What keeping Old English Game is really like

Old English Game descend from the fighting cocks of England, one of the oldest bird types kept in Britain. After cockfighting was banned in England in the 1800s, breeders kept the birds for exhibition and as hardy farm fowl. The result is a tight, hard-feathered, muscular chicken with an upright stance and a proud, alert look. They come in a huge range of colors, and many hatcheries list each color as its own page, from Black Breasted Red to Wheaten, Pyle and Spangled.

Hens make great mothers

Old English Game hens lay small cream or tinted eggs at a modest rate. Where they shine is raising chicks. They go broody readily, sit tight and defend their chicks fiercely. Many keepers keep a few just to hatch eggs for the rest of the flock.

Roosters need planning

The fighting instinct is still very much there in the males. Cockerels often start fighting each other young, sometimes before they are fully feathered, and fights can cause serious injuries. Most keepers house roosters separately or keep only one per flock. They are usually not aggressive with people, but they will not tolerate rival males.

Space and climate

These are active, athletic birds. They forage well, fly well and are happiest with room to range, which is why they suit a free-range setup. Confine them with a covered run or tall fence. Their tight feathering does not hold heat like fluffy breeds, but they are tough birds that handle most climates with good shelter. Single combs can be hit by frostbite in hard cold.

Large fowl vs bantam

Both sizes exist. Old English Game bantams are one of the most popular bantam breeds at US shows. Large fowl, sometimes listed by hatcheries as Standard Old English, are less common but still sold.

How they compare

The Modern Game was developed from the same roots but bred for very long legs and a slim, tall shape, and it is far less hardy. For a specific color of the large fowl, see the Black Breasted Red Standard Old English page, the classic wild-type color.

Common questions about Old English Game

Are Old English Game hens good layers?

Not especially. They lay small eggs at a modest pace, but they are excellent broody hens.

Can you keep two Old English Game roosters together?

It is risky. Many fight hard, so most keepers house males separately.

Are Old English Game chickens friendly?

Hens can become tame with handling. They are alert and active, not lap birds.