Description
Red Pyle Old English Bantam Chicken
Breed History and Origin
The Standard Old English Game chicken has been one of the most popular poultry breeds for decades, and Cackle Hatchery® is proud to offer several bantam varieties including the Red Pyle Old English Bantam. This variety traces back to traditional European game fowl and has been refined into a true bantam for exhibition. The Red Pyle variety was recognized by the American Standard of Perfection in 1946, making it a well-established and respected show bird. Cackle Hatchery® has been developing its own bloodline or strain of pure Red Pyle Old English Game Bantams since 1982, focusing on maintaining consistent coloration and proper type.
Appearance and Breed Characteristics
The Red Pyle Old English Bantam is known for its clean and eye-catching red and white feather pattern. The combination of bright white areas with rich red accents creates a sharp, high-contrast look that stands out in exhibition settings. Like all Old English Game Bantams, it has a proud, upright posture with tight feathering and a well-balanced, athletic frame. Mature roosters typically weigh around 24 ounces and hens around 22 ounces, with pullets and cockerels slightly smaller. As part of the Game Bantam class, this breed is developed for symmetry, alertness, and clean feather lines.
Egg Production and Broodiness
The Red Pyle 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 typically ranges from 40–55%, with a recommended mating ratio of approximately nine females to one male.
Temperament and Backyard Suitability
This breed is active but generally 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 ideal for backyard flocks. They are typically easy to handle and can do well around people of all ages when properly managed. A roost height of 3 feet or higher is recommended.
Production Positioning and Exhibition Use
The Red Pyle Old English Bantam is best positioned as an ornamental and exhibition breed, with minimal production value. While they may lay occasional eggs, their primary appeal lies in their striking coloration, posture, and adherence to APA standards. This makes them a strong choice for poultry shows and for hobbyists seeking a classic bantam with standout visual appeal.
Breeding Note / Color Note
Maintaining the clean separation between red and white feathering is critical for exhibition-quality birds. Selective breeding should focus on color clarity, avoiding muddiness in the white areas while preserving strong red tones and proper body structure.
Related Resources
Many people who like this breed of chicken also like the standard version of the breed, the Red Pyle Old English Game Fowl Chicken https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/red-pyle-standard-old-english-chicken/
Also may like Old English Bantam Surplus Special https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/old-english-game-bantam-special/
FAQ
Are Red Pyle Old English Bantams good pets?
Yes, they are known for being tame with regular handling and can make interactive pets.
Do Red Pyle Old English Bantams lay eggs often?
No, they are poor layers and are not kept for egg production.
What makes the Red Pyle color unique?
It features a clean contrast of red and white feathers, which is highly valued in exhibition birds.
Are Red Pyle Old English Bantams suitable for small spaces?
Yes, their small size and low feed requirements make them ideal for backyard setups.
Can Red Pyle Old English Bantams be shown?
Yes, they are a recognized APA variety and are well-suited for poultry exhibition.
Availability
Available Low Availability Unavailable
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saramiera –
We have a single Red Pyle Old English Game Bantam hen. When we got her as a day old chick she was super tiny- about the size of a quarter!! She has grown into the tiniest yet toughest little chicken I have EVER seen!!! She is by far the best and friendliest chicken we have ever owned – and that’s saying a lot!! She has survived a direct hawk attack, foe attack and raccoon attack. She is a great layer and goes broody every 2 months. She teaches all the new flock additions the ropes. And holds her own as the only bantam in a large flock of standard sized chickens. She is super smart and learns very quickly. She loves attention, is a great cuddles, asks to be picked up – and if you don’t pick her up she flys to your shoulder. She is also unusually small for her breed – smaller than a Serema bantam!! Overall she is everything that a good chicken should be.
Brandie –
Happy
We are first time chicken buyers, lol! We ordered 8 received 11. 3 were dead and 2 more died. No biggie they refunded our money! Our chicks are doing great and our rooster is the prettiest chicken I have ever seen. Very happy and will order again
Happy Hearts –
Amazing Pets, amazing service.
Loving, sweet natured birds!
Janet –
Awesome Birds
They all arrived healthy happy and out of 10 I have 4 roosters and and 6 hens. Almost 5 months old now and still strong and healthy!
Jaripo –
I order 5
So far their 7 weeks old I posted weekly updates of the growth of the chicks since week one , follow my channel on YouTube ( Timboscato game farm ) thanks Crackle Hatchery all credit goes to you on your wonder customer service and help, I can say much but quest quality game birds !
CM –
Healthy chicks-great quality for the price
Healthy, lively chicks + one extra-all grew well. A very small amount of black in a few feathers in a couple birds, however, great quality for the price; especially for kids and beginners. Hens did not get broody..
doug –
red pyle
i ordered 15 chicks received 21 with in 10 days all where dead called hatchery did not make them up said it was my fault will never use this hatchery again
Ed R. –
Very Good Experience
This was my first time I ordered chicks for a starter. I ordered 5 but they sent 7 and all chicks were alive and well. I’m very pleased with this company. More power to you and success.
Barbara –
I Got Lucky!
I ordered 6 unsexed OE red pyle bantams. I got lucky! I received 1 male & 6 females. Way to go Cackle Hatchery. I love it! Such nice little birds all grown up now.
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
Mary Kansas May 2010 –
Many Thanks
I am very pleased to report that the 4th order has arrived like the rest. All healthy happy vigorous and ready to go. The orders prior to this one have lived and been healthy for the first 2 weeks. Please keep up the good work. Also Superior Customer Service. Again Very Pleased AAA++service. Thanks to you all!!!