Calm in the Waiting – The Art of Reducing Stress in the Sabong Arena

Anxiety in the Waiting: From a Sabong Rooster’s Perspective

On a crisp morning, sunlight bathed the rural sabong arena, casting golden hues on the sandy ground. The air buzzed with excitement, a mix of human chatter and rooster crowing. Amid this electrifying atmosphere, an often-overlooked challenge quietly unfolded—the stress experienced by sabong roosters while waiting for their turn in the ring.

Against this backdrop, Attorney Ry Venica, host of the RA Superfly Masterclass, shared his years of expertise, offering practical tips for sabong enthusiasts on how to manage their roosters’ stress during these crucial moments.

If a sabong rooster could speak, it might say:

“Why is everyone staring at me? Why am I being held so tightly without a chance to breathe?”

For these roosters, the waiting area is a maze of unfamiliar sights and sounds—strange cages, loud noises, and constant human handling. Each of these elements can elevate their anxiety, potentially affecting their performance in the arena and the bets placed on them.

“Stress during the waiting period is a common issue for sabong roosters,” Attorney Ry explained. “It’s similar to how people feel stage fright before a performance. These roosters aren’t naturally accustomed to crowded environments or prolonged handling. Their mental state directly influences their performance, which, in turn, impacts the outcome of sabong bets.”

Tip 1: Portable Cages—A Temporary Sanctuary

Attorney Ry recalled a classic scene: a breeder arrived at the sabong arena with his prized rooster, only to find the matches delayed for hours. The rooster, gripped tightly in the breeder’s hands, began showing signs of restlessness, flapping its wings and squawking in discomfort.

“This is where a portable folding cage becomes a game-changer,” Ry advised. “Allow your sabong rooster to rest in the cage for 30 minutes to an hour. It provides a chance for them to reset and calm down.”

Portable cages are lightweight and offer a semi-private space, giving roosters a break from the intense human interaction.

“Remember, our hands can sweat or become too warm, which makes prolonged handling uncomfortable for the roosters. Instead of holding them for hours, let them rest and regain their composure.”

Tip 2: Temporary Cages and the Magic of Covering Cloths

What if you don’t have a portable cage? Attorney Ry offered an alternative solution:

“Many sabong arenas provide temporary holding cages. Even so, I recommend bringing a lightweight cloth or towel to cover the cage.”

“A cover works wonders,” Ry said. “A rooster under a cover feels a sense of security, similar to how it feels in a shaded coop. It’s like giving them a momentary escape from the chaos.”

He shared a memorable story of a seasoned breeder who used this technique. The breeder’s rooster entered the sabong arena with a composed demeanor and won the match with precise strikes. The breeder later joked,

“My sabong rooster only needed a nap to outshine the competition.”

Tip 3: Cooling Down with Water—A Simple Yet Effective Solution

In the crowded waiting area, high temperatures and limited ventilation can add to a sabong rooster’s stress. Attorney Ry offered a practical tip:

“Use a spray bottle to mist your rooster with cool water—focusing on their face, feet, and tail.”

This technique quickly lowers their body temperature and helps them stay relaxed.

“But avoid spraying water near the base of their feathers,” Ry cautioned. “Over-wet feathers can cause issues during a match, such as bleeding or reduced mobility.”

Ry likened this to pet care practices:

“Just as cooling techniques help calm dogs and cats, misting works wonders for sabong roosters. It’s quick, gentle, and keeps them battle-ready.”

Inspired by Pet Care: From Companionship to Conditioning

Over time, the management of sabong roosters has evolved to incorporate practices from the pet care industry.

“Treating your sabong rooster with the same attention you would give a pet—focusing on their emotions and physical state—has shown to improve their performance significantly,” Ry explained.

“Patience and care are investments in your sabong rooster’s potential,” he added. “Just as pets thrive on love and attention, sabong roosters benefit from thoughtful handling and preparation.”

Conclusion: Balancing Anxiety and Calm

For a sabong rooster about to step into the arena, waiting can be a source of unavoidable stress. But with the right techniques, this time can become an opportunity to reset and prepare.

Attorney Ry concluded:

“With simple tools like portable cages, covering cloths, and a spray bottle, you can effectively reduce your sabong rooster’s anxiety and enhance their performance.”

On any given match day, these roosters stand at the crossroads of destiny. Their every crow, flap, and step embodies the dedication of sabong enthusiasts and breeders. By managing their stress with care and precision, we not only respect these “warriors” but also ensure they reach their full potential in the arena, rewarding both breeders and the bettors who believe in them.