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Kelso Gamefowl and its Fighting Style

If cockfighting has leading brands, the pure Kelso gamefowl would be one alongside Sweater, Lemon, Hatch, and Roundhead. Kelso is one of the best fighting cock varieties. Different breeders develop their bloodlines, but the original qualities of the Kelso line of fighting cocks are always there. In this article, we will look at the history of Kelso, how it developed and evolved until today, its characteristics, and most importantly, its fighting style.

Kelso fowl are a variety of American Gamefowl developed by American breeder Walter A. Kelso, owner of Oleander Gamefarm. The success of Kelso’s bloodline of gamecocks made him one of the most popular and iconic names in cockfighting history.

Who is Walter Kelso, and how he developed the Kelso gamefowl?

Long before the Kelso gamefowl became successful, Walter Kelso had already run an Oleander game farm in Galveston, Texas. When John Madigin died in 1942, Walter and another breeder, Bill Japhet, inherited all of his breeders. Madigin was known for his Clarets, Madigin Grays, and Texas Ranger.

Shortly after inheriting the purebred materials from Madigin, Walter Kelso started crossing and infusing new blood into Madigin hens using roosters he obtained from other breeders. He continued doing trial and error until he perfected the crosses. There were many failures as other crosses produced low-quality offspring, but it did not take him long to get the result he wanted.

Kelso gamefowl - best gamefowl breeds
Kelso gamefowl

After years of long breeding, Kelso had a breakthrough in 1951 when he and his Oleandar team won the derby at Hot Springs, Arkansas, with a ten and two score. One of the Out-and-Out cocks won a quick battle and then was repeated also to win the deciding fight. In his second win, the cock broke the tip of his wing. This cock became a brood cock, and its offspring won more derby championships in Oaklawn Derby 10 to 2. 

Oleander Game Farm continued winning until 1957, when they won 4 straight, lost four straight in a row, and then won 4 straight again. Kelso then sold all his gamefowls except the one with the broken wing. It was rumored that the particular bird went to a significant cocker who paid the bird $500 – an enormous amount then.

How the Kelso bloodline reached the Philippines

It is obvious that Walter Kelso was not the one who brought the gamefowl to the Philippines since he was busy during those times and ended his cockfighting career in the late 50s.  Major American exporters of gamefowl at that time included Bobby Joe Manziel Sr, Johnnie Jumper, and other Filipinos who visited the US and brought Kelso fighting cocks back to the Philippines. 

The Kelso gamefowl characteristics and fighting style

Kelso is at the top of the list of smartest battlecocks. Known as a ground pugilist, Kelso doesn’t jump and meet opponents in the air but possesses all advantages on the ground. They always sidestep before attacking their opponent – a move found only on most Kelso.

Other specific bloodlines like Johnnie Jumper and Out & Out Kelsos are known for employing a variety of elusive maneuvers on the ground.

Some critics say that pure breed Kelson cannot compete in today’s modern games, but since breeders continue to develop Kelso, having new bloodlines, the crosses are becoming more lethal. However, the original characteristics and fighting style of the pure breed Kelsos are still there.

The best Kelso bloodline in the Philippines

According to pundits and critics, Firebird Gamefarm of Biboy Enriquez is known to produce the best Kelso bloodline in the Philippines. Enriquez himself has been tagged “The Kelso man of the Philippines”. Other Kelso breeders continue to develop their bloodline by crossing Kelso to Hatch, Sweater, Roundhead, and Lemon, which sometimes produces good results. Other breeders are also experimenting to produce White Kelso, which is becoming popular today.

Pure Kelso gamefowls and breeders cost from P7,000 for single non-banded birds up to P55,000 for trio breeders. Firebird has a price list posted on its Facebook Page. You may find cheaper options at other breeders but always do your due diligence on the quality of their birds.

Questions Related to Kelso Gamefowl

Kelso Gamefowl is a popular breed known for its fighting abilities and is commonly used in cockfighting. If you have questions related to Kelso Gamefowl, here are some common topics and questions you might have:

1. What is Kelso Gamefowl?

Kelso Gamefowl is a breed that originated from the United States, specifically from Walter Kelso. They are known for their fighting abilities and are often used in cockfighting.

2. What are the characteristics of Kelso Gamefowl?

Kelso Gamefowl are known for their upright posture, muscular build, and distinctive plumage. They typically have a bright red or yellow body with white feathers and some black markings.

3. What is the history of Kelso Gamefowl?

Kelso Gamefowl was developed by Walter Kelso, a renowned gamefowl breeder, in the early to mid-20th century. He crossed various gamefowl breeds to create the Kelso bloodline, known for its fighting prowess.

4. What is the temperament of Kelso Gamefowl?

Kelso Gamefowl are known for their aggressive and competitive temperament, making them popular in cockfighting.

5. How are Kelso Gamefowl trained for cockfighting?

Training methods for Kelso Gamefowl typically involve conditioning, sparring, and exercise to improve their fighting abilities. However, it’s essential to note that cockfighting is illegal in many places and considered inhumane by many animal welfare organizations.

6. Are Kelso Gamefowl suitable for backyard poultry keeping?

While Kelso Gamefowl have distinct characteristics and history, they are primarily bred for cockfighting, which is illegal in many regions. Therefore, they are not typically kept as backyard poultry for egg or meat production.

7. What health and care considerations are essential for Kelso Gamefowl?

Like any other poultry, Kelso Gamefowl requires proper care, nutrition, and health monitoring. Regular veterinary care, good nutrition, clean housing, and disease protection should be priorities.

8. Are there different strains or variations of Kelso Gamefowl?

Yes, there are different strains and variations of Kelso Gamefowl. Breeders may select specific traits over time, leading to other lines or strains within the Kelso breed.

9. Where can I find reputable breeders or information about Kelso Gamefowl?

Information about Kelso Gamefowl can be found in poultry associations, online forums, and breed-specific websites. When looking for reputable breeders, it’s essential to do your research and ensure they adhere to legal and ethical standards for poultry breeding.

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