Andhra Breeders Rush Younger Roosters to Cockfights After Bird Flu Losses
Cockfights are set to begin this Wednesday as part of Sankranti festivities across Andhra Pradesh. Rooster breeders are racing against time to meet soaring demand. Heavy losses from bird flu have created a severe shortage of birds for the arenas.
Accelerated Breeding Techniques
To ensure enough roosters are ready, breeders have adopted accelerated feeding and training methods. They are raising younger birds on high-protein diets to quickly build strength and stamina.
Traditionally, only roosters aged 14 months and above are considered fit for competitive fights. This season, however, birds aged just 9 to 12 months are being prepared for the arena.
Intensive feeding begins from the sixth month. Structured training starts from the eighth month. This compressed schedule represents a significant departure from normal practices.
Training Regimens Intensify
Breeding centres in Nuzvid, Bhimavaram, Tadepalligudem, and Agiripalli have dramatically stepped up their activity. They are putting birds through rigorous conditioning programs.
- Long walks to build endurance
- Muscle-building drills for strength
- Swimming sessions to improve stamina
"Normally, we would not send a bird younger than 14 months into the arena," said Inti Pradeep, a breeder from Agiripalli in Krishna district. "But with fights starting from Wednesday and demand peaking, we adapted quickly under veterinary supervision."
Specialized Diets for Rapid Growth
Breeders are using specialized diets to help younger birds bulk up quickly. These diets include:
- Mutton keema for protein
- Boiled chicken breast
- Eggs for nutrition
- Butter-based supplements
- Multivitamins and probiotics
- Protein-rich black soldier fly larvae
"Non-vegetarian protein helps rapid muscle development," explained Pradeep. "As long as the feeding is balanced and monitored, it does not pose serious health risks."
Rising Costs and Prices
These accelerated methods have sharply increased expenses for breeders. Special feed, supplements, and intensive training have doubled costs in many operations.
"Special feed, supplements and training doubled our expenses," said K Raghu Babu, a breeder from Kalidhindi. "Without this diet, younger birds cannot compete."
The shortage of birds combined with rising production costs has pushed rooster prices sharply upward. Buyers are expressing concern about the sudden price increases.
"Prices have skyrocketed just before the fights," said Srinivas, a buyer from Vijayawada. "But with the season beginning, people are still willing to pay."
Strong Demand Despite Challenges
Despite mounting challenges, breeders report that demand remains strong as cockfights resume. The combination of bird flu losses and Sankranti festivities has created unprecedented pressure on the industry.
This season is shaping up to be one of the most demanding Sankranti periods in recent years. Breeders continue working around the clock to prepare birds for Wednesday's opening fights.
The entire process is being conducted under veterinary supervision to ensure bird welfare. Breeders emphasize that while methods are accelerated, they maintain proper care standards.
As Sankranti approaches, the race to prepare competition-ready roosters continues across Andhra Pradesh. The success of these accelerated breeding techniques will be tested in the arenas starting Wednesday.
