Hennies

In the world of gamefowl, Hennies (or "Henny-feathered" roosters) are some of the most fascinating and misunderstood birds. If you're used to the flashy, long-tailed look of a Joe Goode Grey, a Hennie will look like a completely different species.

In Tagalog, they are often called Binabae (meaning "lady-like") because of their unique appearance.

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1. The Genetic "Cloak"

The defining feature of a Hennie is Hen-Feathering.¹ Due to a specific dominant gene ($Hf$), the roosters do not grow the typical long, pointed hackle feathers (neck) or sickle feathers (tail) that most roosters have. Instead:

• They have rounded feathers just like a hen.

• Their tails are short and square.

• They lack the shiny "lance" feathers on their backs.

The "Trick": Historically, this was a massive advantage in the pit. An opponent rooster uses the long hackle feathers of its rival to judge where to strike. When facing a Hennie, the opponent often gets "confused" because the visual cues aren't there, giving the Hennie a split-second advantage.

2. Fighting Style: "The Ghost"

Hennies are widely considered the "Smartest" or "Cunning" fighters in the game.² Because they don't have the heavy plumage of a regular rooster, they are:

• Incredibly Fast: They are lighter and more aerodynamic.

• Elusive: They are famous for "sidestepping" and "ducking." They don't like to get hit, and they use their speed to get out of the way before countering.³

• Accurate Cutters: In the Philippines and Mexico, Hennies are prized for their "one-shot" ability. They don't swarm with volume; they wait for the perfect opening and strike with surgical precision.

3. Famous Lines & Modern Breeders

While Hennies originated centuries ago (likely in Asia/India), they have been refined by top-tier modern breeders:

• Nito Mendoza (Fantastic Ella Gamefarm): One of the most famous names for "Black Hennies" and "Pyle Hennies" in the Philippines.

• Irish Hennies: Known for being extremely "game" (brave) and having a very aggressive, high-breaking style.

• The "Hennie-Grey" Cross: Many breeders take a Joe Goode Grey and cross it with a Hennie. This creates a bird with the power of the Grey and the "Ghost-like" speed and confusion of the Hennie.

4. Varieties

Hennies come in almost every color, but the most popular are:

• Black Hennies: Often associated with the "Warhorse" or "Sid Taylor" bloodlines.⁴

• Pyle Hennies: Beautiful white and red birds that look exactly like hens until they start fighting.

• Pumpkin Hennies: A distinct orange/gold color that is very popular in modern show-wing derbies.

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Summary: Hennie vs. Joe Goode Grey

Feature	Joe Goode Grey	Hennie (Binabae)
Look	Long, silver/grey hackles.	Round feathers, looks like a hen.
Strategy	High-breaking and powerful.	Cunning, elusive, and "off-beat."
Visual	Intimidating and flashy.	Deceptive and plain.

Would you like to know more about the "Hennie-Grey" cross specifically? It’s a very popular way to get the best of both worlds—the beauty of the Grey with the "tricky" fighting style of the Hennie.

In these images, you can see the distinct differences we discussed:

 

1. Silver Joe Goode Greys: Look for the bright, shimmering silver/white hackle (neck) feathers and the sharp contrast with their dark bodies.

2. Dark Joe Goode Greys: These have a more "sooty" or charcoal-grey appearance, often with green or lead-colored legs.

3. Hennies (Binabae): These are the ones that lack the long, pointed tail and neck feathers. They have rounded feathers and a square tail, making them look remarkably like hens despite being roosters.

Notice how the Silver Greys stand out for their "show" quality, while the Darks and Hennies have a more rugged, functional look often associated with power and deceptive speed