Description

White Standard Old English Game Chicken

Breed History and Origin

Cackle Hatchery® offers several varieties of Standard Old English game fowl, including the White Standard Old English—one of the oldest and most traditional chicken types in existence. Originating from early European game fowl, this breed has been preserved for its hardiness, longevity, and natural instincts. It was recognized by the American Standard of Perfection in 1938 and is listed on the Livestock Conservancy Watch Status as a sustainable heritage breed.

Cackle Hatchery® has been developing its own bloodline or strain of Old English Game Standard Chickens since 1974, focusing on strong health, proper structure, and long-term performance in both free-range and exhibition settings.

Appearance and Breed Characteristics

The White Standard Old English is valued for its clean, solid white plumage and classic game bird structure. It features a single comb and a medium to high station, giving it the upright, alert posture typical of Old English Game birds. Its lean, athletic build allows for strong movement and flight capability.

Mature roosters typically weigh around 5 pounds and hens around 4 pounds, with pullets and cockerels slightly smaller. The simplicity of its white coloration makes it a popular choice for those looking for a clean, uniform appearance in both backyard flocks and show birds.

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 dependable setters and are well suited for brooding, hatching, and raising chicks naturally. This makes them a useful option for maintaining a self-sustaining flock.

Fertility typically ranges from 40–55%, with a recommended mating ratio of approximately six females to one male.

Temperament and Backyard Suitability

The White Standard Old English is active and flighty, with strong natural instincts and awareness. The breed is known for its gameness, and males can be territorial, requiring separation to prevent aggression. Hens are more manageable and are valued for their brooding ability.

These birds perform best in free-range environments, where their agility and alertness help them evade predators more effectively than heavier 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 durability, longevity, and natural reproductive ability.

They are suitable for poultry shows in the “Other Standard Breeds” Game Class and are often chosen by breeders preserving traditional Old English Game bloodlines.

Breeding Note / Color Note

Maintaining a clean, uniform white plumage without discoloration is important for exhibition quality. Breeding programs should also prioritize strong structure, vigor, and the natural traits that define Old English Game birds.

Related Resources

NOTE:The Old English are photographed with comb, ear lobes, and wattles dubbed (cut off). Entering a poultry show with non-dubbed males of the Old English breed is a disqualification. You can check your local or state poultry association/clubs for upcoming shows and check out your state fair poultry show dates. You would compete for ribbons with other breeds that are listed in the class “All other Standard Breeds.”

Many people who like this breed of chicken also like the miniature version of the breed, the White Old English Game Bantam Chicken https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/white-old-english-game-bantam/
Also may like Standard Old English Surplus. https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/standard-old-english-surplus/

FAQ

Are White Old English roosters aggressive?
Yes, males can be territorial and should be housed separately.

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

Do White 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.

Are White Old English chickens good for showing?
Yes, they are APA recognized and suitable for exhibition in the Game Class.