishes.

While not your typical egg-laying breed, the Shamo chicken hen offers a lot of value as both a motherly figure and a source of delicious meat.

Shamo Chicken in the Philippines

The Shamo chicken breed has gained popularity in the Philippines, both as a gamefowl cross and for backyard chicken meat. Gamefowl enthusiasts in the country have been crossing Shamo chickens with other breeds to create an even stronger fighting rooster.

In addition to being used for cockfighting purposes, many Filipinos also raise Shamo chickens for their meat. These birds are known for having leaner and more muscular bodies compared to traditional broiler chickens, making them a healthier option.

Shamo hens are also highly sought after by farmers due to their excellent egg-laying abilities. They may not be as prolific egg layers as some other breeds, but they make up for it with larger-sized eggs that are perfect for cooking.

Despite its increasing popularity in the Philippines, there is still much debate surrounding the ethics of cockfighting and whether or not it should continue. However, regardless of one’s stance on this issue, there is no denying that the Shamo chicken is a versatile breed that can serve multiple purposes on any farm or homestead.

Shamo Gamefowl Fighting Style

Shamo gamefowls have impressive fighting styles. These birds are known for their aggressive and powerful nature in the ring. They are agile and quick, with strong legs that can deliver devastating kicks to their opponents.

In the Shamo gamefowl’s fighting style, they prefer to stand upright rather than crouch down like other breeds. This posture allows them to keep a better eye on their opponent and gives them more leverage for attacking.

One of the signature moves of the Shamo gamefowl is their use of leg strikes. They often use high kicks aimed at the head or neck of their opponent, which can be deadly if executed properly. In addition to this move, they also have powerful pecks that can pierce through flesh.

What sets them apart from other breeds is not just their physical strength but also their mental resilience in battle. They possess fierce determination and willpower even when facing stronger opponents.

Shamo gamefowl fighting style may come across as brutal or barbaric to some people; however, it should be noted that cockfighting is still legal in many countries around the world where it remains deeply ingrained in cultural traditions. It’s important though, above all else, that these animals receive proper care and respect both inside and outside of the ring.

Conclusion

The Shamo chicken breed is a fascinating bird with a rich history and unique characteristics. From its origins in Japan to its popularity as a fighting gamefowl in the Philippines, this breed has captivated people around the world for centuries.

With their impressive size and distinctive appearance, Shamo chickens are truly one-of-a-kind. While they may have a reputation for aggression due to their fighting heritage, they can also make excellent backyard birds or show chickens if raised properly.

Whether you’re interested in learning more about poultry genetics or simply looking for an unusual addition to your flock, the Shamo chicken is definitely worth considering. So why not give this remarkable bird a try? You might just be surprised by how much you enjoy raising them!

See Also:

Facebook Comments Box