Old English Game Chicken: Everything You Need to Know

Are you excited to learn about the fascinating Old English Game chicken breed? Join us as we dive into their history, characteristics, and everything you need to know to keep them happy and healthy in your backyard.

Old English Game Chicken: Everything You Need to Know

The Old English Game chicken is a small, hardy breed with a rich history dating back to 43 AD. They’re known for their unique appearance, adaptability, and active nature, making them a perfect addition to any backyard flock.

History of the Old English Game Chicken

The Old English Game chicken is one of the oldest breeds, with its origin dating back to the Roman conquest of Britain in 43 AD. They were bred for their agility, strength, and endurance in the harsh British climate. Over the years, they have also been used for cockfighting, but this practice has been outlawed in many countries.

Appearance and Characteristics of Old English Game Chickens

Physical Features

Old English Game chickens are known for their compact size, weighing between 4 and 6 pounds. The breed showcases a broad chest, a muscular body, and a straight or slanting back. The legs are usually short-to-medium length, while the tail is full and carried high. The wings are tightly held against the body and are relatively large.

Color Varieties

Old English Game chickens come in an impressive range of colors, including:

Black
Black-Breasted Red
Blue
Blue-Breasted Red
Birchen
Brassy Back
Crele
Golden Duckwing
Pile
Red Pyle
Spangled
Silver Duckwing
White
Wheaten

With so many color variations, your flock is bound to be unique and full of vibrant characters.

Temperament and Behavior

Old English Game chickens are generally active, alert, and feisty, making them ideal for free-ranging environments. They can be standoffish or aggressive towards other chickens, especially the roosters. Proper socialization is important to manage their temperament. The hens tend to be good layers, providing approximately 160 small-to-medium size brown eggs per year.

Caring for Old English Game Chickens

Housing and Space Requirements

Because of their active nature, Old English Game chickens thrive in spacious, well-ventilated coops with ample room to roam and explore. Provide at least 3 square feet of indoor space and 10 square feet of outdoor space per bird. Perches placed at varied heights will allow the birds to roost and minimize stress, while nesting boxes should be available for laying.

Feeding and Nutrition

A balanced diet is essential for your flock’s overall health and egg production. Provide high-quality, commercial layer pellets or crumbles, ensuring that the feed has 16-18% protein content for optimum growth and development. Fresh, clean water must be available at all times for healthy hydration. Supplement their diet with grit for improved digestion and oyster shells for strong eggshells.

Health and Common Issues

Old English Game chickens are a hardy breed with strong resistance to common poultry diseases. Keep a close eye on your flock and observe for any unusual signs or symptoms. It is essential to have a vet who specializes in poultry care to address concerns and provide proper medical intervention when necessary. Implement a regular deworming and vaccination schedule, and keep their environment clean to minimize the risk of illness.

Pros and Cons of Raising Old English Game Chickens

Pros:

Hardy and adaptable to various environments.
A wide range of attractive color varieties.
Good layer of small-to-medium size brown eggs.
Active and alert, making them less prone to predators.

Cons:

Can be aggressive towards other chickens, especially among roosters.
Not suitable for all backyard flock keepers due to their active nature.
May not do well in confined spaces or small coops.

FAQs about Old English Game Chickens

Are Old English Game chickens good pets?

Although they can be flighty and aggressive, proper socialization and handling from an early age can help make them more approachable. Their unique appearance and active disposition also make them enjoyable to observe, making them suitable pets for experienced backyard chicken keepers.

Can Old English Game chickens fly?

Old English Game chickens are agile and have the ability to fly short distances when needed. To prevent your birds from wandering off or to protect them from predators, clip their wings regularly without harming them, and provide a secure run or fenced area for free-ranging.

How long do Old English Game chickens live?

With proper care, Old English Game chickens can live an average of 8-12 years. Their longevity depends on factors such as diet, healthcare, and living conditions.

Final Thoughts on Old English Game Chickens

Raising Old English Game chickens can be a rewarding experience for experienced poultry keepers who appreciate their unique appearance and lively spirit. With proper care and attention, these hardy birds can thrive in your backyard flock and bring you years of enjoyment. Whether you’re interested in their rich history, beautiful color variations, or sustainable egg production, Old English Game chickens make a distinctive and entertaining addition to any coop.

Crossbreeding with Old English Game Chickens

Crossbreeding Old English Game chickens with other breeds can be an exciting way to develop new characteristics in your flock. When doing so, consider the various factors that might be appealing, such as:

Improving egg production
Developing unique feather patterns and colors
Enhancing friendly temperament qualities
Increasing hardiness and disease resistance

When crossbreeding, be prepared for mixed results and remember that not all offspring may exhibit the desired characteristics. However, this process can be a fun and educational experience for any backyard chicken enthusiast.

Activities and Toys for Old English Game Chickens

Since Old English Game chickens are highly active and need mental stimulation, providing them with toys and activities can help maintain their overall wellbeing. Consider these ideas for enriching their environment:

Place logs, branches or tree stumps in their run for natural perching opportunities.
Make a dust bath using a large container, filled with sand, soil, and diatomaceous earth for them to enjoy and maintain their feathers.
Create a chicken tunnel using chicken wires and stakes, allowing them to forge and explore a protected path through your yard.
Hang fruits or vegetables like cabbage, lettuce, or apples from a string for a fun pecking toy.
Introduce a large mirror for the birds to interact with their reflections, providing a source of entertainment.

Preparing Old English Game Chickens for Shows

If you’re interested in showcasing your Old English Game chickens at poultry shows, it’s essential to properly prepare them by following these steps:

Select your best birds based on characteristics like size, color, and body conformation.
Train the birds to be comfortable with handling and close human interaction.
Research and follow the specific show requirements such as vaccinations, health checks, and housing.
Keep the birds well-groomed and clean, including trimming of the beak, nails, and feathers, as needed.
Practice presenting your birds by placing them on a table or stand, allowing them to become familiar and comfortable with the show environment.

Participating in shows can be an exciting way to share your love for Old English Game chickens and meet other poultry enthusiasts, while also gaining valuable knowledge from experienced breeders and judges.

FAQs about Old English Game Chickens

We understand that you may have more questions about the Old English Game chicken breed. Here, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and their answers to help you further in your backyard chicken journey.

1. Are Old English Game chickens good for meat production?

While Old English Game chickens are primarily known for their egg-laying abilities and unique appearance, their meat can also be consumed. However, they are not typically considered an ideal breed for meat production due to their smaller size and lean muscle mass.

2. How loud are Old English Game chickens?

Old English Game hens tend to be relatively quiet, making them suitable for suburban or urban backyard flocks. However, Old English Game roosters, like most roosters, can be quite noisy, especially during the early morning hours.

3. When do Old English Game hens start laying eggs?

Old English Game hens generally begin laying eggs between 6 and 7 months of age, although this may vary depending on factors such as diet, living conditions, and individual bird maturity.

4. How often do Old English Game hens lay eggs?

Old English Game hens typically lay eggs at a rate of around 3 to 4 eggs per week. With proper care and nutrition, they can maintain consistent egg production throughout the year.

5. Are Old English Game chickens cold-hardy?

Yes, Old English Game chickens are considered cold-hardy due to their genetic history and adaptability to the harsh British climate. They can tolerate colder temperatures well but still require proper shelter, bedding, and insulation to stay warm during the winter months.

6. Are Old English Game chickens good foragers?

Yes, Old English Game chickens are excellent foragers. Their active and curious nature makes them proficient at finding insects, seeds, and vegetation to supplement their diet when allowed to free-range.

7. Can Old English Game chickens be kept with other breeds?

While Old English Game chickens can coexist with other breeds, proper socialization and management are essential to prevent aggressive behavior, especially among roosters. Ensure your flock has adequate space and offer separate roosting and nesting areas to minimize stress and promote harmony among the birds.

8. How many eggs do Old English Game hens lay per year?

Old English Game hens produce approximately 160 small-to-medium-sized brown eggs per year. The exact number may vary depending on factors such as the bird’s health, diet, and living conditions.

9. Can I keep an Old English Game rooster in a backyard flock?

Yes, you can keep an Old English Game rooster in your backyard flock. However, be aware that roosters can be noisy, territorial, and sometimes aggressive. If you live in a suburban or urban area, check for local regulations concerning rooster ownership before adding one to your flock.

10. Can Old English Game chickens be kept in confinement?

While they can adapt to various living conditions, Old English Game chickens generally prefer a free-range environment due to their active nature. If confinement is necessary, ensure that they have ample indoor and outdoor space to prevent stress and promote good health.

11. How fast do Old English Game chickens grow?

Old English Game chickens have a moderate growth rate compared to other breeds. Generally, they reach maturity and start laying eggs between 6 and 7 months of age, though this may vary between individual birds.

12. Are Old English Game chickens aggressive?

Old English Game chickens can exhibit a feisty and aggressive temperament, especially among roosters. Proper socialization and flock management can minimize aggressive behavior, but special care should be taken when introducing new birds to an existing flock.