Black Old English Game Bantam

Black Old English Game Bantam Chicken

At Chicken Coop Company, we’re excited to offer a miniaturized version of the Standard Old English Game chicken—the Black Old English Bantam. This charming breed, with its sleek black feathers, is perfect for both shows and as a pet.

Recognized multiple times in the American Standard of Perfection, the Black Old English Bantam is known for its calm temperament, making it an ideal choice even for families with young children. These bantams are friendly, easy to handle, and add beauty to any flock. Order your Black Old English Bantam baby chicks today, or feel free to contact us if you have any questions!

Appearance:

• Feather Color: The Black Old English Game Bantam has a striking, solid black plumage with a glossy sheen. The deep black feathers are sleek and smooth, giving the bird an elegant and polished look. This solid coloration is particularly dramatic and eye-catching, making it a standout in any flock.
  
  

• Body Type: Like other Old English Game Bantams, the Black variety has a slender, athletic build. These bantams are compact yet muscular, with a small but robust body that reflects the breed's "game" heritage. The breed's small size combined with its agile and strong body makes it look both graceful and powerful.
  
  

• Tail: One of the key characteristics of the Old English Game Bantam is its high, upright tail, which adds to the bird's overall elegance. The tail feathers are long and sweeping, carried upright in a graceful arc, making it one of the most distinctive features of this breed.
  
  

• Comb and Wattles: The Black Old English Game Bantam typically has a small, upright single comb. Its comb is proportionate to its size, and its wattles are small but bright red, providing a beautiful contrast against the bird’s dark plumage.
  
  

• Legs and Toes: The legs are clean, yellow in color, and relatively short compared to their body size. Like most bantams, they typically have three toes on each foot, making them proportionate and neat in appearance.
  
  

Temperament:

• Active and Spirited: The Black Old English Game Bantam is known for its high energy, agility, and alertness. These bantams are constantly on the move, foraging and exploring their surroundings. They have a lively personality and are often seen darting around the yard or free-range area.
  
  

• Independent and Courageous: As a game bird, the Black Old English Game Bantam is naturally independent and spirited. They are confident and can sometimes display dominant behavior, particularly toward other chickens. They tend to be more territorial and less docile than other bantam breeds, but with regular handling, they can become more accustomed to human interaction.
  
  

• Good for Free-Range: Given their active and inquisitive nature, these bantams thrive in free-range environments where they have plenty of space to roam and forage. They are agile and capable of flying short distances, so a secure enclosure is essential to prevent them from escaping.
  
  

• Not Ideal for Small Flocks: Due to their spirited and sometimes dominant behavior, Black Old English Game Bantams may not be the best fit for small, mixed flocks. They may compete for dominance, especially with other breeds. However, they generally do well with their own kind and are better suited for flocks with other active, game-oriented chickens.
  

Egg Laying:

• Moderate Egg Production: Like most bantams, the Black Old English Game Bantam is not known for high egg production. They typically lay small white eggs, usually around 2-3 eggs per week. While they don’t produce large quantities of eggs, the eggs they do lay are often high in quality and flavor.
  
  

• Egg Size and Quality: The eggs are small but delicious, and their shells are smooth. These bantams are not considered primary egg producers, but their eggs are perfect for small-scale egg consumption and are often favored for their taste.

Health and Care:

• Hardy: Black Old English Game Bantams are generally hardy chickens that adapt well to different climates. However, because of their small size and single comb, they may be more susceptible to frostbite in extremely cold conditions, so protection from the cold is essential. In hot climates, they will need access to shade and cool areas to prevent overheating.
  
  

• Minimal Maintenance: These bantams require relatively low maintenance. Their feathers are easy to manage, and they don’t require special grooming. Like all chickens, they need to be kept in a clean environment and regularly checked for parasites, such as mites or lice.
  
  

• Free-Range Considerations: These chickens are excellent foragers, so they are well-suited to a free-range lifestyle. However, due to their small size and agility, they are vulnerable to predators, so a secure, predator-proof pen is essential to keep them safe.
  
  

Show and Ornamental Qualities:

• Poultry Shows: The Black Old English Game Bantam is often entered into poultry shows due to its striking appearance, strong body, and graceful movement. The glossy black plumage and elegant posture make them stand out in competitions.
  
  

• Ornamental and Display Birds: Their sleek appearance, upright tail, and overall elegance make them highly prized as ornamental birds. They are often kept for their beauty and used as display birds, adding a regal and energetic presence to any flock.
  
  

What is a Black Old English Bantam?
A miniaturized version of the Standard Old English Game chicken with sleek black feathers.

Are Black Old English Bantams suitable for children?
Yes, they are tame and gentle, making them great for kids.

Is the Black Old English Bantam recognized for shows?
Yes, it’s been recognized multiple times in the American Standard of Perfection.

Are Black Old English Bantams good as pets?
Absolutely, they are friendly and easy to handle.

Where can I buy Black Old English Bantam chicks?
Available at Chicken Coop Company—order today for quick delivery!

Black Old English Game Bantam Facts