Brown Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English Chicks

Valley Hatchery’s Brown Breasted Brown Red Standard Old English Chicks are a remarkable breed, recognized by the American Standard of Perfection since 1938 under the Brown Red category. These chicks are distinguished by their striking black leg color and straight comb, traits that set them apart in the world of poultry.

The lineage of the Old English Game, the foundation breed of these chicks, is steeped in history. Originating from ancient cockfighting birds brought to Great Britain by the Romans in the 1st century, the breed gained popularity across all social strata. Following the ban on cockfighting in 1849, the focus shifted to poultry shows, where these birds were celebrated for qualities beyond their fighting prowess.

These birds are known for their spirited nature, displaying an aggressive and vocal demeanor. They possess a small, tightly feathered body, carrying themselves with an upright posture and a puffed-out chest, giving them a larger appearance. The Old English Game breed is extremely hardy and active, contributing significantly to the development of many other chicken breeds. For show purposes, the males of this breed undergo dubbing, removing the comb and wattles to enhance their appearance.

While not primarily recognized for their egg-laying capabilities, the hens of this breed lay about 120 white eggs per year and are prone to broodiness. They are also regarded as excellent mothers, albeit with a somewhat aggressive nature. Beyond their ornamental value, these chickens are valued for their good muscle meat distribution, making them suitable as table birds. Notably, they are known for their longevity, often living up to 15 years, which is a testament to their robustness.