Description

Crele Standard Old English Game Chicken

Breed History and Origin

Cackle Hatchery® offers a wide range of Standard Old English game fowl, including the Crele Standard Old English, one of 18 varieties developed and maintained over decades. The Old English Game is one of the oldest chicken breeds in existence, with roots tracing back to early European game fowl and even earlier jungle fowl ancestry. The Crele variety is recognized by the American Standard of Perfection (1938) and is part of a sustainable heritage population listed on the Livestock Conservancy Watch Status. Cackle Hatchery® has been developing its own bloodline or strain of Old English Game Standard Chickens since 1974.

Appearance and Breed Characteristics

The Crele Standard Old English is known for its barred or “crele” pattern, combining red/gold tones with black barring for a distinct layered look. This pattern gives the bird both color depth and visual texture compared to standard duckwing varieties. It features a straight comb and pearl-colored legs, consistent with traditional Old English Game standards. Like other birds in this class, it has a lean, athletic build with an upright posture and strong flight ability. Mature roosters typically weigh around 5 pounds and hens around 4 pounds, with pullets and cockerels slightly smaller.

Egg Production and Broodiness

This breed is considered a poor layer, producing approximately 120 small to medium cream or tinted eggs per year. However, hens are dependable setters and are well suited for brooding, hatching, and raising chicks. This makes them a useful choice for those maintaining a naturally reproducing flock. Fertility typically ranges from 40–55%, with a recommended mating ratio of approximately six females to one male.

Temperament and Backyard Suitability

The Crele Standard Old English is active and flighty, with strong natural instincts and awareness. The breed is known for its gameness, and males can be territorial, requiring separation to prevent aggression. Hens are more manageable and valued for their brooding ability. These birds perform best in free-range environments, where their agility and alertness help them evade predators. They prefer higher roosting areas, typically 4 feet or more.

Production Positioning and Exhibition Use

This breed is best positioned as a heritage, free-range, and exhibition bird rather than a production layer. While they do produce eggs, their primary value lies in their durability, longevity, and natural reproductive ability. They are well suited for poultry shows in the “Other Standard Breeds” Game Class and are especially appealing to those focused on preserving traditional Old English Game lines.

Breeding Note / Color Note

The crele pattern combines barring with red/gold coloration, which can vary in intensity and clarity. Selective breeding should focus on maintaining consistent barring, balanced color distribution, and proper body structure while preserving the breed’s natural vigor.

Related Resources

NOTE: The Old English are photographed with comb, ear lobes, and wattles dubbed (cut off). Entering a poultry show with non-dubbed males of the Old English breed is a disqualification. You can check your local or state poultry association/clubs for upcoming shows and check out your state fair poultry show dates. You would compete for ribbons with other breeds that are listed in the class “All other Standard Breeds.”

Many people who like this breed of chicken also like the miniature version of the breed (bantam), the Crele Old English Game Bantam Chicken https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/crele-old-english-game-bantam/
Also may like Standard Old English Surplus. https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/standard-old-english-surplus/

FAQ

Are Crele Old English roosters aggressive?
Yes, males can be territorial and should be housed separately.

Are the hens good for hatching eggs?
Yes, hens are reliable setters and make excellent mothers.

Do Crele Old English chickens do well free ranging?
Yes, they are highly suited for free-range environments and are good at avoiding predators.

How many eggs do they lay per year?
They lay around 120 eggs annually, which is considered low production.

Are Crele Old English chickens good for showing?
Yes, they are APA recognized and suitable for exhibition in the Game Class.