Old English Game

Looks how to spot one

feathers

A hard-feathered breed with a compact, muscular body, broad shoulders, and tight plumage that lies close to the body. The tail feathers are broad and strong, giving males a large, distinctive tail. Combs and wattles are traditionally dubbed (cropped) for show birds.15

Personality what they are like

Old English Game fowl are extremely active, alert and spirited, but they are also notably aggressive. They do not tolerate confinement well and can be noisy. This breed is not recommended for beginners or families with young children, as the birds may peck or spur humans. Males must be separated early to prevent fighting.645

Daily activity how busy a day looks

They need plenty of space to roam and forage. They are excellent flyers and can easily escape enclosures, so secure housing with covered runs is essential. They do not like being confined and will become distressed in cramped conditions.65

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Regular vaccination and cleanliness of housing, food and water are important. Show birds may require dubbing (trimming of comb and wattles). Chicks can be handled to make them more people-friendly, but adult birds should be treated with caution.45

Home where they are happiest

Secure housing is critical. It is usual to group two hens with one rooster, separating groups with solid barriers such as tin or fibreboard because the birds can fight through wire mesh. They tolerate cold well but do not thrive in hot climates. They like to roost in trees. Check local bylaws, as many areas do not allow roosters in suburban backyards.45

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Most breeders feed a mixture of millet and wheat with some protein supplements. They are good foragers and do well on free-range systems.4

Company who they like around

They are not suited to mixed flocks as they will be aggressive with other breeds. Only one rooster should be kept with a group of hens. Male chicks must be separated by six months of age to prevent fighting. This is a breed for experienced poultry keepers, not for beginners.65

The story where it all began

The Old English Game is one of the oldest British chicken breeds, descending from fighting cocks brought to England by the Romans in the 1st century BC. For centuries they were bred for cockfighting, a popular sport that was banned in England in 1849. After the ban, breeders turned to exhibition, and two distinct types emerged: the Carlisle type (more heavily muscled, horizontal stance) and the Oxford type (more upright, with a large flowing tail). The breed was formally named Old English Game in the 1880s. Today it is kept primarily for show and ornamental purposes.164

Recognised by the official bits

Poultry Club of Great Britain

Recognises two standards: Carlisle Old English Game and Oxford Old English Game1

American Poultry Association

Recognised as 'all other standard breeds'1

Entente Européenne d'Aviculture et de Cuniculture

Lists thirty-three colour variants1