Standard Old English Game chickens are among the oldest breeds of fowl. They are noted for their courage and indomitable spirit. An Old English Game male is extremely territorial and will defend his ground against other invading roosters. For this reason, separate males after they reach six months of age.
Roosters of most any breed will fight, but Old English Game roosters differ in not giving up. Their significance in Roman culture and mythology is reflected by fighting rooster engravings on Old Roman coins. In 16th-century England, when cockfighting became a national sport, King Henry VIII established the “Royal Cockpit” at Whitehall Palace in Westminister. Abraham Lincoln supposedly acquired his nickname “Honest Abe” as a sporting judge for his ability to referee cockfights for fairness. And, to reflect their fighting spirit, sports teams at the University of South Carolina are called the “Gamecocks” and have a Gamecock mascot.
Bloodlines of the standard Old English Game fowl have been used throughout history for hardiness, vigor, foraging ability, and overall toughness in developing many of today’s breeds of poultry. The Rhode Island Red, for example includes standard Old English Game bloodlines for vigor. The Buckeye was developed with Old English Game bloodlines for hardiness in cold weather. And the Cubalaya incorporates Old English Games bloodlines for alterness and tolerance to hot weather.
Jeff Smith of Cackle Hatchery® spent more than 52 years developing and improving on the 18 color varieties offered for sale here. At this time, 9 of them have been admitted into the American Standard of Perfection.
The standard Old English Game chicken breed is an excellent choice for someone looking for a free range flock of poultry. The suggested male to female ratio is one rooster and 10 hens.
All varieties of Standard Old English Game chickens hatch and ship from February through September. You can place your order as early as November. For more information check our
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NOTE: Some of our photographs depict Old English Game fowl 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. Check your local or state poultry association and related clubs for upcoming shows, and check out your state fair poultry show dates. This breed competes for ribbons with other breeds listed in the class “All Other Standard Breeds — Games.”
