Description

Wheaten Old English Bantam Chicken

Breed History and Origin

Cackle Hatchery® offers several recognized Old English Bantam varieties, including the Wheaten Old English Bantam. This breed traces back to traditional European game fowl and has been refined into a true bantam for exhibition. The Wheaten variety was recognized in the American Standard of Perfection in stages, with females admitted in 1943 and males in 1949, reflecting the importance of distinct male and female coloration in this variety. Cackle Hatchery® has been developing its own bloodline or strain of pure Wheaten Old English Game Bantams since 1982, focusing on maintaining correct type, feather quality, and color accuracy.

Appearance and Breed Characteristics

The Wheaten Old English Bantam is known for its distinct male and female color differences. Hens typically display soft wheaten (light brown) feathering with subtle shading, while roosters develop more contrast with darker black areas combined with rich brown and golden tones. This contrast between sexes is part of what makes the variety stand out in exhibition. Like other Old English Game Bantams, they carry 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 (All Colors) class, they are bred for symmetry and clean presentation.

Egg Production and Broodiness

The Wheaten Old English Bantam 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 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 but generally easy to tame with regular handling, making it suitable as both a pet and a backyard bird. Their small size means they require minimal space and feed, making them practical for smaller setups. They tend to do well with other calm breeds and can be manageable around families when properly handled. A roost height of 3 feet or higher is recommended to support their natural activity level.

Production Positioning and Exhibition Use

The Wheaten Old English Bantam is best positioned as an ornamental and exhibition breed with minimal production value. While they may lay occasional eggs, their primary value lies in their unique color differences between males and females, classic game bird posture, and adherence to APA standards. This makes them a strong choice for poultry shows and for hobbyists looking for a visually distinct bantam.

Breeding Note / Color Note

Wheaten coloration requires careful selection, particularly because males and females express different color patterns. Maintaining proper contrast, feather clarity, and correct body type is essential for exhibition-quality birds. Breeders should focus on preserving both the soft wheaten tone in hens and the defined contrast in roosters.

Related Resources

Many people who like this breed of chicken also like the standard version of the breed, the Wheaten Old English Game Fowl Chicken https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/wheaten-old-english-standard/
Also may like Old English Bantam Surplus Special https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/old-english-game-bantam-special/

FAQ

What is the difference between male and female Wheaten Old English Bantams?
Hens are typically a soft wheaten brown, while roosters show more contrast with darker black and richer tones.

Are Wheaten Old English Bantams easy to raise?
Yes, they are relatively easy to care for and require minimal space and feed.

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

Are Wheaten Old English Bantams good for showing?
Yes, they are valued in exhibition for their color differences and classic game bird structure.

Do Wheaten Old English Bantams go broody?
Yes, hens are known to be setters and can hatch eggs successfully.