Old English Game Chickens

Old English Game <br> Bantam Blue and Gold Duck Wing Male

Old English Game <br> Bantam Wheaten Female

Breed Rating (24 Reviews)

Appearance
Friendliness
Hardiness
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Old English Game History

The Old English Game has been seen in Great Britain since the 19th Century and is a descendant of the ancient fighting cocks. The breed hasn't changed very much for over a thousand years. They were probably the first breed of chicken ever developed in Britain and have always been fighting birds. For fights, the comb and wattles were removed to give a more aggressive appearance and to prevent damage during fights. This was known as dubbing. Although cock fighting has been banned in this country since 1849 and many other countries, the breed is still popular amongst poultry fanciers as an ornamental fowl. The Old English Game Club split into two in the 1930s so there are now two types of Old English Game: The Carlisle and The Oxford. The Carlisle Old English Game has a horizontal back, a large breast and can be seen in 13 different colours while the Oxford Old English Game has a back at 45º to the ground and has 30 different colour varieties. They are small birds with a tightly feathered plumage. The head is small with a big, strong beak, single comb, small thin earlobes and wattles and large eyes. The wings are large and powerful and the legs are strong and short. They have four toes ending in long, curved nails. Because of their excellent muscle distribution, they make wonderful table bird. There is also a ¼ sized bantam.

Old English Game Behaviour

The Old English Game hen lays well and makes an excellent, reliable brooder and a very protective mother. The chicks are slow to mature and possess the fighting nature from a very young age. They are generally calm birds but it is important to keep mature cocks apart as they will fight each other to the death if they are allowed to. They are hardy and vigorous birds and can be extremely active and very noisy! They make good foragers and like to be out free ranging as they don't really tolerate being confined due to their need to be active. They can fly to around 2 metres so care needs to be taken with boundaries. Cocks weigh around 5lbs while the hens are 4lbs. They are known for their longevity.

Old English Game Varieties

The Carlisle Old English Fowl can be seen in the following colours: black red (partridge), black red (wheaten), brown red, spangle, birchen or grey, golden duckwing, silver duckwing, blue red, blue tailed wheaten hen, crele, cuckoo, pyle and self white while the Oxford Old English Fowl can be found in these colours: black breasted dark red, black breasted red, shady or streaky breasted light red, black breasted silver duckwing, black breasted yellow duckwing, black breasted birchen duckwing, black breasted dark grey, clear mealy breasted mealy grey, brown breasted brown red, streaky breasted orange red, ginger breasted ginger red, dun breasted blue dun, streaky breasted red dun, yellow silver and honey dun, pyle, spangled, white, black, furness brassy back and polecat, cuckoo, brown breasted yellow birchen, hennie, muff and tassel!

Old English Game Status

Fairly common

Old English Game Pictures

Blue partridge carlisle old english game bantam rooster

Old English Game Chickens with a cockerel outside in the snow

Old English Game Chicken sitting on tree stump

Old English Game For Sale

Please note: All animals listed here are for collection only. They cannot be delivered by the seller or by Omlet. The seller will send you their contact details to arrange payment and collection.

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Latest Reviews For Old English Game (5 of 25)

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Based on 25 Verified Reviews

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My First chickens! - Heidi, 20 October 2021

I rescued 1 chick that had a broken leg. Took one more for company. These were free roaming from a hoarding neighbors overflow. Thankfully they were both hens. Pretty birds with great personalities. Although not super friendly, they are very curious. I keep them out in the yard during the day and in a large coop at night. They are very happy! They did fly over to the neighbors yard a couple times when I first started letting them out, but now are very comfortable just foraging in the yard. Don't bother the plants at all. Get along with the dogs and cats. Wouldn't say they are great layers. Mine do get broody once in awhile. They are very good mommas! All in all great backyard chickens to enjoy!

These are the greatese birds G-d ever created. - Marvin, 16 October 2018

If you want a beautiful bird then look no father than than these birds here. Each different type of bird in the Old English Game Chickens is beautiful not too many other breeds can match them bird for bird.

I can't believe they're "fighting" birds - Jillian, 15 November 2016

I accidentally got the bantam version at an auction. What a happy accident! They are by far my favorite chicken breed. They are so friendly and adorable. They fly up on my lap and shoulder all the time. They always makes sounds like their laughing. I am now breeding them!

- Dwight, 26 April 2016

Good overall bird

Love this breed - Ruth, 6 May 2015

I have had hens and cockerals and all have been lovely, super tame and excellent mothers. They are brilliant foragers and my hens lay everyday even during the winter months. The only problem I have found is finding some for sale. If anyone has any for sale, I would love a couple more hens to add to my chicken family. Please email me

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Breeder Clubs for Old English Game

Midland Old English Game Club (Oxford)

Telephone: 0121 421 4610

Old English Game Club Carlisle

Email: joan.barry123@btinternet.com

Telephone: 07816 382266