Old English Game Chooks
A Rare Breed of British Origin
Pile Oxford Old English Game cockerel
with Orange Red female.
One of the oldest breeds of domestic fowl, the Old English Game has a history that goes back more than 2000 years. These feisty birds were used for cock fighting which was a popular sport that has now been outlawed in Western countries.
Today the Oxford Old English Game is considered to be the true original fighting fowl which is bred and exhibited by a small number of very dedicated fanciers. They come in a fascinating range of colours.
Being hard feathered (which means no fluff) these birds are very robust. They can roost in trees all year round, the females make excellent mothers and their laying is respectable. The females are suitable as layers but a six-foot suburban fence won’t keep them in. They either have to be kept in a fully enclosed run or on a few acres where they can forage. The males are not as aggressive as their name suggests but they are not suitable for the novice.
Old English Game bantams (photograph below right) are a fancier’s fowl but they are delightful small birds which are often entered into shows by junior exhibitors.
Black Red Oxford
Old English Game rooster.
Note the broad chest.
Old English Game bantam
male. Note his broad chest
and the position of his legs.
