The Penny Hatch gamefowl strain stands out as a fascinating product of selective breeding in American poultry history. Rooted in the collaboration between breeder Sherll Penny and Jimmy Johnson during the 1970s, this lineage combined multiple foundational bloodlines to create a resilient, deep-game fowl known originally as the Left Nose Hatch.
Understanding the lineage requires looking past modern internet myths. The strain wasn't stumbled upon by accident; it came from structured crosses involving Ruble Hatch, Blueface Hatch, McLean Hatch, and a touch of Claret. Breeders value these fowl for their distinct physical traits, high stamina, and aggressive yet intelligent style in the pit.
Origins and Development
During the 1970s, Sherll Penny brought in Jimmy Johnson from Oklahoma to manage brood pens and work with his fighting roosters. Johnson spent four years on the property setting up families and recording lineage traits.
During this tenure, the foundation for what they termed the Left Nose Hatch was established. The moniker came from a literal physical marking practice used by the breeders to track lineage. The exact genetic ratios remain tightly guarded, though historical records and breeder accounts indicate it carried roughly one-eighth Claret blood mingled with three distinct Hatch families: Ruble, Blueface, and McLean.
Once Penny began offering these birds outside his immediate circle, the name shifted from Left Nose Hatch to Penny Hatch. The family gained traction among poultrymen who prized birds with exceptional staying power and intense gameness.
Core Bloodline Influences
To understand why the Penny Hatch performs the way it does, you have to examine its constituent components:
- Ruble Hatch: Contributed foundational bone structure, size, and heavy power.
- Blueface Hatch: Brought distinctive facial feather characteristics, alertness, and agility.
- McLean Hatch: Known for exceptional cutting ability and a direct, hard-hitting style.
- Claret Infusion: Added roughly one-eighth influence, introducing sharp intelligence, speed, and distinct white feather accents in the wings and tail.
This blend avoided the common pitfall of over-specialization. By mixing three distinct Hatch families with a dash of Claret, the creators secured hybrid vigor while locking in predictable physical and behavioral traits.
Physical Characteristics and Conformation
Penny Hatches possess distinct physical traits that set them apart from pure McLean or Blueface strains.
Most specimens display medium to high station build with strong, thick legs. Plumage typically features rich dark reds, occasionally accented by the Claret-influenced white streaks in the flight feathers and tail. Heads are broad, featuring strong beaks and alert, fiery eyes.
Unlike lighter, high-flying strains, these birds carry solid muscle mass across the breast and back. This build provides the balance needed for endurance work without sacrificing acceleration.
Behavioral Traits and Performance
Breeders often note that Penny Hatches combine cautious intelligence with explosive offense. They don't rely purely on blind aggression. Instead, they assess opponents, look for openings, and strike with precise timing.
- Gameness: They demonstrate deep gameness, meaning they maintain composure and drive even deep into extended drag fights.
- Fighting Style: They combine the heavy power of traditional Hatch fowl with the smart, single-strike agility drawn from their Claret ancestry.
- Handling: Like many high-strung gamefowl strains, stags and cocks require experienced handlers. Poor management during the stags' growth phase can lead to aggressive interactions on the walk.
Managing Common Breeding Mistakes
If you're working with historical Hatch derivatives like the Penny line, avoiding common breeding errors protects the strain's integrity.
- Inbreeding Too Closely: Because the baseline was fixed from a closed group, strict linebreeding without outcrossing can quickly reduce vigor and egg hatchability. Introduce carefully selected crosses only when metrics drop.
- Ignoring Conformation: Don't breed solely based on pedigree names. Always select for sturdy bone structure, straight leg alignment, and sound physical health.
- Poor Conditioning Space: These active birds require adequate space during the conditioning phase. Confining them too tightly reduces muscle tone and ruins stamina.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who created the Penny Hatch?
The strain was developed by Sherll Penny alongside Jimmy Johnson during Johnson's four-year stay on Penny's farm in the 1970s.
What bloodlines make up the Penny Hatch?
The strain is primarily a blend of three Hatch families—Ruble, Blueface, and McLean—infused with approximately one-eighth Claret blood.
Why was it originally called the Left Nose Hatch?
The original name came from the physical marking system the breeders used on the birds to track lineage inside the pens.
Are Penny Hatches suitable for beginners?
No. Like most deep-game heritage strains, they require experienced handlers who understand how to manage aggressive dispositions and proper conditioning regimens.