Description

Ginger Red Standard Old English Game Chicken

Breed Overview and Origin

The Ginger Red Standard Old English Game Chicken is a standard-size Old English Game variety known for its ginger-red feathering, green legs, single comb, active temperament, and traditional game fowl character. If you want a heritage-style chicken with strong natural instincts, long-lived hardiness, and exhibition appeal, this variety can be a rewarding choice for experienced poultry keepers.

Old English Game chickens are among the oldest chicken breed types in the world. Today, customers usually raise Standard Old English Game for exhibition, preservation, ornamental value, and small-flock interest rather than high egg production or meat. Cackle Hatchery® lists Ginger Red Standard Old English in the All Other Standard Breeds, Game Class, with active or flighty temperament, cream or tinted eggs, poor egg production, and setter hens. Cackle also notes that its Standard Old English Game bloodline has been developed since 1974.

Because this is a game fowl variety, customers should understand the temperament before ordering. These birds are spirited, alert, and active. Therefore, Ginger Red Standard Old English works best for keepers who can provide secure housing, enough space, and separate pens for mature males when needed.

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Appearance and Characteristics

Ginger Red Standard Old English chickens have warm ginger-red coloring, a single comb, and green legs. Their bright color and upright build give them a classic Old English Game appearance that looks sharp in heritage flocks and exhibition pens.

Like other Standard Old English Game varieties, these birds have an athletic frame, alert expression, and active movement. They look leaner and more agile than heavy dual-purpose breeds. As a result, they appeal to customers who appreciate traditional game fowl type, long-lived hardiness, and old-style poultry character.

Cackle Hatchery® lists mature Ginger Red Standard Old English weights at about 4 pounds for hens, 5 pounds for roosters, 3½ pounds for pullets, and 4 pounds for cockerels. The listing also notes a roost height preference of 4 feet or higher, which fits the breed’s active nature.

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Temperament and Flock Management

Ginger Red Standard Old English Game chickens are active, spirited, and hardy. Hens may be useful in a breeding flock, especially because Cackle lists them as setters. However, mature males require responsible management due to the breed’s game fowl background.

For that reason, avoid overcrowding and do not plan to keep multiple mature males together in a small space. Instead, give each breeding group enough room, use secure fencing, and watch flock behavior closely during breeding season.

This variety can work well for:

• Experienced poultry keepers
• Standard Old English Game enthusiasts
• Exhibition poultry projects
• Heritage-style breeding flocks
• Customers who can provide separate pens
• Keepers who appreciate active, hardy birds
• Flocks focused on preservation, beauty, and breed type

However, customers who want a calm family pet, a high-production layer, or a rooster that easily lives with other males may prefer a more docile breed. Overall, Ginger Red Standard Old English Game chickens fit best with keepers who understand active heritage game fowl and can manage them responsibly.

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Egg Production and Broodiness

Ginger Red Standard Old English hens may lay small to medium cream or tinted eggs. However, customers should not choose this breed mainly for egg production. Cackle Hatchery® lists egg production as poor, at about 120 eggs per year.

Even so, the hens can offer value through natural brooding behavior. Cackle lists Ginger Red Standard Old English hens as setters, which means hens may sit, hatch, and raise chicks when conditions are right.

Because broodiness can vary by individual hen, season, age, and flock setup, customers should not expect every hen to set. Nevertheless, this variety can be a good option for keepers who value traditional hens with strong natural instincts.

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Ginger Red Standard Old English vs Other Old English Game Varieties

Ginger Red Standard Old English chickens share the same general Standard Old English Game character as other varieties. The main difference is feather color and customer preference.

Choose Ginger Red Standard Old English Game if you want a standard-size game fowl with ginger-red coloring, green legs, active temperament, setter hens, and heritage appeal.

Choose Gold Duckwing Standard Old English chickens if you prefer gold and black feathering with pearl-colored legs.

Choose Red Pyle Standard Old English chickens if you prefer red and white coloring with pearl-colored legs.

Choose Spangled Standard Old English chickens if you prefer a colorful spangled pattern with the same active Standard Old English Game character.

Choose the Standard Old English Surplus Special if you like Standard Old English Game but do not need one exact variety. Cackle describes this special as straight run, with two or more varieties guaranteed.

Choose Ginger Red Old English Game Bantam chickens if you like Ginger Red coloring but want the miniature version. Cackle lists the bantam version in the Game Bantams class, with active temperament, setter hens, cream or tinted bantam-sized eggs, and APA recognition in 1982.

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Important Show Note About Dubbing

Some Old English Game fowl photos show birds with the comb, ear lobes, and wattles dubbed, meaning those parts have been cut off. The original Cackle Hatchery® description notes that entering a poultry show with non-dubbed Old English males is a disqualification.

For that reason, customers who plan to show males should check local poultry clubs, state poultry associations, and state fair poultry show rules before competing. Requirements can vary by event, and exhibitors should understand the rules before preparing birds.

In the show ring, Cackle Hatchery® lists Standard Old English Game in the All Other Standard Breeds, Game Class. Even if you do not plan to show, this note still matters because many Old English Game product photos may show dubbed males.

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A Note on Old English Game History

Old English Game chickens have a long and complicated history tied to old sporting fowl. The original Cackle Hatchery® description notes that game fowl appear in historical references from Roman times, England during King Henry VIII’s era, and American history.

Today, customers should view Standard Old English Game as exhibition, preservation, and heritage poultry. Their value comes from breed type, natural hardiness, active temperament, and historic character rather than any modern sporting use.

Cackle Hatchery® also notes that Jeff Smith developed and improved the 18 Standard Old English Game varieties Cackle offers, with more than 38 years of development. In addition, the original description states that 9 varieties are currently admitted into the American Standard of Perfection.

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Is the Ginger Red Standard Old English Game Chicken Right for Your Flock?

Choose Ginger Red Standard Old English Game chickens if you want:

• A standard-size Old English Game variety
• Ginger-red feathering
• Green leg color
• A single-comb game fowl type
• Active, alert heritage poultry
• Hens with broody setting potential
• A bird for exhibition or breed preservation
• A larger version of Ginger Red Old English Game Bantams
• A hardy chicken with long-lived potential

However, consider another breed if you want a quiet pet chicken, a high egg producer, or a rooster that can easily live with other males. In short, Ginger Red Standard Old English Game chickens fit best with customers who understand game fowl temperament and want a colorful, hardy, active breed.

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Care and Housing Tips

Ginger Red Standard Old English Game chickens need secure housing, enough space, and thoughtful flock management. Since males can become territorial, pen planning matters more with this breed than with many docile backyard breeds.

For best results, provide:

• Secure fencing or covered runs
• Separate housing for mature males when needed
• Predator protection
• Dry bedding and good ventilation
• Higher roosting options when safe
• Enough space to reduce stress
• A practical breeding ratio
• Close observation during breeding season

Cackle lists the mating ratio for Ginger Red Standard Old English as 6 females to 1 male, with a fertility percentage of 40% to 55%. While individual flock results can vary, these breed facts can help customers plan breeding pens more realistically.

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Recognition and Availability

Cackle Hatchery® lists Ginger Red Standard Old English as baby chicks only, with no sexing available, a minimum of 3 not-sexed chicks, and seasonal shipping from early February through mid-August.

Cackle’s breed facts list Ginger Red Standard Old English as a European-origin sustainable heritage chicken breed on The Livestock Conservancy watch status. The same listing identifies Cackle Hatchery® Poultry Breeding Farm as the breeder farm source and notes that Cackle has developed its Standard Old English Game bloodline since 1974.

Since hatch dates and shipping windows can change during the season, customers should check Cackle Hatchery’s Chicken Availability Chart before ordering.

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Related Breeds and Helpful Cackle Hatchery® Resources

Customers who like Ginger Red Standard Old English Game may also enjoy other Standard Old English Game varieties, Old English Game Bantams, and Cackle’s comparison tools.

Helpful Cackle Hatchery® links for this product page include:

• Standard Old English Game for Sale
• Ginger Red Old English Game Bantam chickens
• Standard Old English Surplus Special
• Gold Duckwing Standard Old English chickens
• Red Pyle Standard Old English chickens
• Splash Standard Old English chickens
• Spangled Standard Old English chickens
• Blue Standard Old English chickens
• Silver Duckwing Standard Old English chickens
• Old English Game Bantam Baby Chick Special
• Baby chicks for sale
• Chicken Breed Selector
• Chicken Breeds List Comparison Chart
• Chicken Availability Chart

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FAQ: Ginger Red Standard Old English Game Chicken

What is a Ginger Red Standard Old English Game Chicken?

A Ginger Red Standard Old English Game Chicken is a standard-size Old English Game variety with ginger-red coloring, green legs, a single comb, active temperament, and traditional heritage game fowl character.

Are Ginger Red Standard Old English Game chickens good pets?

They are not usually the best choice for customers who want a calm pet chicken. They are active, spirited birds, and males may become territorial. However, experienced keepers may enjoy them for exhibition, preservation, and heritage flock projects.

Are Ginger Red Standard Old English roosters aggressive?

Males can be territorial, especially with other males. For that reason, customers should plan separate housing for mature roosters when needed.

Can I keep multiple males together?

It is not recommended in small flock setups. Mature males usually need separate housing to reduce fighting, stress, and injury.

Are the hens good mothers?

Yes, hens may make good brooding mothers. Cackle lists Ginger Red Standard Old English hens as setters, which means they may sit, hatch, and raise chicks.

What color eggs do Ginger Red Standard Old English hens lay?

Hens may lay cream or tinted eggs. Cackle lists the egg size as small to medium.

Are Ginger Red Standard Old English Game chickens good egg layers?

No. Cackle lists egg production as poor, around 120 eggs per year. Customers should choose this breed mainly for exhibition, preservation, broodiness, and ornamental value.

What do Ginger Red Standard Old English Game chickens look like?

They have ginger-red feathering, a single comb, green legs, and an upright game fowl build. Their active movement and bold color give them a classic Standard Old English appearance.

Are Ginger Red Standard Old English Game chickens good for beginners?

They are better for experienced keepers or beginners who have researched game fowl management. Customers should prepare secure fencing, enough space, and separate pens for males before ordering.

Are they good for poultry shows?

Yes. Standard Old English Game varieties have strong exhibition appeal. However, customers who plan to show males should check show rules before preparing birds.

What does “dubbed” mean on Old English Game chickens?

Dubbing means the comb, ear lobes, and wattles have been cut off. Many Old English Game show birds are shown dubbed, so exhibitors should check poultry show rules before competition.

Do Old English Game males have to be dubbed for shows?

The original Cackle Hatchery® description notes that entering a poultry show with non-dubbed Old English males is a disqualification. Customers should still confirm current rules with their local poultry association, state fair, or show superintendent before entering birds.

What show class do Standard Old English Game chickens compete in?

Cackle Hatchery® lists Ginger Red Standard Old English in the All Other Standard Breeds, Game Class.

How big do Ginger Red Standard Old English chickens get?

Cackle lists hens at about 4 pounds and roosters at about 5 pounds. Pullets are listed around 3½ pounds, while cockerels are listed around 4 pounds.

Are Ginger Red Standard Old English chicks sexed?

No. Cackle Hatchery® lists Ginger Red Standard Old English as baby chicks only with no sexing available.

What is the minimum order?

Cackle Hatchery® lists a minimum of 3 not-sexed birds for this variety.

What is the difference between Ginger Red Standard Old English and Ginger Red Old English Game Bantam?

Ginger Red Standard Old English chickens are the standard-size version. Ginger Red Old English Game Bantam chickens are the miniature version with similar color and Old English Game character. Cackle lists the bantam variety in the Game Bantams class.

Does Cackle Hatchery® offer other Standard Old English Game varieties?

Yes. Cackle Hatchery® offers multiple Standard Old English Game varieties, including Ginger Red, Gold Duckwing, Red Pyle, Splash, Spangled, Blue, Silver Duckwing, and surplus specials.

Where can I check Ginger Red Standard Old English availability?

Customers can check Cackle Hatchery’s Chicken Availability Chart for current hatch and shipping timing. Availability can change during the season, so checking the chart helps customers plan ahead.