Spangled Standard Old English

Spangled Standard Old English Chicken

At Chicken Coop Company, we’re thrilled to offer the Spangled Standard Old English, a striking variety within our Standard Old English game fowl lineup that we’ve been refining for decades. This hardy breed is celebrated for its spirited nature and impressive longevity, making it an excellent addition to any flock.

Males are best kept separate due to their territorial instincts, while the hens are ideal for raising chicks with their strong brooding abilities. This variety features a single comb and distinctive pale white legs, with a miniature (bantam) version also available for those with limited space. Ready to welcome the Spangled Standard Old English to your flock? Place your order today, and feel free to reach out with any questions!

Appearance:

• Feather Color: Spangled Standard Old English Chicken has a spangled feather pattern where the body feathers are dark (black or deep brown) with lighter colored tips (white or cream). This creates a sparkly effect especially when the light hits the feathers. The contrast between the dark and light feathers is sharp and dramatic, beautiful.
  
  

• Body Type: As with all Old English Game chickens, Spangled Standard Old English Chicken has a compact muscular body. Small but strong with a well proportioned frame to allow for quick movements. The athletic body type suits their energetic nature.
  
  

• Comb and Wattles: Spangled Standard Old English Chicken has a single comb which is small, upright and red. The comb is proportional to the bird, sitting neatly on top of the head. The wattles are small and red, adding to the vibrant contrast against the dark plumage.
  
  

• Tail: The tail of the Spangled Standard Old English Chicken is one of its most beautiful feature. It’s carried upright with long sweeping feathers that are darker than the body. The tail feathers enhance the bird’s elegance and the contrasting color makes the tail stand out.
  
  

• Legs and Toes: The legs are yellow and short, typical of Old English Game chicken breed. Strong and short legs to support the agile and compact body. Three toes on each foot to allow for quick movements.
  
  

Temperament:

• Active and Spirited: Spangled Standard Old English Chicken is known for its energetic and lively nature. They are always on the move, foraging, exploring and scratching for food. Their athletic build makes them quick and agile and they love to roam free and express their natural behavior.
  
  

• Independent and Courageous: Like all Old English Game chickens, Spangled Standard Old English Chicken is independent and confident. They are not shy and can be dominant in a flock. Not aggressive but bold and unafraid to assert themselves. This independent nature is typical of game birds and they are often more courageous than other breeds.
  
  

• Free-Range: These chickens love free-range and will thrive in large spaces where they can roam and forage for food. Their energetic personality and agility makes them perfect for big areas where they can express their natural behavior. However, they can fly short distances due to their light body and agility so a secure fence or high pen is necessary to keep them contained.

• Not for Small Flocks: Due to their bold and independent nature, Spangled Standard Old English Chicken is best suited for larger flocks. They may display dominant behavior especially with more passive or docile breeds so they are better placed in flocks where other energetic and confident chickens can balance out their behavior.
  
  

Egg Laying:

• Moderate Egg Production: Like all Old English Game chickens, Spangled Standard Old English Chicken is not known for egg production. They lay small white eggs, about 2-3 eggs a week. Egg production is moderate but the eggs are excellent quality.
  
  

• Egg Size and Quality: The eggs are small but flavorful. Fresh and rich in taste, they are highly prized despite the moderate egg production. These chickens are often valued more for their ornamental qualities and energetic personalities than for egg laying.
  
  

Health and Care:

• Hardy: Spangled Standard Old English Chicken is generally hardy and can adapt to different climate. However, like all chickens, they need to be protected from extreme weather. Their small size and single comb makes them more vulnerable to frostbite in cold weather so shelter should be provided in colder months.
  
  

• Low Maintenance: These chickens are relatively low maintenance. Their sleek feathers don’t require much grooming and they will stay healthy if kept in a clean environment. Regular parasite checks for mites or lice should be done and their living space should be kept clean and dry to ensure their health.
  
  

• Flight Risk: Due to their agility, Spangled Standard Old English Chicken can fly short distances. They may try to fly over low fences so a secure pen with high fencing is necessary to prevent them from escaping or being exposed to predators.
  
  

Show and Ornamental Qualities:

• Poultry Shows: Spangled Standard Old English Chicken is often entered in poultry shows because of its spangled feather pattern, elegant posture and game bird heritage. The sharp contrast of dark and light feathers combined with the bird’s elegance makes it a favorite in exhibitions.
  
  

• Show Quality: Highly ornamental due to their feather pattern, energetic and spirited nature.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a Spangled Standard Old English Game Fowl?
A resilient game fowl breed with a single comb, pale white legs, and a spirited nature.

Are Spangled Standard Old English hens good for brooding?
Yes, they are excellent brooders, ideal for hatching and raising chicks.

Should Spangled Standard Old English males be kept separately?
Yes, males are territorial and should be housed separately for optimal care.

Is there a bantam version of the Spangled Standard Old English?
Yes, a miniature (bantam) version is available.

Where can I purchase Spangled Standard Old English chicks?
Available at Chicken Coop Company—order now for quick delivery!

Spangled Standard Old English Facts

• Poultry Show Class: 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.