Description

Splash Standard Old English Game Chicken

Breed History and Origin

If you’ve been searching for a hardy and traditional Standard Old English game fowl, the Splash Standard Old English is a strong option developed over decades at Cackle Hatchery®. Originating from European game fowl lines, Old English Game chickens are known for their natural instincts, durability, and long history as a heritage breed. While not APA recognized as a specific variety, they are shown under the “All Other Standard Breeds” Game Class. This breed is also listed on the Livestock Conservancy Watch Status, making it a sustainable heritage chicken worth preserving. Cackle Hatchery® has been developing its own bloodline or strain of Old English Game Standard Chickens since 1974.

Appearance and Breed Characteristics

The Splash Standard Old English is noted for its white base feathering accented with irregular black or dark gray spotting, creating a distinct splash pattern. Each bird will vary slightly in marking, adding to the uniqueness of the flock. Like other Old English Game birds, they have a lean, athletic build with strong legs and an upright posture, making them well-suited for active environments. 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 reliable setters and are well known for their ability to brood, hatch, and raise chicks successfully. This makes them especially useful in flocks where natural reproduction is desired. Fertility typically ranges from 40–55%, with a recommended mating ratio of approximately six females to one male.

Temperament and Backyard Suitability

The Splash Standard Old English is active and flighty, with strong survival instincts. Males are territorial and should be kept separated to prevent aggression. Hens are more manageable and are valued for their brooding ability. This breed does especially well in free-range environments, where their alert nature and agility give them a better chance of evading predators compared to heavier, less active breeds. 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 hardiness, longevity, and natural reproductive ability. They are also suitable for poultry shows under the “All Other Standard Breeds” Game Class, particularly for those interested in maintaining traditional game fowl lines.

Breeding Note / Color Note

Splash coloration does not breed true and is part of blue genetics, meaning offspring may include black, blue, or splash variations. Breeding programs should focus on maintaining strong health, proper body structure, and balanced color distribution.

Related Resources

Many people who like this breed of chicken also like the miniature version of the breed, the Splash Old English Game Bantam Chicken https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/splash-old-english-game-bantam/

FAQ

Are Splash Standard Old English roosters aggressive?
Yes, males are territorial and should be housed separately.

Are the hens good for hatching eggs?
Yes, hens are excellent setters and mothers.

Do Splash Standard 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.

Do Splash Standard Old English chickens live a long time?
Yes, they are known for being genetically hardy with longer lifespans compared to many production breeds.