Description
Crele Standard Old English Game Chicken
Breed Overview and Origin
The Crele Standard Old English Game Chicken is a standard-size Old English Game variety known for its colorful crele feathering, pearl-colored legs, straight comb, active temperament, and hardy genetics. If you want a traditional heritage game fowl with strong natural instincts, long-lived vigor, and show appeal, this variety can be a rewarding choice for experienced poultry keepers.
Old English Game chickens are among the oldest traditional chicken breed types. Today, customers usually raise Standard Old English Game for exhibition, preservation, ornamental value, and small-flock interest rather than heavy egg production or meat. Cackle Hatchery® lists Crele Standard Old English in the Other Standard Breeds, Game Class, with cream or tinted eggs, poor egg production, active or flighty temperament, and setter hens. Cackle also notes that its Old English Game Standard Chicken bloodline has been developed since 1974.
Because this is a game fowl variety, customers should understand the temperament before ordering. These birds are spirited, alert, and active. Therefore, Crele Standard Old English works best for keepers who can provide secure housing, enough space, and separate pens for mature males when needed.
Appearance and Characteristics
Crele Standard Old English Game chickens have colorful crele feathering, a straight comb, and pearl-colored legs. The crele pattern gives the bird a bold, traditional look with warm and dark barring that stands out in heritage flocks and exhibition pens.
Like other Standard Old English Game chickens, this variety has an athletic frame, alert expression, upright carriage, and active movement. These birds look leaner and more agile than heavy dual-purpose breeds. As a result, they appeal to customers who appreciate traditional game fowl type, natural hardiness, and active outdoor behavior.
Cackle Hatchery® lists mature Crele Standard Old English weights at about 4 pounds for hens, 5 pounds for roosters, 3½ pounds for pullets, and 4 pounds for cockerels. The listing also notes a roost height preference of 4 feet or higher, which fits the breed’s active nature.
Temperament and Flock Management
Crele Standard Old English Game chickens are active, vigorous, and naturally alert. The hens can make excellent brooding mothers, while males need responsible management because of the breed’s game fowl background.
For that reason, Cackle Hatchery® recommends separating the males. In addition, avoid overcrowding and do not plan to keep multiple mature males together in a small space. A better setup gives each breeding group enough room, uses secure fencing, and allows close observation during breeding season.
This variety can work well for:
- Experienced poultry keepers
- Standard Old English Game enthusiasts
- Exhibition poultry projects
- Heritage-style breeding flocks
- Customers who can provide separate pens
- Keepers who want broody hens
- Flocks focused on preservation, beauty, and breed type
However, customers who want a calm family pet, a high-production layer, or a rooster that easily lives with other males may prefer a more docile breed. Overall, Crele Standard Old English Game chickens fit best with keepers who understand active heritage game fowl and can manage them responsibly.
Egg Production and Broodiness
Crele Standard Old English hens may lay small to medium cream or tinted eggs. However, customers should not choose this breed mainly for egg production. Cackle Hatchery® lists egg production as poor, at about 120 eggs per year.
Even so, the hens can offer value through natural brooding behavior. Cackle lists Crele Standard Old English hens as setters, which means hens may sit, hatch, and raise chicks when conditions are right.
Because broodiness can vary by individual hen, season, age, and flock setup, customers should not expect every hen to set. Nevertheless, this variety can be a good option for keepers who value traditional hens with strong natural instincts.
Crele Standard Old English vs Other Old English Game Varieties
Crele Standard Old English chickens share the same general Standard Old English Game character as other varieties. The main difference is feather color and customer preference.
For customers who want a standard-size game fowl with crele feathering, pearl-colored legs, a straight comb, active temperament, setter hens, and heritage appeal, Crele Standard Old English Game is the best fit.
If you prefer cuckoo feathering with pearl-to-blue legs, compare Cuckoo Standard Old English chickens.
For a warmer red variety with green legs, review Ginger Red Standard Old English chickens.
When gold and black feathering is the preferred look, Gold Duckwing Standard Old English chickens may be a better match.
If red and white coloring with pearl-colored legs sounds more appealing, compare Red Pyle Standard Old English chickens.
For customers who like a colorful spangled pattern, Spangled Standard Old English chickens offer a different look with the same active Standard Old English Game character.
Meanwhile, the Standard Old English Surplus Special can be a good choice if you like Standard Old English Game but do not need one exact variety. Cackle describes this special as straight run, with two or more varieties guaranteed.
Finally, customers who like Crele coloring but want the miniature version can compare Crele Old English Game Bantam chickens. Cackle lists the bantam version in the Game Bantams class, with active temperament, setter hens, cream or tinted bantam-sized eggs, and APA recognition in 1976.
Important Show Note About Dubbing
Some Old English Game fowl photos show birds with the comb, ear lobes, and wattles dubbed, meaning those parts have been cut off. Cackle Hatchery® notes that entering a poultry show with non-dubbed Old English males is a disqualification.
For that reason, customers who plan to show males should check local poultry clubs, state poultry associations, and state fair poultry show rules before competing. Requirements can vary by event, and exhibitors should understand the rules before preparing birds.
In the show ring, Cackle Hatchery® lists Standard Old English Game in the All Other Standard Breeds — Games class. Even if you do not plan to show, this note still matters because many Old English Game product photos may show dubbed males.
Is the Crele Standard Old English Game Chicken Right for Your Flock?
Choose Crele Standard Old English Game chickens if you want:
- A standard-size Old English Game variety
- Crele feathering
- Pearl-colored legs
- A straight-comb game fowl type
- Active, alert heritage poultry
- Hens with broody setting potential
- A bird for exhibition or breed preservation
- A larger version of Crele Old English Game Bantams
- A hardy chicken with long-lived potential
However, consider another breed if you want a quiet pet chicken, a high egg producer, or a rooster that can easily live with other males. In short, Crele Standard Old English Game chickens fit best with customers who understand game fowl temperament and want a colorful, hardy, active breed.
Care and Housing Tips
Crele Standard Old English Game chickens need secure housing, enough space, and thoughtful flock management. Since males can become territorial, pen planning matters more with this breed than with many docile backyard breeds.
For best results, provide:
- Secure fencing or covered runs
- Separate housing for mature males when needed
- Predator protection
- Dry bedding and good ventilation
- Higher roosting options when safe
- Enough space to reduce stress
- A practical breeding ratio
- Close observation during breeding season
Cackle lists the mating ratio for Crele Standard Old English as 6 females to 1 male, with a fertility percentage of 40% to 55%. While individual flock results can vary, these breed facts can help customers plan breeding pens more realistically.
Recognition and Availability
Cackle Hatchery® lists Crele Standard Old English as baby chicks only, with no sexing available, a minimum of 3 not-sexed chicks, and seasonal shipping from early February through mid-August.
Cackle’s breed facts list Crele Standard Old English as a European-origin sustainable heritage chicken breed on The Livestock Conservancy watch status. The same listing identifies Cackle Hatchery® Poultry Breeding Farm as the breeder farm source and notes Cackle’s Old English Game Standard Chicken bloodline development since 1974.
Since hatch dates and shipping windows can change during the season, customers should check Cackle Hatchery’s Chicken Availability Chart before ordering.
Related Breeds and Helpful Cackle Hatchery® Resources
Customers who like Crele Standard Old English Game may also enjoy other Standard Old English Game varieties, Old English Game Bantams, and Cackle’s comparison tools.
Helpful Cackle Hatchery® links for this product page include:
FAQ: Crele Standard Old English Game Chicken
What is a Crele Standard Old English Game Chicken?
A Crele Standard Old English Game Chicken is a standard-size Old English Game variety with crele feathering, pearl-colored legs, a straight comb, active temperament, and traditional heritage game fowl character.
Are Crele Standard Old English Game chickens good pets?
They are not usually the best choice for customers who want a calm pet chicken. These birds stay active and spirited, and males may become territorial. However, experienced keepers may enjoy them for exhibition, preservation, and heritage flock projects.
Are Crele Standard Old English roosters aggressive?
Males can be territorial, especially with other males. For that reason, Cackle Hatchery® recommends separating the males.
Can I keep multiple males together?
Small flock setups usually do not work well for multiple mature males. To reduce fighting, stress, and injury, give mature males separate housing.
Are the hens good mothers?
Yes, hens may make good brooding mothers. Cackle lists Crele Standard Old English hens as setters, which means they may sit, hatch, and raise chicks.
What color eggs do Crele Standard Old English hens lay?
Hens may lay cream or tinted eggs. Cackle lists the egg size as small to medium.
Are Crele Standard Old English Game chickens good egg layers?
No. Cackle lists egg production as poor, around 120 eggs per year. Therefore, customers should choose this breed mainly for exhibition, preservation, broodiness, and ornamental value.
What do Crele Standard Old English Game chickens look like?
Crele Standard Old English chickens have colorful crele feathering, a straight comb, pearl-colored legs, and an upright game fowl build. Their active movement and patterned plumage give them a classic Standard Old English appearance.
Are Crele Standard Old English Game chickens good for beginners?
They are better for experienced keepers or beginners who have researched game fowl management. Before ordering, customers should prepare secure fencing, enough space, and separate pens for males.
Are they good for poultry shows?
Yes. Standard Old English Game varieties have strong exhibition appeal. However, customers who plan to show males should check show rules before preparing birds.
What does “dubbed” mean on Old English Game chickens?
Dubbing means the comb, ear lobes, and wattles have been cut off. Because many Old English Game show birds appear dubbed, exhibitors should check poultry show rules before competition.
Do Old English Game males have to be dubbed for shows?
Cackle Hatchery® notes that entering a poultry show with non-dubbed Old English males is a disqualification. Even so, customers should confirm current rules with their local poultry association, state fair, or show superintendent before entering birds.
What show class do Standard Old English Game chickens compete in?
Cackle Hatchery® lists Standard Old English Game in the All Other Standard Breeds — Games class.
How big do Crele Standard Old English chickens get?
Cackle lists hens at about 4 pounds and roosters at about 5 pounds. In addition, pullets are listed around 3½ pounds, while cockerels are listed around 4 pounds.
Are Crele Standard Old English chicks sexed?
No. Cackle Hatchery® lists Crele Standard Old English as baby chicks only with no sexing available.
What is the minimum order?
Cackle Hatchery® lists a minimum of 3 not-sexed birds for this variety.
What is the difference between Crele Standard Old English and Crele Old English Game Bantam?
Crele Standard Old English chickens are the standard-size version. By comparison, Crele Old English Game Bantam chickens are the miniature version with similar Crele coloring and Old English Game character.
Does Cackle Hatchery® offer other Standard Old English Game varieties?
Yes. Cackle Hatchery® offers multiple Standard Old English Game varieties, including Crele, Cuckoo, Ginger Red, Gold Duckwing, Red Pyle, Splash, Spangled, Blue, Silver Duckwing, and surplus specials.
Where can I check Crele Standard Old English availability?
Customers can check Cackle Hatchery’s Chicken Availability Chart for current hatch and shipping timing. Since availability can change during the season, checking the chart helps customers plan ahead.
Jimmy Texas December 2015 –
Blessing
A few years ago I ordered some Old English Game from Cackle Hatchery. In the order (unbeknown to me) were two Bobwhite Quail. One was doa on arrival, the other was a male that was raised with the chickens. He was a blessing to say the least! While I had them caged together he had to constantly be on the run, but as soon as I could I let them all run free. He still hung out with the chickens but kept his distance. He even roosted in the trees with them. This seems crazy but when I would walk out of my house and he would see me ( sometimes 20 yards away) he would fly up to me. I would always have some grain to give him. It was so neat to see a bird that is shy in the wild to be so social. Unfortunately one day he spooked in the yard and sustained a wound when he flew into a fence. He died the next morning in my hands. I don’t know how that little guy made his way in the box of chickens but I’m so glad he did. I hope to get back on a farm some day soon and make an order from Cackle. That order will definitely include some Bobwhite Quail. I use to hunt quail. I couldn’t do that now, not after this experience and with everything else that they have to go through to survive.