Spangled Old English Game Bantam

Spangled Old English Game Bantam Chicken

The Spangled Old English Bantam is a striking miniature version of the Standard Old English Game chicken. Known for its popularity as a show bird, this unique bantam is recognized by the American Standard of Perfection and features a mix of beautiful feather colors that are sure to impress.

Not just for showing, these friendly chickens also make wonderful pets due to their manageable size and gentle nature. Order your Spangled Old English Bantam baby chicks today, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions!

Appearance:

• Feather Color: The Spangled Old English Game Bantam is characterized by its beautiful "spangled" feathers. The body feathers are typically dark (often black or a deep color), with lighter-colored tips, usually white or cream. This gives the bird a shimmering, almost metallic appearance, especially when the light catches the feathers. The contrast between the dark body and the spangled tips creates a visually striking effect.
  
  

• Body Type: As with other Old English Game Bantams, the Spangled variety has a compact, slender, and athletic build. These bantams are muscular yet small, reflecting the breed's heritage as game birds. Their lightweight, agile bodies make them excellent at moving quickly and gracefully.
  
  

• Tail: The Spangled Old English Game Bantam has a high, upright tail that is carried gracefully. The tail feathers are long, sweeping, and elegant, contributing to the bird’s overall dignified appearance. The contrast between the spangled body and the darker tail feathers adds to the bird's visual appeal.
  
  

• Comb and Wattles: The Spangled Old English Game Bantam typically has a small, single comb that is upright and bright red. The comb is in proportion to the bird’s size, and the wattles are small but bright red, providing a striking contrast against the bird's colorful plumage.
  
  

• Legs and Toes: The legs are clean and yellow, and the bird typically has three toes on each foot. These short yellow legs enhance the overall appearance and help complete the bantam’s neat, compact frame.

Temperament:

• Active and Spirited: The Spangled Old English Game Bantam is known for its high energy, agility, and alertness. These bantams are very active and love to forage, explore, and scratch for food. Their energetic personality makes them ideal for free-range environments, where they can roam and express their natural behaviors.
  
  

• Independent and Courageous: Like all Old English Game Bantams, the Spangled variety is independent and courageous. They are confident birds that may not always be as docile as some other breeds. Their boldness and territorial nature mean they can sometimes be dominant within a mixed flock, so it's important to house them with other active or assertive breeds to avoid conflict.
  
  

• Good for Free-Range: These bantams thrive in free-range environments where they can move around freely. They are excellent foragers and enjoy exploring large spaces, making them ideal for environments with plenty of room to roam. However, they can be capable of short flights, so a secure pen or high fence is necessary to keep them contained.
  
  

• Dominant Behavior: Due to their spirited nature, Spangled Old English Game Bantams can sometimes be dominant, particularly if housed with other breeds. They tend to assert themselves and can be more independent than other, more docile bantams. They are best suited for larger flocks or environments where they can coexist with similarly energetic breeds.
  
  

Egg Laying:

• Moderate Egg Production: Like most Old English Game Bantams, the Spangled variety is not a prolific egg layer. They typically lay small white eggs, averaging around 2-3 eggs per week. While egg production is not their primary purpose, their eggs are of good quality and flavor.

• Egg Size and Quality: The eggs produced by Spangled Old English Game Bantams are small but flavorful. The rich taste of the eggs makes them a treat for those who keep bantams for ornamental or pet purposes.
  
  

Health and Care:

• Hardy: Spangled Old English Game Bantams are generally hardy birds that can adapt to various climates. However, like all bantams, they are more vulnerable to cold weather due to their small size and single comb, so protection from extreme cold is necessary in winter.
  
  

• Low Maintenance: These bantams are relatively low-maintenance. Their sleek, spangled feathers don’t require much grooming, and they typically remain healthy and resilient. Like all chickens, they should be checked for parasites like mites or lice regularly. Keeping their living space clean and dry is key to their overall health.
  
  

• Flight Risk: As with many bantams, the Spangled Old English Game Bantam is capable of short flights. They are agile and can easily fly over low barriers, so it’s essential to have a secure, high-enough fence to keep them safely contained and protected from predators.
  
  

Show and Ornamental Qualities:

• Poultry Shows: The Spangled Old English Game Bantam is a popular breed in poultry shows due to its stunning appearance, graceful movements, and energetic personality. The contrast of spangled feathers and the elegant tail make this bantam a showstopper in competitions.
  
  

• Ornamental Value: Beyond being shown in exhibitions, the Spangled Old English Game Bantam is often kept for ornamental purposes. Their shimmering, spangled plumage, combined with their active and lively personality, makes them a beautiful addition to any backyard flock. They add elegance and vitality to ornamental flocks and are loved by poultry enthusiasts.

What is a Spangled Old English Bantam?
A miniature version of the Standard Old English Game chicken, known for its unique feather colors.

Is the Spangled Old English Bantam recognized by poultry standards?
Yes, it’s recognized by the American Standard of Perfection.

Are Spangled Old English Bantams suitable for showing?
Absolutely, they’re popular show birds and highly valued in exhibitions.

Can Spangled Old English Bantams be kept as pets?
Yes, they’re gentle and make excellent pets.

Where can I buy Spangled Old English Bantam chicks?
Available for order from Chicken Coop Company—contact us today!

Spangled Old English Game Bantam Facts