Cuckoo Standard Old English

Cuckoo Standard Old English

At Chicken Coop Company, we’re excited to introduce the **Cuckoo Standard Old English game fowl, a breed with nearly 40 years of careful development and refinement. This remarkable variety, offered as baby chicks, is easily recognizable by its unique pearl to blue leg color and traditional single comb.

These chickens are not only genetically hardy but also known for their spirited gameness, making them a robust addition to any backyard or free-range flock. For those seeking a more natural setup, a group of 1 male and 10 hens is ideal, as it offers excellent predator avoidance and fosters a balanced flock dynamic.

The hens are excellent natural brooders, providing gentle care while hatching and raising chicks, perfect for sustaining your flock with ease. If you’re ready to bring resilience, beauty, and history to your setup, place your order today! Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions our team at Chicken Coop Company is here to help!

Health and Care:

• Hardy and Resilient: The Cuckoo Standard Old English Chicken is generally a hardy breed. Its athletic, slender build allows it to adapt to various climates. However, due to its fine feathering, the breed can be susceptible to extreme cold, so it requires adequate shelter in colder weather. In hotter climates, it needs access to shade and plenty of fresh water to stay comfortable.
  
  
• Disease Resistance: These chickens are generally healthy and disease-resistant, especially when kept in a clean, well-maintained environment. However, due to their active nature and love of foraging, they may be more exposed to external parasites, such as mites and lice. Regular checks for parasites and keeping their living environment clean are crucial for maintaining their health.
  
  
• Low Maintenance: The Cuckoo Old English chicken is low-maintenance in terms of feeding and care. They are active foragers and enjoy free-ranging, making them ideal for those with ample space for their exercise needs. A clean, dry environment, fresh food and water, and regular grooming are all they need to thrive.

Egg Laying:

• Moderate Egg Production: The Cuckoo Standard Old English Chicken is not a prolific egg layer, as it was originally bred for its gamebird qualities and ornamental purposes. Typically, they produce about 150-200 small white eggs per year. While not as high-yielding as commercial egg layers, they are consistent and dependable for small-scale egg production.
  
  
• Seasonal Laying: Like most chickens, egg production can decrease in the winter months due to shorter daylight hours. However, supplemental lighting can help maintain egg production during the winter, ensuring a steady supply of eggs year-round.
  
  
• Small White Eggs: The eggs they lay are typically small and white, making them ideal for household use and personal consumption, although they may not be large enough for commercial use.
  
  

Temperament:

• Active and Spirited: The Cuckoo Standard Old English Chicken is an active, spirited breed. They are known for their high energy and gamebird-like mentality. They require ample space to roam and exercise, as they are constantly foraging, scratching, and exploring their environment.
  
  
• Independent and Proud: These chickens are independent, self-reliant birds that do not rely on constant attention. While they can be handled and are not overly aggressive toward humans, they are not as eager to interact as some other breeds. They are more likely to keep to themselves and engage in their own activities, making them better suited for larger flocks or free-range environments.
  
  
• Alert and Territorial: The Cuckoo Old English chicken is naturally alert and territorial. They tend to be vigilant and are quick to notice any changes in their surroundings. Roosters, in particular, may exhibit some aggressive tendencies toward other males, but hens are generally peaceful in mixed-flock settings.
  
  

Appearance:

• Stunning Cuckoo Plumage: The Cuckoo Standard Old English Chicken is best known for its cuckoo-patterned feathers, which are a mix of light and dark stripes. This pattern creates a "barred" effect that is visually striking. The dark feathers of the wings and tail contrast beautifully with the lighter body feathers, giving the bird a bold, elegant appearance.
  
  
  
• Slender, Athletic Build: The Cuckoo Old English Chicken has a slender and graceful build, built for agility and speed. The breed is medium-sized, with hens typically weighing around 4-5 pounds and roosters around 5-6 pounds. Their long legs, long neck, and sleek frame contribute to their athletic, gamebird-like appearance.
  
  
• Long Legs and Elegant Posture: Like many Old English Game chickens, the Cuckoo Standard Old English Chicken has long legs that emphasize their elegant and athletic posture. Their stance is upright, and they carry themselves with a sense of confidence and grace, often seen walking proudly with their head held high.
  
  
• Small Comb and Wattles: The Cuckoo Old English Chicken has a small, single comb that is red, and small wattles. The comb is upright and not as large as those found in other breeds, contributing to their refined, gamebird appearance.
  
  
• Bright Eyes and Alert Expression: Their sharp, bright eyes give them an intelligent and vigilant look, which is fitting for a breed known for its alertness and awareness of its surroundings. Their expression often shows curiosity and readiness to respond to any potential changes in their environment.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a Cuckoo Standard Old English Game Fowl?
A hardy game fowl breed with pearl to blue legs and a single comb.

Are Cuckoo Standard Old English hens good brooders?
Yes, they are natural brooders, great for hatching and raising chicks.

Can Cuckoo Standard Old English be raised in free-range settings?
Yes, they are well-suited for free-range flocks and are good at evading predators.

Does Chicken Coop Company sell Cuckoo Standard Old English as adults?
No, they are sold exclusively as baby chicks.

How many varieties of Old English Game Fowl does Chicken Coop Company offer?
We offer a selection of 18 unique Old English Game Fowl varieties.

Cuckoo Standard Old English

• Poultry Show Class: Other Standard Breeds, Game Class
• Weights – Hen ——- 4 bs
  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: No
• 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.