Description

Brown Red Old English Bantam Chicken

Breed History and Origin

Have you been searching for a beautiful bantam chicken to be a pet or a show bird? At Cackle Hatchery®, we offer the Brown Red Old English Bantam, a classic variety developed from traditional European game fowl. This breed has been refined into a true bantam for exhibition and was recognized by the American Standard of Perfection in 1960. Known for its long-standing presence in poultry shows, it remains a reliable choice for exhibitors. Cackle Hatchery® has been developing its own bloodline or strain of Brown Red Old English Game Bantams since 1982, focusing on maintaining consistent type, color, and overall quality.

Appearance and Breed Characteristics

The Brown Red Old English Bantam is known for its rich and contrasting coloration, typically featuring deep red and brown tones over the body with darker black accents, creating a sharp and defined appearance. Like other Old English Game Bantams, it has a proud, upright posture with tight feathering and a well-balanced frame. As part of the Game Bantam class, it is bred for symmetry, alertness, and refined structure. Mature roosters typically weigh around 24 ounces and hens around 22 ounces, with pullets and cockerels slightly smaller. Their compact size and clean feather lines make them especially attractive in exhibition settings.

Egg Production and Broodiness

This breed is not intended for egg production and is considered a poor layer. Hens lay small cream or tinted bantam-sized eggs in limited quantities. However, they are known to be setters, meaning hens will go broody and can hatch eggs. Fertility generally ranges from 40–55%, with a recommended mating ratio of approximately nine females to one male.

Temperament and Backyard Suitability

The Brown Red Old English Bantam is active and alert but is often described as tame and manageable with regular handling. They can make good pets and are suitable for families, including those with children, when properly socialized. Their small size means they require minimal space and feed, making them a practical option for backyard setups. A roost height of 3 feet or higher is recommended to suit their active nature.

Production Positioning and Exhibition Use

The Brown Red Old English Bantam is best positioned as an ornamental and exhibition breed. It is not a production bird but is valued for its traditional game bird appearance, color pattern, and adherence to APA standards. This makes it a strong choice for poultry shows and for hobbyists looking for a classic bantam with proven show quality.

Breeding Note / Color Note

Maintaining the correct balance of red, brown, and black coloration is important for exhibition-quality birds. Selective breeding should focus on feather clarity, even color distribution, and proper body type to meet breed standards.

Related Resources

Also may like Old English Bantam Surplus Special https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/old-english-game-bantam-special/

FAQ

Are Brown Red Old English Bantams good pets?
Yes, they are known to be tame with regular handling and can make good pets for families.

Do Brown Red Old English Bantams lay eggs regularly?
No, they are poor layers and are not kept for egg production.

Are Brown Red Old English Bantams aggressive?
They are active and alert but generally manageable and not overly aggressive when handled properly.

Do Brown Red Old English Bantams need a lot of space?
No, their small size makes them well-suited for backyard setups with limited space.

What are Brown Red Old English Bantams best used for?
They are best suited for ornamental purposes and poultry exhibition rather than production.