Description
Gold Duckwing Old English Bantam Chicken
Breed History and Origin
When it comes to Old English Bantams, the professionals at Cackle Hatchery® have years of experience breeding high-quality birds, including the Gold Duckwing Old English Bantam. This variety traces back to traditional European game fowl and has been refined into a true bantam for exhibition. The Gold Duckwing pattern has been recognized by the American Standard of Perfection since 1938, making it one of the more established and reliable show varieties. Known for its classic coloration and balanced type, it remains a favorite among exhibitors and hobby breeders.
Appearance and Breed Characteristics
The Gold Duckwing Old English Bantam is prized for its clean and well-defined color pattern, featuring golden hackles and saddle feathers contrasted with a darker black breast and body, along with brown tones that complete the look. This “duckwing” pattern is a standard in exhibition poultry and is valued for its clarity and contrast. Like other Old English Game Bantams, it has a proud, upright posture with tight feathering and a well-proportioned, athletic build. Mature roosters typically weigh around 24 ounces and hens around 22 ounces, with pullets and cockerels slightly smaller. As part of the Game Bantam (All Colors) class, they are bred to strict standards for balance and presentation.
Egg Production and Broodiness
The Gold Duckwing Old English Bantam is not intended for egg production and is considered a poor layer. Hens produce 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 successfully. Fertility generally ranges from 40–55%, with a recommended mating ratio of approximately nine females to one male.
Temperament and Backyard Suitability
This breed is active and alert but is often described as very tame with regular handling. Many owners find they can train these birds to perch on their arm or shoulder, making them a popular choice as a pet. Their small size means they require minimal space and feed, making them well-suited for backyard flocks. They typically get along well with people and can do well with other calm breeds when properly managed. A roost height of 3 feet or higher is recommended.
Production Positioning and Exhibition Use
The Gold Duckwing Old English Bantam is best positioned as an ornamental and exhibition breed, though it may offer minimal egg production. Its primary value lies in its defined coloration, classic game bird posture, and adherence to APA standards. This makes it a strong choice for poultry shows and for hobbyists looking for a traditional bantam with proven exhibition quality.
Breeding Note / Color Note
Maintaining the clean separation between the golden hackles and the darker body is essential for exhibition-quality birds. Selective breeding should focus on preserving color clarity, feather condition, and proper body structure typical of the duckwing pattern.
Related Resources
Many people who like this breed of chicken also like the standard version of the breed, the Golden Duckwing Old English Game Fowl Chicken https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/gold-duckwing-standard-old-english-chicken/
Also may like Old English Bantam Surplus Special https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/old-english-game-bantam-special/
FAQ
What does “duckwing” mean in Old English Bantams?
It refers to a specific color pattern with contrasting hackles, saddle, and body coloring, commonly seen in exhibition birds.
Are Gold Duckwing Old English Bantams easy to handle?
Yes, with regular handling they can become quite tame and manageable.
Do Gold Duckwing Old English Bantams lay eggs regularly?
No, they are poor layers and are not bred for egg production.
Can Gold Duckwing Old English Bantams be trained to perch on you?
Yes, many owners report they can be trained to sit on a shoulder or arm with consistent handling.
Are Gold Duckwing Old English Bantams good for showing?
Yes, they are a well-established exhibition breed valued for their coloration and posture.
110 Highway Chicken Man –
Order from them there the best out there.
Cackle Hatchery is by far the best place on the internet to order chickens from. I have ordered from them 2 times and it is about to be 3. Every time i have ordered from them there has only been about 4 dead ones in the box when I picked them up.
Barbara –
Excellent customer service
I accidently ordered the standard size gold duckwing & called Cackle ASAP. The staff was more then happy to correct my mistake & very patient. The bantams arrived all happy & healthy. I’m now waiting on another order of birds from Cackle! So exciting!
Joseph January 2016 –
Thank You
I want to thank you for my bantam old english chickens. I have never had chicks that love me so much. I treat them as though they are my children. They like to be held and kissed. I really love them. Thanks again. If I need more I will order from you folks again.
David New Mexico June 2010 –
Cackle Hatchery Personnel
My order arrived at 3:00 am on friday June 4th and the post office called me promptly. I picked up my chicks at 3:30 am and they were under the heat lamp eating and drinking at 4:00 am June 4th. There were no dead chicks, and they all look very healthy and energetic at this point in time. I really like your color chickens pictures on your website and I believe that your website pictures were my initial motivation to try your company over other hatcheries. Cackle Hatchery is further away from my home distance wise than all the other hatcheries yet cackle has delivered 120% live and healthy birds! I am very happy about my new experience with Cackle Hatchery and will be talking to my friends about it. Wishing you a great year and rising prosperity! Kindest regards