The Passionate Gamefowl Breeder: An Interview with Jason Daniel

Jason Daniel’s journey into gamefowl breeding is a testament to lifelong dedication and passion. From his early fascination with roosters to becoming a seasoned breeder, Jason’s story unfolds with deep-rooted commitment and profound learning.
Starting in his late teens, Jason immersed himself in the intricate world of breeding. It wasn’t until his mid-20s, however, when he acquired the Blueface and Yellow Leg Hatch breeds, that his path took a decisive turn. These roosters, already renowned for their excellence, became Jason’s mentors in the art of breeding. Trusting their proven abilities and dedication, Jason made a bold move in 2015 to pursue his dream full-time in Alabama, a leap fueled by unwavering faith and determination. Despite the challenges of managing a substantial feed bill, Jason remains steadfast in his philosophy of breeding what he loves.

Reflecting on his journey, Jason acknowledges the continuous learning curve of understanding these magnificent creatures. Each day brings new insights into their behavior and genetic complexities, reinforcing his belief that there’s always more to discover.
Central to Jason’s approach is the wisdom passed down by his father, emphasizing the importance of breeding families that consistently produce high-quality offspring. This foundational principle guides Jason in his meticulous breeding practices, ensuring the perpetuation of superior traits and lineage.
Beyond his technical expertise, Jason’s resilience and organizational acumen set him apart in the industry. His relentless pursuit of excellence, coupled with a structured approach to farm management, underscores his ability to maximize efficiency and productivity.

Throughout his journey, Jason cherishes the friendships forged within the gamefowl community. From mentors like Tammy Marco and Jeremy Chandler to peers who share his passion, Jason’s network has been instrumental in his growth and success.
The cornerstone of Jason’s breeding program remains the Blueface and Yellow Leg Hatch, acquired from a seasoned breeder in Alabama. These breeds, infused with Jason’s personal touch over 15 years, exemplify his dedication to continuous improvement and preservation of their distinctive traits.
Managing a large farm presents its challenges, yet Jason remains proactive in addressing health and maintenance issues. From meticulous record-keeping to adherence to daily regimens, Jason ensures the wellbeing and optimal performance of his flock.
Looking ahead, Jason envisions a legacy defined by his commitment to roosters and the sport he loves. His greatest accomplishment lies in refining esteemed bloodlines to suit his vision and witnessing their success in diverse breeding environments. For Jason, every setback is a lesson learned, reinforcing his resolve to evolve and innovate within the industry.

As Jason continues to make strides in gamefowl breeding, he remains vigilant against external threats, particularly from animal rights activists targeting traditional practices. His advocacy for preserving cultural heritage and defending the sport’s integrity is unwavering.
In fostering community spirit, Jason’s annual Gator BBQ has become a cherished tradition, uniting enthusiasts in celebration of their shared passion. Beyond competition, the event embodies camaraderie and mutual appreciation among breeders and fans alike.
To aspiring breeders, Jason offers simple yet profound advice: prioritize personal satisfaction over chasing prestige. Find what resonates with you and commit to nurturing it with dedication and passion.
In closing, Jason commends Purebred Warrior’s dedication to promoting the gamefowl community through its digital magazine. He extends gratitude to supporters and pledges his ongoing support for initiatives like the Breeder’s Heart program, underscoring his belief in solidarity and compassion within the community.

Explore further in this interview to uncover Jason’s philosophies, challenges, and aspirations that have defined his remarkable journey in the world of roosters and breeding.

Tell us about who Jason Daniel is as a gamefowl breeder.
I’ve been in love with roosters for as long as I can remember. I didn’t get deeply involved in the breeding side until my late teens. When I commit to something, I eat, sleep, and breathe it. I started taking this sport seriously in my mid-20s when we obtained the Blueface and Yellow Leg Hatch. They were my introduction to top-quality fowl, and from that point forward, they became the foundation for everything I learned about feeding, breeding, and care.

What do you mean by using them as a basis for learning?
When we first got the Blueface and Yellow Leg Hatch, they were superior roosters, and I was just learning the ropes. Trusting them, knowing they’d perform if I did my part, was crucial. I moved to Alabama in 2015 to pursue my dream full-time, and with God’s blessing, it’s been a fulfilling journey. I’m no different from anyone else, except now I have a massive feed bill. I stick to the philosophy of raising what I like and staying true to that. Every day, I realize how much more there is to learn about these magnificent creatures.

Can you share a few things you’ve learned that made a significant impact?
My father taught me a lot. He believed in the concept of producers and products in breeding. There are families that produce consistently high-quality offspring. When you breed such families together, you get excellent roosters, though they might not be able to reproduce those qualities consistently. It’s about maintaining genetic quality and understanding the lineage.

What sets you apart from other breeders, and how do you maintain it?
Persistence and hard-headedness are key traits. I hate losing and do everything to increase my chances of success. Hard work positions you where luck can find you. Organization is another crucial trait. Having a systematic approach saves time, money, and effort, allowing me to achieve more in a day.

Who has been the most significant influence in your life?
My father. He was passionate about roosters, and his dedication instilled the same passion in me.

Can you name some breeders you consider good friends?
I’ve been blessed to have many friends in this sport. Tammy Marco and Jeremy Chandler were instrumental in my early days, and Claude Vaughn helped during my transition to full-time breeding. There are too many great people to name all, but I am grateful for every one of them.

Tell us the history of the Blueface and Yellow Leg Hatch, and how did you come up with the name Gator?
The name Gator came from Bill Greene, a friend of my dad’s, who said I ate like a gator when I was a baby. The Blueface and Yellow Leg Hatch came from an older gentleman in Alabama. They’ve been a cornerstone of my breeding program, and my goal is to keep improving them. The traits and styles I’ve developed over 15 years are something I’m proud of, and I hope to continue this for many more years.

What are the everyday struggles you face on your farm, and how do you manage them?
The biggest challenge is staying proactive with health measures like worming and vaccination. Letting small tasks slide can lead to big problems. Focusing on daily regimens and not cutting corners is essential.

How do you record your fowls from choosing your base material until the marking days?
Every bird has a leg band and wing band, with all details recorded in both a safe and a computer. This includes year born, parents, toe punch, and more. Brood pens are recorded precisely, and every pen is designated a specific toe punch for easy identification.

How big is the farm, and how many handlers do you have?
The farm is quite large; we hatched 4,700 babies last year and pen about 1,500 quality stags. Four of us work the farm daily, and a fifth person handles construction projects.

What are your best-performing bloodlines, and how would you describe each?
The Blueface and Yellow Leg Hatch are my base families. They break with ease and aggression but move strategically on the ground, hitting from angles. The Kelsos are aggressive and formidable, while the Greys are powerful and dominant in close combat.

When everything is a success, how do you want to be remembered?
If I’m remembered as a good man who truly loved roosters and did what I loved, that’s enough for me.

What is your biggest concern in this industry on a global scale?
The Animal Rights Activists (ARAs) attacking our sport are a major concern. They don’t understand our culture and are trying to dismantle it, starting with Mexico.

What was your greatest accomplishment and disappointment as a gamefowl breeder?
My greatest accomplishment is tweaking great bloodlines to my style and seeing them succeed in various hands. I don’t dwell on disappointments; everything is a learning experience.

The 4th Annual Gator BBQ was a massive success. What is the main objective of these events?
The BBQ started as a small gathering and has grown into an event that brings people together over a mutual love of gamefowl. It’s about friendship, meeting new people, and enjoying each other’s company.

What is your message to those just starting a breeding program?
Breed what makes you happy. Don’t chase names. Find what works for you and stick with it.

What do you think of this Purebred Warrior digital magazine and your final message to our readers?
It’s an excellent publication. Your passion for gamefowl shines through. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me, and I’m always willing to help others if I can.

On behalf of Purebred Warrior, would you donate something for our Breeder’s Heart program?
I’ll do my best to help. A man never looks as strong as when he bends over to help someone in need. 

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Mhar Delaben

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