Description

Brown Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English Game Chicken

Breed History and Origin

Cackle Hatchery® offers the Brown Breasted Brown Red 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 types in existence, tracing back to early European game fowl and jungle fowl ancestry. The Brown Red variety is recognized by the American Standard of Perfection (1938) 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 Brown Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English is notable for its rich, dark feathering with brown-red highlights, giving it a deeper, more subdued appearance compared to brighter varieties. It features black leg color, a straight comb, and a medium to high station, meaning it carries itself in a taller, upright 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 practical 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 Brown 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 do 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 “Other Standard Breeds” Game Class, especially for those interested in preserving traditional Old English Game bloodlines.

Breeding Note / Color Note

Maintaining the deep brown-red coloration with proper contrast in the breast and body is important for exhibition quality. Selection should also focus on preserving correct station, leg color, and the breed’s natural 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.”

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FAQ

Are 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 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 Brown Red Old English chickens good for showing?
Yes, the Brown Red variety is APA recognized and suitable for exhibition in the Game Class.