Description

Black Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English Game Chicken

Breed History and Origin

Cackle Hatchery® offers the Black Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English, one of 18 varieties of Standard Old English game fowl developed over decades of selective breeding. The Old English Game is one of the oldest chicken breeds in existence, originating from traditional European game fowl known for their hardiness, longevity, and natural instincts.

This variety is not APA recognized but is shown in the “All Other Standard Breeds” Game Class 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 Black Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English is known for its darker, more muted coloration compared to brighter Old English varieties. It features a black breast with brown-red tones throughout the body, creating a layered, natural look. This variety also has black leg color, a straight comb, and a medium to high station, giving it the upright, alert posture typical of game fowl.

Like all Old English Game birds, it has a lean, athletic build with 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 naturally. This makes them a strong choice for maintaining a self-sustaining flock.

Fertility typically ranges from 40–55%, with a recommended mating ratio of approximately six females to one male.

Temperament and Backyard Suitability

The Black Breasted Brown Red 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 are 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 suitable for poultry shows under the “All Other Standard Breeds” Game Class and are a good choice for those focused on preserving traditional Old English Game lines.

Breeding Note / Color Note

Maintaining proper contrast between the darker breast and brown-red body tones is important for visual quality. Selection should also prioritize correct leg color, structure, and overall 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.”

Also may like Standard Old English Surplus. https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/standard-old-english-surplus/

FAQ

Are Black Breasted Brown Red 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 excellent mothers.

Do Black Breasted Brown Red 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 Black Breasted Brown Red Old English chickens good for beginners?
They are better suited for keepers with some experience due to their active and flighty nature.