Black Standard Old English

Black Standard Old English Chicken

At Chicken Coop Company, we’re proud to offer the Black Old English Standard, one of the oldest chicken breeds with roots tracing back to Victorian England. Known for its striking appearance, long life, and robust health, this breed is highly valued among poultry enthusiasts.

With its natural alertness and energy, the Black Old English Standard is excellent at evading predators, making it a fantastic choice for backyard flocks. Over nearly 40 years, Chicken Coop Company has carefully selected the best traits in every generation to maintain and enhance the physical attributes, health, and personality of this remarkable breed.

Appearance:

• Feather Color: Black Standard Old English Chicken have solid black feathers with an iridescent sheen that looks green or purple in the light. The glossy feathers are stunning when the sun hits them. Their feathers are smooth and sleek.
  
  
  
• Body Type: These chickens have a compact but muscular body, they are small but sturdy, lean and athletic. They have strong legs and an upright posture.
  
  
  
• Comb and Wattles: Like most Old English Game chickens the Black Standard Old English Chicken has a single comb which is upright and red. The comb is in proportion to the bird and sits on the head. The wattles are small but red.
  
  
  
• Tail: The tail of the Black Standard Old English Chicken is carried high and upright like all Old English Game chickens. The tail feathers are long and sweeping. The dark black tail looks great against the glossy black body.
  
  
  
• Legs and Toes: The legs of the Black Standard Old English Chicken are yellow and clean. Like most Old English Game chickens they have 3 toes on each foot.
  
  

Temperament:

• Active and Spirited: The Black Standard Old English Chicken is high energy and active. They are always on the move, exploring, foraging and scratching for food. They are great for free range where they can roam and be themselves.
  
  
  
• Independent and Courageous: True to their game bird heritage the Black Standard Old English Chicken is independent and courageous. They are confident birds not skittish. They may not be aggressive but can be bold and assert themselves in a flock sometimes displaying dominant behaviour especially with other breeds.
  
  
  
• Free Range: The Black Standard Old English Chicken is great for free range where they can roam and forage. They are agile and fast and are better suited to larger areas where they can express themselves. However due to their agility they can fly short distances so a secure pen or high fence is important to keep them contained.
  
  
  
• Not for Small Flocks: Due to their independent and sometimes dominant nature the Black Standard Old English Chicken may not be the best for small passive flocks. They are better suited to larger more active flocks where they can coexist with other energetic breeds.
  

Egg Laying:

• Moderate Egg Production: Like most Old English Game chickens the Black Standard Old English Chicken is not known for egg production. They lay small white eggs about 2-3 per week. While their egg production is moderate their eggs are high quality and tasty.
  
  
• Egg Size and Quality: The eggs are small but fresh, flavorful and rich. These bantams are more prized for their beauty, agility and game bird heritage than for their egg laying ability.
  
  

Health and Care:

• Hardy: Black Standard Old English Chickens are generally hardy and adaptable to different climates. However like all chickens they should be protected from extreme weather conditions especially winter. Their small size and comb may make them more susceptible to frostbite in very cold temperatures so shelter should be provided during harsh weather.
  
  
  
• Low Maintenance: These chickens are low maintenance. Their smooth glossy feathers are easy to manage and they don’t require special grooming. Regular checks for parasites like mites or lice should be done and their living space should be kept clean and dry to keep them healthy.
  
  
  
• Flight Risk: As with most Old English Game chickens the Black Standard Old English Chicken can fly short distances. They are agile and can fly over low barriers so a secure high fence is necessary to keep them contained and prevent them from escaping or wandering off.
  
  

Show and Ornamental Qualities:

•         Poultry Shows: The Black Standard Old English Chicken is shown in poultry shows due to its beauty and movement. The glossy black feathers, red comb and sleek body make it a showstopper in ornamental or breed classes.
  
  
• Ornamental Value: These chickens are highly valued for ornamental purposes due to their striking appearance, energy and boldness. They are a great addition to any backyard flock especially for those who love ornamental chickens. The Black Standard Old English Chicken is chosen for its beauty and liveliness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a Black Old English Standard?
An ancient, hardy chicken breed known for its longevity and striking black feathers.

Is the Black Old English Standard suitable for backyards?
Yes, it’s ideal due to its alertness, which helps it evade predators.

How long has Chicken Coop Company bred this chicken?
Nearly 40 years, selecting for the best traits.

Are Black Old English Standards docile?
They are active and alert but generally friendly in nature.

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

Black Standard Old English Facts

• Poultry Show Class: All Other Standard Breeds, Game Class
  
• Weights – Hen ——- 4 lbs
  Rooster——5 lbs
  Pullet——-3 1/2 lbs
  Cockerel—–4 lbs
  
• Purpose – Egg Laying; Exhibition
  
• Egg Shell Color – Cream or Tinted
  
• Egg Production – poor – 120 eggs per year
  
• Egg Size: Small-Medium
  
• Temperament: Active/Flighty
  
• Fertility Percentage: 40-55%
  
• Broody: Setters
  
• Mating Ratio: 6 Females to 1 Male
  
• Roost Height: 4+ feet
  
• Country of Origin – Europe
  
• APA: Yes, Recognized by the American Standard of Perfection in 1938
  
• TLC: Yes, Watch Status. Considered a sustainable heritage chicken breed
  
• BREEDER FARM SOURCE: Poultry Breeding Farm developing our bloodline or strain of Old English Game Standard Chicken since 1974.