At Rafter H Farm, we proudly raise Belgian Liege Fighter chickens—an extraordinary breed that combines impressive strength, stunning size, and practical farm value. Originally developed in Belgium during the 19th century, the Liege Fighter was bred by crossing oriental gamefowl with robust local breeds (Bruges Game) to create a bird of unmatched stamina, power, and presence. Today, that heritage lives on in one of the most unique and respected gamefowl breeds in the world. No longer used for cockfighting, this rare breed remains a sought-after breed for chicken enthusiasts. Click here to read more about their history The Liege Game by Pierre Vranken

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Belgian Liege Fighter is their size. Mature roosters can stand over 30 inches tall and weigh between 10 and 12 pounds. Hens often reach 8 to 9 pounds. Their broad chest, thick legs, and overall heavy build make them a standout in any flock. Combs and wattles are red, and their long, muscular legs are a dark grey, or slate-like color with feet the size of a turkey’s! Despite their imposing size, they are surprisingly agile and quick, reflecting their gamefowl origins. Because of their larger size and activity level, they thrive best in bigger runs or free-range environments where they have plenty of room to roam and exercise.

While the Belgian Liege Fighter’s appearance is undoubtedly striking, they are also excellent layers for a breed of their type. Hens produce a steady supply of large, cream-tinted eggs throughout the year. They are consistent layers without being overly broody, making them a practical addition to homestead and hobby farms. Their resilience and strong immune systems also make them easier to manage than some more delicate breeds. While they will never be a breed to cuddle with, they will eat out of your hand and seek your company from time to time.

Roosters of this breed deserve special mention. Known for their courage and strong protective instincts, a Liege Fighter rooster is a vigilant guardian of his flock. They are typically alert and assertive without being unnecessarily aggressive toward handlers, although, as with any gamefowl breed, early and consistent interaction is key to ensuring they remain respectful and manageable as they mature. With proper socialization, these roosters exhibit a confident yet composed demeanor, making them an asset, not a liability, to your farmstead. They also adapt easily to other cockerels in the yard if introduced early enough. We have two sets of three roos that hang out together in their own bachelor pads, with only an occasional squabble.

The Belgian Liege Fighter comes in a variety of striking colors, including silver, black, blue, splash, and barred patterns. The hens have unique feather patterns based on their primary coloring. My favorite is the splash, which combines black and white in a chaotic pattern. Sorta like life on a farm! The roosters are stunning, with primarily a black breast and tail. Bodies will be black with green and purple sheen highlights, or grey (blue) with red, cream, and gold highlights. They stand out with either light reddish-golden or silver-golden neck and saddle feathers. Their deep, rich plumage gives them some tail feathers worth shaking. Combine their beautiful colors with their muscular build and upright carriage, and they make a visually stunning addition to any poultry yard.

Remember, this bird was initially created to fight. Males have large spurs and intimidating feet. But don’t let that deter you from trying out this breed. However, it is important to manage these birds with regular interaction. While they are intelligent and can become quite personable, they benefit from consistent, calm handling to maintain their good manners and approachable nature. For this purpose, we hatch in small quantities to allow daily handling and interaction with each chick. Early socialization is the key.

At Rafter H Farm in Saint Jo, Texas, we are proud to offer full-grown Belgian Liege Fighter birds, hatching eggs, and unsexed baby chicks to those looking to add strength and beauty to their flocks. We are currently taking orders for incubating and hatching. All birds and eggs are available for local pickup only—we do not ship at this time, but are actively pursuing the licenses required. If you’re ready to reserve your birds or learn more about this powerful and captivating breed, contact us today and take home a piece of living Belgian heritage.