Description

Wheaten Standard Old English Game Chicken

Breed History and Origin

Cackle Hatchery® offers the Wheaten Standard Old English, one of 18 varieties of Standard Old English game fowl developed and refined over decades. The Old English Game is one of the oldest chicken breeds in existence, with origins tracing back to early European game fowl and jungle fowl ancestry. This variety, while not APA recognized, is shown in the “All Other Standard Breeds” Game Class and is part of a sustainable heritage population listed on the Livestock Conservancy Watch Status.

Cackle Hatchery® has been developing its own bloodline or strain of Old English Game Standard Chickens since 1974, with over 38 years of focused selection for health, structure, and long-term performance.

Appearance and Breed Characteristics

The Wheaten Standard Old English is known for its soft, natural wheaten coloration, typically showing lighter buff or tan tones with subtle contrast depending on the bird. This understated color pattern gives it a clean and traditional look compared to more high-contrast varieties.

Like all Old English Game birds, it has a lean, athletic build with an upright posture and strong flight ability. Mature roosters typically weigh around 5 pounds and hens around 4 pounds, with pullets and cockerels slightly smaller. Its overall structure and balance make it suitable for both backyard flocks and exhibition.

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 practical 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 Wheaten 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 under the “All Other Standard Breeds” Game Class and are a good option for those interested in maintaining traditional Old English Game lines.

Breeding Note / Color Note

Wheaten coloration can vary slightly in shade and intensity, so selective breeding is important for maintaining consistency. Focus should also remain on preserving strong structure, vigor, and the natural traits that define Old English Game birds.

Related Resources

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

FAQ

Are Wheaten 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 Wheaten 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 Wheaten Old English chickens good for beginners?
They are better suited for keepers with some experience due to their active and flighty nature.