The Old English Game descends directly from the fighting fowl of Britain and, since cockfighting was banned, has been kept purely for exhibition — hard-feathered, muscular and endlessly varied in color. They are tough, self-reliant birds: strong fliers, sharp against predators, capable of going semi-feral, and hens make determined (if easily distracted) mothers. Cocks are genuinely aggressive toward other males and generally cannot be housed together, and the breed is noisy and needs space. A rewarding bird for experienced keepers and show breeders, not a backyard starter flock.
Cold hardy
Broody
Flighty
Egg colorWhite To Tinted Light Brown
Egg production100–160 / year
TemperamentFlighty
BroodinessOccasional
ClimateCold hardy
PurposeShow
Weight
Large fowl (Standard size)
Hen4 lb
Rooster5 lb
Bantam (Miniature size)
Hen1.4 lb
Rooster1.5 lb
How to spot it
CombSingle
Small single comb; exhibition males are dubbed flat
Earlobes
Small and red
Legs & feet
Clean, hard legs — white, yellow, willow or slate by colour variety
Look for
A compact, muscular, heart-shaped body with hard glossy feathering held tight — shorter-legged and stockier than a Modern Game
Single
