Wheaten Standard Old English

Wheaten Standard Old English Chicken

At Chicken Coop Company, we’re proud to offer the Wheaten Standard Old English, a remarkable breed and one of 18 distinct varieties of Standard Old English game fowl that we’ve perfected over 38 years of dedicated development. This variety stands out for its genetic hardiness, known for both its spirited gameness and its long life span, which surpasses many other chicken breeds. With striking wheat-colored plumage and a classic game fowl stance, the Wheaten Standard Old English adds both beauty and resilience to any flock.

Whether you’re a poultry enthusiast looking for a new show bird or need a reliable hen to hatch and raise chicks naturally, the Wheaten Standard Old English is an excellent choice. Its sturdy, adaptable nature makes it well-suited for various environments, including free-range setups. Ready to enhance your flock with this exceptional breed? Place your order today, and enjoy prompt shipping! Our team is also here to provide any additional information you need don’t hesitate to contact us with questions about this hardy and elegant breed!

Health and Care:

• Hardy and Resilient: The Wheaten Old English Chicken is a hardy breed that can adapt to a variety of climates. They have a slender build and are active, which makes them well-suited for free-range environments where they can forage and roam. In colder climates, they will require adequate shelter to protect them from the elements, as their fine feathers don’t provide as much insulation as some other breeds.
  
  
• Disease Resistance: Like other Old English Game chickens, the Wheaten variety is generally healthy and disease-resistant. However, because they are active foragers, they may be exposed to external parasites such as mites and lice. Regular checks for pests and maintaining a clean environment are essential to keeping them healthy.
  
• Low Maintenance: These chickens are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to daily care. They are typically hardy and adapt well to outdoor conditions. However, they do need a clean and dry living space, fresh water, and a balanced diet. Their fine feathers may need occasional grooming to ensure they don't become matted or dirty.

Egg Laying:

• Moderate Egg Production: The Wheaten Old English Chicken is not primarily bred for egg production, as it was historically raised for gamebird purposes. These chickens typically produce 150-200 small white eggs annually. While their egg production isn’t as high as other breeds bred specifically for laying, they still provide a steady supply of eggs for personal use.
  
  
• Seasonal Laying: Like most chickens, egg production may slow down in the winter months due to shorter daylight hours. However, with the help of supplemental lighting, egg production can continue through the colder months.
  
  
• Small White Eggs: The eggs they lay are typically small, white, and of good quality. While they may not be as large as those from commercial egg layers, they are perfect for home consumption and small households.
  
  

Temperament:

• Active and Spirited: The Wheaten Old English Chicken is a spirited and active breed, known for its gamebird-like mentality. These chickens are constantly on the move, foraging and exploring their environment. They are best suited for free-range environments, where they have ample space to move and exhibit their natural behaviors.
  
  
• Independent: The Wheaten Old English Chicken is an independent bird that enjoys roaming and engaging in its own activities. While they can be handled, they are not as docile as some other breeds and may prefer to keep to themselves. They are not as eager for human interaction but will accept attention once they become familiar with their caretakers.
  
  
• Alert and Territorial: The Wheaten Old English Chicken is very alert and has a territorial nature, especially the roosters. Roosters may display some aggressive behaviors toward other males, but hens are typically peaceful and calm. This breed is known for being vigilant, which makes them good at watching for potential predators.
  
  

Appearance:

• Beautiful Wheaten Plumage: The Wheaten Standard Old English Chicken is known for its rich, golden-brown plumage, which gives it a soft, wheaten color. Their feathers are a mix of light brown and golden hues, which contrast beautifully with darker feathers on their wings and tail. The soft color adds to their overall elegant and ornamental look.
  
  
• Slender, Athletic Build: The Wheaten Old English Chicken has a slender, athletic build, which is characteristic of gamebirds. They are medium-sized birds with long legs, a long neck, and a sleek body. Hens typically weigh around 4-5 pounds, and roosters around 5-6 pounds. Their build allows them to be agile and fast, perfect for their gamebird-like activities.
  
  
• Long Legs and Graceful Posture: The Wheaten Old English Chicken has long, slender legs that contribute to its graceful posture and athletic appearance. They hold their bodies upright, often standing with pride, and they have a natural elegance that is characteristic of the breed.
  
  
• Small Comb and Wattles: Like other Old English Game chickens, the Wheaten variety has a small single comb that is red, along with small wattles. The comb and wattles are not large or prominent, which adds to the refined, sleek appearance of the bird.
  
  
• Sharp Eyes and Alert Expression: These chickens have bright, alert eyes, contributing to their watchful and intelligent expression. They are known for being vigilant, constantly aware of their surroundings, which is a characteristic trait of gamebird breeds.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a Wheaten Standard Old English Game Fowl?
A hardy game fowl breed with wheat-colored plumage, known for its longevity and spirited nature.

Are Wheaten Standard Old English hens good for brooding?
Yes, the hens are excellent brooding mothers, ideal for hatching and raising chicks.

How long do Wheaten Standard Old English Game Fowls live?
They are genetically hardy and often live longer than many other breeds.

Is the Wheaten Standard Old English suitable for shows?
Yes, they make great show birds due to their classic game fowl appearance and stance.

Where can I purchase Wheaten Standard Old English chicks?
Available from Chicken Coop Company—order today for fast shipping!

Wheaten Standard Old English Chicken 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: 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.