Description

Black Breasted Red Standard Old English Game Chicken

Breed History and Origin

The Black Breasted Red Standard Old English is one of the most recognizable and widely known Old English Game varieties. Originating from traditional European game fowl lines, this breed has been preserved for centuries for its hardiness, natural instincts, and classic appearance. It is recognized by the American Standard of Perfection 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, focusing on maintaining vigor, structure, and breed consistency.

Appearance and Breed Characteristics

This variety is best known for its striking contrast in coloration. It features a bright red head and hackles, a glossy black breast, and long, flowing tail feathers. The pearl-white legs add another defining characteristic to its overall appearance. Like all Old English Game birds, it has a lean, athletic build with an upright stance and strong flight ability. Mature roosters typically weigh around 5 pounds and hens around 4 pounds, with pullets and cockerels slightly smaller. Its clean, traditional look makes it one of the most popular varieties for exhibition.

Egg Production and Broodiness

The Black Breasted Red Standard Old English 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. This makes them useful for maintaining a naturally reproducing flock. Fertility typically ranges from 40–55%, with a recommended mating ratio of approximately six females to one male.

Temperament and Backyard Suitability

This breed is active and flighty, with strong natural instincts and awareness. They are known for their gameness, and males can be territorial, requiring separation to prevent aggression. Hens are generally more manageable and are valued for their brooding ability. These birds do especially well in free-range environments, where their agility and alertness help them evade predators better than heavier breeds. They prefer higher roosting areas, typically 4 feet or more.

Production Positioning and Exhibition Use

The Black Breasted Red Standard Old English 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 classic appearance. They are a strong choice for poultry shows in the “All Other Standard Breeds” Game Class and are often selected by breeders looking to maintain traditional Old English Game lines.

Breeding Note / Color Note

Maintaining the clean separation between the red hackles and black breast is essential for exhibition-quality birds. Selection should also focus on strong tail carriage, proper leg color, and overall balance.

Related Resources

NOTE: The Old English is photographed with a 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.”

Many people who like this breed of chicken also like the miniature version of the breed (bantam), the Black Breasted Red Old English Game Bantam Chicken https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/black-breasted-red-standard-old-english-chicks/
You may also like Standard Old English Surplus. https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/standard-old-english-surplus/

FAQ

Are Black Breasted 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 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 Red Old English chickens good for showing?
Yes, they are APA recognized and widely used in exhibition.