The Mike Ratliff Method: Legendary Gamefowl Breeding, Conditioning & Keep System

Breeding • Raising • Conditioning • The Legendary Keep

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For generations, serious gamefowl breeders have studied the teachings of Mike Ratliff of General Cross Farm, one of the most recognized and influential figures in the history of American gamefowl breeding and conditioning.

Mike Ratliff was widely known throughout the gamefowl world as “The Chicken Man,” teaching thousands of students his philosophy of breeding, conditioning, and bird management beginning in the late 1960s. His school and instructional materials helped shape the way generations of breeders approached the art and science of the keep.

Ratliff’s methods emphasized patience, rhythm, observation, gamefowl nutrition, and respect for the bird, principles that many breeders still rely on today when developing high-quality gamefowl families.

This Memorial Edition collection preserves those teachings for modern breeders, poultry enthusiasts, and students of traditional gamefowl husbandry.

What You’ll Learn From The Ratliff Method

Inside this collection you’ll discover insights into:

Gamefowl Breeding Philosophy

• How Ratliff developed the famous General Cross family

• Selecting brood fowl for gameness, intelligence, and athletic ability

• Building strong bloodlines through disciplined breeding practices

General Cross Farm Legacy in Raising Gamefowl 

• Early development of chicks and young stags

• Feeding principles for strong bone, muscle, and vitality

• Managing birds to develop natural athletic ability

Ratliff Keep Conditioning Method 

• The legendary Ratliff Keep Method

• Preparing birds through structured conditioning routines 

• Building stamina, timing, and peak performance

• The importance of observation and individual bird management

The Mindset of a Master Breeder 

• Reading birds and understanding their condition

• Developing patience and discipline in your breeding program

• Lessons from decades of experience raising competitive gamefowl

Why The Ratliff Method Still Matters

Mike Ratliff’s philosophy influenced breeders across the United States and internationally. Many of today’s respected breeders trace their knowledge back to Ratliff’s teachings or the students he trained. His approach focused on something many modern breeders overlook: The relationship between the handler, the bird, and the conditioning process. Rather than relying on shortcuts, Ratliff taught a system based on observation, discipline, and understanding the bird’s natural ability. 

Who This Is For

This collection is ideal for:

• Gamefowl breeders

• Poultry enthusiasts

• Students of traditional breeding systems

• Collectors of historic gamefowl knowledge

• Anyone interested in the legacy of legendary breeders

Mike Ratliff was known around the world for his work with gamefowl breeding and conditioning and taught thousands of students his approach over decades.

This memorial edition preserves those teachings so that future generations can learn from one of the most influential poultrymen in the history of the sport.

FAQ

What is the Mike Ratliff Method?

The Mike Ratliff Method is a gamefowl breeding and conditioning system developed by Mike Ratliff of General Cross Farm, one of the most influential figures in American gamefowl history since the late 1960s.

Who is Mike Ratliff?

Mike Ratliff, known as “The Chicken Man,” was a legendary gamefowl breeder who taught thousands of students across the US and internationally. He developed the famous General Cross family of gamefowl.

What comes with this collection?

The Memorial Edition includes DVD instruction in English and Spanish covering breeding philosophy, raising stags, the Ratliff Keep conditioning method, and bird management.

***For Historical Purposes Only***