Description

Black Breasted Red Old English Bantam Chicken

Breed History and Origin

The Black Breasted Red Old English Bantam Chicken is a miniature version of the Old English Game chicken and traces its origins back to Europe. It represents one of the oldest and most recognizable game bantam types, valued for its alert carriage, compact size, and traditional game bird appearance.

The Black Breasted Red Old English Bantam was recognized by the American Standard of Perfection in 1925 within the Game Bantam class. Cackle Hatchery® Poultry Breeding Farm has been developing its bloodline of pure Black Breasted Red Old English Game Bantams since 1993, with attention to type, color, vigor, and overall breed quality.

Appearance and Breed Characteristics

Black Breasted Red Old English Bantams are admired for their striking red and black feathering. Roosters show the classic black-breasted red pattern with rich red tones across the hackle, saddle, and wing areas, contrasted by a dark breast and tail. Hens carry a more subtle but attractive color pattern that still reflects the traditional Black Breasted Red variety.

They have a compact body, refined features, upright posture, and an alert stance. Mature hens typically weigh about 22 ounces, while mature roosters average around 24 ounces. Pullets generally weigh about 20 ounces, and cockerels average around 22 ounces.

Their small size, confident carriage, and traditional game bantam structure make them a popular choice for exhibition poultry enthusiasts.

Egg Production and Performance

Black Breasted Red Old English Bantam hens lay small cream or lightly tinted bantam-sized eggs. Egg production is considered poor compared to production breeds, so customers should not choose this variety for egg volume.

Instead, this bantam is best valued for its ornamental beauty, exhibition quality, active personality, and historic game bantam type.

Temperament and Flock Suitability

Black Breasted Red Old English Bantams are active, alert, and spirited, which is typical of game bantam breeds. They are manageable with regular handling, but they are more energetic than many calm backyard bantams.

This breed is best suited for poultry keepers who enjoy active birds and understand the needs of game bantams. Hens are considered setters and may go broody, which can make them useful for natural hatching.

Fertility percentages generally range between 40–55%, with a recommended mating ratio of approximately nine females to one male. Black Breasted Red Old English Bantams typically prefer roost heights of 3 feet or higher.

Exhibition and Breed Use

The Black Breasted Red Old English Bantam is primarily an ornamental and exhibition breed. It is prized for its traditional game bird look, vibrant red and black coloring, compact size, and confident posture.

They are a good fit for customers who want:

An exhibition bantam
A classic Old English Game Bantam variety
A small ornamental chicken
A spirited and active bird
A traditional Black Breasted Red color pattern
A bantam with historic game breed appeal
A hen that may go broody

They can also be kept as pets by experienced poultry keepers who enjoy active, alert bantams.

We also offer Black Breasted Red Old English Bantam Fertile Hatching Eggs.

Customers who enjoy Old English Bantams may also like the Old English Bantam Surplus Special.

Black Breasted Red Old English Bantam Chicken FAQs

What color eggs do Black Breasted Red Old English Bantams lay?
Black Breasted Red Old English Bantams lay small cream or lightly tinted bantam-sized eggs.

Are Black Breasted Red Old English Bantams good egg layers?
No. Egg production is considered poor. They are primarily valued as ornamental and exhibition bantams.

Are Black Breasted Red Old English Bantams docile?
They are manageable, but they are more active and spirited than many typical backyard bantam breeds.

Do Black Breasted Red Old English Bantams go broody?
Yes. Hens are considered setters and may go broody to hatch eggs.

How much do Black Breasted Red Old English Bantams weigh?
Mature hens typically weigh about 22 ounces, while mature roosters average around 24 ounces.

Are Black Breasted Red Old English Bantams good for showing?
Yes. Their traditional game bird appearance, compact body, upright stance, and vibrant coloring make them popular for exhibition.

What class are Black Breasted Red Old English Bantams in?
They are recognized within the Game Bantam class.

When were Black Breasted Red Old English Bantams recognized by the American Standard of Perfection?
The Black Breasted Red Old English Bantam was recognized in 1925.

What roost height is best for Black Breasted Red Old English Bantams?
They typically prefer roost heights of 3 feet or higher.

Are Black Breasted Red Old English Bantams good for beginners?
They can be kept by beginners who are prepared for an active, spirited bantam, but they are often best suited for poultry keepers familiar with game bantam behavior.