The Old English Game is considered the ‘Godfather’ of the hard-feather breeds and has a long and distinguished history which has attracted a large range of breeders over the years and reached its peak in England during the years when fighting birds was a sport.
Since then it has been a breeders favourite as a light breed which lays a white egg and comes in a multitude of varieties and colours.
It is hugely popular as a show breed and has many followers which make it an extremely competitive field.
To be a successful breeder you need to understand the standards very well and breed to a very particular type and standard.
What makes it easier is that there are many excellent breeders and you are able to buy excellent stock to begin with.
The birds are strong and active as the ‘game’ part of the name implies and the breed itself was bred for speed and stamina.
When fighting was stopped in England in 1849, these affluent breeders switched to the show pen as the breed was completely unsuited for a production bird or even one for the yard because of their aggressive nature.
For modern day breeders, the birds are quite active still and will do better if allowed some roaming space.
Obviously, the males need to be kept apart.
They are quite able to fend for themselves and I have seen this on many a western NSW farm.
But, show birds do better if contained well before show so they are not feral in the pen.
The hens are extremely motherly and will care for their own chicks very well which is a bonus.
They are not difficult to breed, but you need to remember that the hens have significant influence on the progeny – perhaps more-so than the soft-feather breeds.
Well-bred birds are often seen amongst the major winners at show and can win the majors.
The OEG is a breed well worth considering for the show pen, but it probably isn’t a general yard type breed.
Best of luck with the chooks over Christmas and don’t forget to make arrangements for your birds over the hot summer months, especially if you go on holidays.
