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Egg Size
Medium
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Egg Quantity
Poor (1/wk)
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Egg Color
Cream, White, Tinted
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Cold Tolerance
Not Cold Hardy
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Abundance
Rare
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Personality
Active
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Size
Bantam
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Feathered Feet
No
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Heat Tolerance
Tolerates Heat Well
Ginger Red Standard Old English
Ginger Red Standard Old English Chicken
Explore the Ginger Red Standard Old English game fowl at Chicken Coop Company—one of the 18 carefully developed varieties of this historic breed. Known for its single comb, striking green legs, and the spirited qualities that define the Old English game fowl, this bird adds beauty and resilience to any flock. With origins tracing back to one of the oldest chicken breeds in the world, the Ginger Red Standard Old English is celebrated for its longevity and gameness, carrying a proud history that includes references on Roman coins and associations with notable figures like Abraham Lincoln.
Expertly developed by Jeff Smith over 38 years, our selection includes nine varieties currently recognized by the American Standard of Perfection. Whether you’re a poultry enthusiast or looking to enhance your backyard flock, this breed’s unique heritage makes it a standout choice. Place your order for the Ginger Red Standard Old English today, or reach out to our team for more details!
Health and Care:
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Hardy and Resilient: The Ginger Red Old English Chicken is a hardy breed that adapts well to a variety of climates. Their slender, athletic build makes them suitable for free-range environments, where they can roam and forage freely. They can tolerate colder weather but require adequate shelter in extremely cold conditions, as they are not heavily insulated like some other breeds.
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Disease Resistance: Like other Old English Game chickens, the Ginger Red variety is generally healthy and disease-resistant. However, their active nature means they are exposed to the outdoors more often, making them more susceptible to external parasites like mites and lice. Regular inspections for parasites and maintaining a clean living environment will help ensure their health.
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Low Maintenance: This breed requires moderate care, including a balanced diet, fresh water, and a clean, dry living space. They are well-suited for free-range conditions, as they enjoy foraging and staying active. If kept in a coop, they should be given enough space to move around and exercise.

Egg Laying:
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Moderate Egg Production: The Ginger Red Old English Chicken is not bred specifically for high egg production, as its primary purpose was originally for gamefowl. However, they do produce around 150-200 small white eggs annually. While their egg production is moderate, they still offer a reliable supply of eggs for personal use.
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Seasonal Laying: Like most chickens, egg production will slow during the winter months when daylight hours are shorter. However, with supplemental lighting, egg production can continue throughout the year.
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Small White Eggs: The eggs laid by Ginger Red Old English chickens are typically small and white in color. These eggs are ideal for personal use and small-scale egg production, though they are not as large as eggs produced by more prolific layers.

Temperament:
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Active and Spirited: The Ginger Red Old English Chicken is an active, spirited breed that enjoys roaming and foraging. They are not as docile as some other chicken breeds and prefer to stay on the move, exploring their surroundings and engaging in their natural behaviors. They are best suited for free-range environments where they can engage in active foraging.
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Independent and Proud: These chickens are naturally independent and proud. They do not seek constant human attention but will be friendly and interact with their caretakers when needed. Their proud and gamebird-like demeanor often gives them a confident and somewhat aloof appearance.
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Alert and Territorial: The Ginger Red Old English Chicken is known for its alertness and territorial nature. Roosters, in particular, can be territorial and may show aggression toward other males. However, hens are generally peaceful and get along well in mixed-flock settings. While not as aggressive toward humans, roosters can sometimes display more assertive behavior with other roosters.
Appearance:
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Vibrant Ginger-Red Plumage: The Ginger Red Old English Chicken is known for its rich ginger-red feathers, which cover most of its body. The feathers are a warm, reddish-brown color, with dark black or deep greenish-black shades on the tail and wings. The contrast between the vibrant red and the darker feathering on the tail makes the Ginger Red variety one of the most beautiful and striking color variations within the Old English Game chickens.
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Slender, Athletic Build: The Ginger Red Old English Chicken has a slender, graceful build that is typical of gamebirds. Their body is long, and their neck is slim and elongated, emphasizing their athleticism and agility. They are medium-sized birds, with hens weighing around 4-5 pounds and roosters around 5-6 pounds.
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Long Legs and Elegant Posture: These chickens have long, strong legs that contribute to their graceful posture and athleticism. Their upright stance and long neck give them an elegant, proud appearance. They are naturally alert and vigilant, often standing tall with their head held high and their eyes scanning their environment.
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Small Comb and Wattles: The Ginger Red Old English Chicken features a small, single comb, and small wattles, which are red in color. These features are typical of Old English Game chickens and contribute to their streamlined, elegant look.
- Sharp Eyes and Vigilant Expression: Their bright, sharp eyes give them an intelligent and alert expression. These chickens are always aware of their surroundings, making them excellent at watching for potential predators. Their vigilant expression adds to their regal and gamebird-like appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a Ginger Red Standard Old English Game Fowl?
A historic game fowl breed with green legs and a single comb, known for its resilience and spirit.
What is the Old English Standard chicken?
The Old English Standard chicken is a historic breed known for its spirited nature, resilience, and striking appearance. It has a proud stance, distinctive features (such as single combs and varied leg colors), and is one of the oldest chicken breeds, prized for both ornamental and practical purposes.
Are Old English gamefowl "games"?
Yes, Old English gamefowl are known for their "gameness"—a term describing their spirited and courageous nature. Originally bred as fighting birds, they retain their bold and active temperament, making them alert and hardy birds suited to free-range environments.
Are Ginger Red Standard Old English chickens good for backyard flocks?
Yes, they’re hardy, long-living, and bring historical significance.
Where can I buy Ginger Red Standard Old English Game Fowl?
Available from Chicken Coop Company—contact us for details!
Ginger Red Standard Old English Facts
- Poultry Show Class: All 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: Breeding Farm developing our bloodline or strain of Old English Game Standard Chicken since 1974.
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