Description
Black Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English Game Chicken
Breed Overview and Origin
The Black Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English Game Chicken is a standard-size Old English Game variety known for its brown-red coloring, black breast, black leg color, straight comb, medium-to-high station, hardy genetics, and active heritage character. If you want a traditional game fowl with strong natural instincts, broody hens, and exhibition appeal, this variety can be a rewarding choice for experienced poultry keepers.
Old English Game chickens are among the oldest traditional chicken breed types. The Livestock Conservancy notes that Old English Game chickens descend from ancient game fowl and have changed very little in shape and appearance over many centuries. Today, most customers raise Standard Old English Game for exhibition, preservation, ornamental value, natural broodiness, and small-flock interest rather than heavy egg production or meat.
Cackle Hatchery® lists the Black Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English as part of its Standard Old English Game lineup. Cackle’s related Standard Old English breed facts identify the group as active or flighty, setter hens, sustainable heritage chickens, and part of a bloodline Cackle Hatchery® Poultry Breeding Farm has developed since 1974.
Because this is a game fowl variety, customers should understand the temperament before ordering. These birds stay active, alert, and spirited. Therefore, Black Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English works best for keepers who can provide secure housing, enough space, and separate pens for mature males when needed.
Appearance and Characteristics
Black Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English chickens have brown-red coloring, a darker black breast, black legs, a straight comb, and a medium-to-high station. That upright station gives them a sharp, alert look that stands out in heritage flocks and exhibition pens.
Like other Standard Old English Game chickens, this variety has an athletic frame, active movement, and traditional game fowl type. These birds look leaner and more agile than heavy dual-purpose chickens. As a result, they appeal to customers who appreciate old-style poultry character, natural hardiness, and strong flock instincts.
Related Cackle Standard Old English breed facts commonly list mature weights around 4 pounds for hens, 5 pounds for roosters, 3½ pounds for pullets, and 4 pounds for cockerels. Many Standard Old English varieties also prefer higher roosts, often around 4 feet or higher, because of their active nature.
Temperament and Flock Management
Black Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English Game chickens are active, hardy, and naturally alert. Their energy and awareness can make them a good fit for carefully managed outdoor flocks. However, no chicken is predator-proof, so customers should still provide secure nighttime housing and predator-resistant fencing.
The hens may make excellent brooding mothers. In fact, Old English Game hens are often valued for natural setting instincts, which means they may sit, hatch, and raise chicks when conditions are right.
Males, however, need responsible management because of the breed’s game fowl background. For that reason, avoid overcrowding and do not plan to keep multiple mature males together in a small area. Instead, provide 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 want broody hens
- Free-range flocks with predator-aware birds
- Flocks focused on preservation, beauty, and breed type
However, customers who want a calm family pet, a high-production egg layer, or a rooster that easily lives with other males may prefer a more docile breed. Overall, Black Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English Game chickens fit best with keepers who understand active heritage game fowl and can manage them responsibly.
Egg Production and Broodiness
Black Breasted Brown 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. Standard Old English Game chickens are typically kept for exhibition, preservation, broodiness, free-range ability, and ornamental value.
Even so, the hens can offer real value through natural brooding behavior. A broody Black Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English hen may sit on eggs, hatch chicks, and raise young birds when conditions are right.
Because broodiness can vary by individual hen, age, season, and flock setup, customers should not expect every hen to set. Nevertheless, this variety can be a good choice for keepers who value traditional hens with strong natural instincts.
Free-Range Ability and Hardiness
Black Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English Game chickens can be a strong choice for customers who want an active heritage flock with good outdoor instincts. Their alert nature, quick movement, and athletic build may help them avoid trouble better than many slower, heavier poultry breeds.
Even so, customers should still manage them carefully. A secure coop, dependable nighttime routine, and predator-resistant run or fencing help protect the flock from common threats.
For best results, provide:
- Secure nighttime housing
- Predator-resistant fencing
- Enough ranging space
- Good roosting options
- Separate pens for mature males when needed
- Clean water and balanced feed
- Shade during hot weather
- Dry shelter during wet weather
With proper management, this breed can offer long-lived hardiness and strong natural behavior for customers who prefer active heritage poultry over modern high-production birds.
Black Breasted Brown Red vs Other Old English Game Varieties
Black Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English chickens share the same general Standard Old English Game character as other varieties. The main differences are feather color, leg color, station, show preference, and customer goals.
For customers who want a standard-size game fowl with brown-red coloring, a black breast, black legs, a straight comb, medium-to-high station, active temperament, broody hens, and heritage appeal, Black Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English Game is the best fit.
If you want a related brown-red variety, compare Brown Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English chickens.
For customers who like the miniature version of this color family, Brown Red Old English Game Bantam chickens may be a better match.
If you prefer a more classic red-and-black pattern, review Black Breasted Red Standard Old English chickens.
Meanwhile, the Standard Old English Surplus Special can be a good option if you like Standard Old English Game but do not need one exact variety.
For a broader comparison, customers can browse Standard Old English Game for Sale, which includes multiple Standard Old English varieties and related ordering information.
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. Cackle Hatchery® 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, Standard Old English Game chickens compete with other breeds listed in the All Other Standard Breeds class. Even if you do not plan to show, this note still matters because many Old English Game product photos may show dubbed males.
Is the Black Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English Game Chicken Right for Your Flock?
Choose Black Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English Game chickens if you want:
- A standard-size Old English Game variety
- Brown-red coloring with a black breast
- Black leg color
- A straight comb
- Medium-to-high station
- Active, alert heritage poultry
- Hens with broody setting potential
- A free-range flock with strong instincts
- A bird for exhibition or breed preservation
- A genetically 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, Black Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English Game chickens fit best with customers who understand game fowl temperament and want a distinctive, hardy, active breed.
Care and Housing Tips
Black Breasted Brown 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
In addition, customers who plan to free range should train birds to return to secure housing at night. This step matters because active birds may range farther than heavier backyard breeds.
Recognition and Availability
Cackle Hatchery® lists Black Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English as baby chicks only, with no sexing available and a minimum of 3 not-sexed chicks. Cackle also lists seasonal shipping from early February through mid-August.
Cackle identifies related Standard Old English Game varieties as sustainable heritage chicken breeds and notes that Cackle Hatchery® Poultry Breeding Farm has developed its Old English Game Standard Chicken 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.
For customers comparing several varieties, Cackle’s Standard Old English Game for Sale category is the best place to browse related options.
Related Breeds and Helpful Cackle Hatchery® Resources
Customers who like Black Breasted Brown 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:
FAQ: Black Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English Game Chicken
What is a Black Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English Game Chicken?
A Black Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English Game Chicken is a standard-size Old English Game variety with brown-red coloring, a black breast, black legs, a straight comb, medium-to-high station, active temperament, and traditional heritage game fowl character.
Are Black Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English Game chickens good pets?
They are not usually the best choice for customers who want a calm pet chicken. These birds stay active and spirited, and males may become territorial. However, experienced keepers may enjoy them for exhibition, preservation, broody hens, free-range flocks, and heritage poultry projects.
Are Black Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English roosters aggressive?
Males can be territorial, especially with other males. Therefore, customers should plan separate housing for mature roosters when needed.
Can I keep multiple males together?
Small flock setups usually do not work well for multiple mature males. To reduce fighting, stress, and injury, give mature males separate housing.
Are the hens good mothers?
Yes, hens may make good brooding mothers. Old English Game hens are often valued for their natural broody instincts and may sit, hatch, and raise chicks when conditions are right.
What color eggs do Black Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English hens lay?
Hens may lay cream or tinted eggs. Standard Old English Game chickens are not usually chosen for heavy egg production, but hens can still provide small to medium eggs depending on the individual bird.
Are Black Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English Game chickens good egg layers?
No. Customers should choose this breed mainly for exhibition, preservation, broodiness, free-range ability, and ornamental value rather than high egg production.
What do Black Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English Game chickens look like?
They have brown-red coloring, a black breast, black legs, a straight comb, and a medium-to-high station. Their upright build and active movement give them a classic Standard Old English Game appearance.
Are Black Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English Game chickens good for free range?
Yes, they can work well in a properly managed free-range flock. Their alert nature and agility may help them avoid trouble better than many heavier breeds, although no chicken is predator-proof.
Are Black Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English Game chickens good for beginners?
They are better for experienced keepers or beginners who have researched game fowl management. Before ordering, customers should prepare secure fencing, enough space, and separate pens for males.
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. Because many Old English Game show birds appear dubbed, exhibitors should check poultry show rules before competition.
Do Old English Game males have to be dubbed for shows?
Cackle Hatchery® notes that entering a poultry show with non-dubbed Old English males is a disqualification. Even so, customers should 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?
Standard Old English Game chickens compete with other breeds listed in the All Other Standard Breeds class.
Are Black Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English chicks sexed?
No. Cackle Hatchery® lists Black Breasted Brown 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 chicks for Black Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English.
What is the difference between Black Breasted Brown Red and Brown Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English?
Both are Standard Old English Game varieties in the brown-red color family. Black Breasted Brown Red has a darker black breast, while Brown Breasted Brown Red has a different breast color expression. Customers who want to compare both should review each product page before ordering.
Does Cackle Hatchery® offer a Standard Old English assortment?
Yes. Cackle Hatchery® offers the Standard Old English Surplus Special, which includes straight-run Old English Standard Game Fowl with two or more varieties guaranteed.
Does Cackle Hatchery® offer other Standard Old English Game varieties?
Yes. Cackle Hatchery® offers multiple Standard Old English Game varieties, including Black Breasted Brown Red, Brown Breasted Brown Red, Birchen, White, Black, Black Breasted Red, Blue, Crele, Cuckoo, Ginger Red, Gold Duckwing, Red Pyle, Splash, Spangled, Silver Duckwing, and surplus specials.
Where can I check Black Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English availability?
Customers can check Cackle Hatchery’s Chicken Availability Chart for current hatch and shipping timing. Since availability can change during the season, checking the chart helps customers plan ahead.
canieldonrad –
About 10 years ago I ordered surplus old english because I wanted to learn how to dub games. I had a very good experience with those even though I did not keep them long term. My wife ordered 4 Brown Red for me this Summer after I expressed wanting some large fowl old english. Cackle sent 6 chicks. Very pleased with the vigor and activity level of these chicks. I look forward to watching them grow and can’t wait to enjoy these for a long time.
postwill –
Noticed a typo in my prior review. I received 16 cockerels, not 13: sorry.
postwill –
I ordered 35 Old English Games: 15 Black Breasted Brown Reds, 10 Blacks & 10 silver Duck Wings.. I receives a total of 40 chicks. One Silver Duck Wing dies in transit but that still left me with the 10 I ordered. That was my only loss.
The chicks have grown well & I was able to move them out of the brooders recently & was able to sex them. I can’t complain at all. Of my 39 birds I have 23 pullets & 13 cockerels. The Duck Wings were especially successful I have 7 pullets & 3 cockerels in them.
I am an American Poultry Association General Licensed Judge & I have seen Cackle Games in several shows I have judges & have always been impressed with them That prompted my order. Games are a favorite of mine. Other Judges are only too happy to let me judge the AOSB class, always.
I have had some nice games in the past & am anxious to see how these develop & do in shows. So far they look great!
West’s –
Nice colors stands well
Nice colors looks like a sunset, stands well, nice combs.
Cackle Hatchery Team –
Not Sexed
Oh so sorry. Unfortunately, we don’t sex this breed and our shippers do have any idea of the sex of the bird when they put them in the box to ship.
Hippychick –
Too many Roosters
I was only supposed to get maybe one Rooster at the most but I think I got all Roosters.
Larry December 2015 –
Cackle Hatchery
Liked your youtube videos!