Description

Blue Standard Old English Game Chicken

Breed History and Origin

If you’ve been looking for a hardy and traditional Old English game fowl, the Blue Standard Old English is a strong choice developed over decades at Cackle Hatchery®. The Old English Game is one of the oldest chicken breeds in existence, tracing back to early European game fowl with deep historical roots. While the Blue variety is not APA recognized, it 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 Blue Standard Old English is known for its slate-blue feathering, which can range from lighter blue to darker tones depending on genetics. This variety features black-slate colored legs, a straight comb, and a medium to high station, giving it the upright, alert posture typical of game fowl. Like other Old English Game birds, it has a lean, athletic build with strong flight ability and natural agility. 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 useful 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 Blue 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 especially well in free-range environments, where their agility and alertness help them evade predators. A flock setup of one male to approximately ten hens is often effective in these conditions. 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, particularly for those interested in preserving traditional Old English Game lines.

Breeding Note / Color Note

Blue coloration does not breed true. Breeding blue to blue will typically produce a mix of blue, black, and splash offspring. Maintaining consistent color tone along with proper structure requires careful selection.

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.”

NOTE: About Breeding Blue https://www.cacklehatchery.com/guarantees-policies/#breedingblue

Many people who like this breed of chicken also like the miniature version of the breed (bantam), the Blue Old English Game Bantam Chicken. https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/blue-old-english-game-bantam/
Also may like Standard Old English Surplus. https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/standard-old-english-surplus/

FAQ

Do Blue Old English chickens breed true to color?
No, breeding blue birds can produce blue, black, and splash offspring.

Are Blue 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 Blue Old English chickens do well free ranging?
Yes, they are highly suited for free-range environments and are good at avoiding predators.

Are Blue Old English chickens good for beginners?
They are better suited for experienced keepers due to their active and flighty nature.