English Game Chicken Breed: Info, Pictures, Overview and more

Originally bred for cockfighting, this breed boasts a striking appearance, with a slim, athletic build and distinctive long neck. Known for their aggressiveness and high energy levels, they require ample space and activity to thrive. Their glossy feathers come in various colors, such as brown, red, black, and white, with some displaying striking patterns. Despite their fierce reputation, they can also exhibit a docile temperament when handled regularly and raised in a calm environment. English Games are excellent foragers and do well in free-range settings, but they also adapt to confinement if provided with sufficient mental stimulation and space to roam.

The temperament of these birds can be described as confident and alert, with a strong sense of curiosity. They are known to be independent and relatively easy to handle, but can also display some aggression towards other birds, especially roosters. English games are intelligent and have a natural inclination towards foraging, making them excellent for free-range environments. They are generally friendly towards humans and can be trained to be quite sociable. Overall, their spirited and active nature makes them a unique and engaging breed to care for.

The English Game chicken breed typically has a small to medium size body with a close-fitting build. They are known for their upright stance and long legs, giving them a tall and elegant appearance. The breed features a prominent, well-arched tail and a sleek, compact physique. Their head is small and neat, often adorned with a bright red comb and wattles. English Game chickens exhibit a confident and alert demeanor, with a keen expression in their bright eyes. The breed's plumage comes in a variety of colors, including black, red, duckwing, and pyle, adding to their striking and attractive appearance.

English Game chickens are known for their robust health and long lifespan. With proper care and management, these birds can live up to 10-12 years. They are naturally hardy and resistant to common poultry diseases, making them relatively low-maintenance in terms of health. To ensure their longevity, providing a balanced diet, clean living conditions, regular exercise, and routine health check-ups are essential. Additionally, early detection of any health issues and prompt intervention are crucial in maintaining the overall well-being of these beautiful and resilient birds.

Family Compatibility:The English Game breed is well-suited for family settings due to its calm and friendly nature. Known for their docile temperament, these chickens are tolerant of children and other pets, making them great additions to a household. They enjoy human interaction and can form strong bonds with their owners, often following them around the backyard or seeking attention. Additionally, their hardy and independent nature makes them easy to care for, perfect for families looking for low-maintenance yet rewarding poultry companions. Overall, the English Game breed excels in family environments, bringing joy and charm to those who choose to raise them.

The English Game chickens are known for their high exercise needs, requiring ample space to roam and forage. With their active and energetic nature, they thrive when given opportunities to free-range and explore their environment. Regular exercise not only keeps them physically fit but also helps in maintaining their mental well-being, preventing boredom and behavioral issues. Providing an enriching environment with plenty of space to move around and explore is essential to meet the exercise requirements of English Game chickens and ensure their overall health and happiness.

When it comes to diet and feeding, these chickens thrive on a balanced diet rich in high-quality poultry feed. Supplement their diet with fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains to ensure they receive essential nutrients. Adequate access to clean water is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Monitor their food consumption to prevent obesity and health issues. Additionally, offering grit or oyster shells helps with digestion and eggshell formation. Adjust feeding quantities based on their age, activity level, and seasonal variations to maintain their optimal health.

The English Game chickens thrive in various living environments, preferring free-range settings with ample space to roam and forage. They adapt well to confinement but do best when given access to outdoor areas for exercise and exploration. These chickens are hardy and can tolerate different climates, including cold and wet conditions, as long as they have shelter from extreme weather. Providing a secure coop with proper ventilation, nesting boxes, and roosting bars is essential for their well-being. Additionally, ensuring access to clean water, balanced feed, and protection from predators is crucial for maintaining a healthy and happy flock.

When it comes to grooming, regular grooming practices are essential for maintaining the health and appearance of these chickens. A key aspect of grooming is checking for any signs of mites or lice, as these can cause discomfort and health issues if left untreated. Additionally, regularly inspecting and trimming their nails can prevent them from becoming overgrown and causing mobility issues. Bathing should be done occasionally, using gentle soap and warm water, to keep their feathers clean and free from dirt and debris. Lastly, brushing their feathers gently can help stimulate blood flow and promote overall feather health.

Training and Intelligence: The English Game breed is known for its high level of intelligence and quick learning capabilities. These birds respond well to training, making them relatively easy to work with compared to other breeds. They are attentive, curious, and have a natural inclination to follow commands, which makes them ideal candidates for various training exercises. English Game chickens are receptive to positive reinforcement methods, allowing owners to teach them new tricks and behaviors effectively. Their intelligence also helps them adapt well to different environments and situations, making them versatile and highly trainable poultry companions.

Exercise and activity are crucial for this breed, known for their high energy levels and active nature. Engaging in free-range activities, such as foraging and roaming, help them stay physically and mentally stimulated. Providing ample space for them to move around freely is essential to prevent boredom and aggression. Regular exercise not only promotes overall health but also helps maintain their muscular build and agility. Interactive toys and games can also be beneficial in keeping them entertained and preventing destructive behaviors. In summary, regular exercise and activity are essential for the well-being and development of these active and lively birds.

English Game chickens are known for being highly social and friendly birds that enjoy interacting with humans and other flock members. They thrive in environments where they can engage in social activities like foraging for food together and establishing a structured pecking order within the flock. Proper socialization from a young age is crucial for developing well-adjusted and confident chickens. By regularly handling and spending time with English Game chickens, they become more comfortable with human interaction and are less likely to exhibit aggressive behavior towards their caretakers or fellow chickens. Overall, socialization plays a key role in shaping the temperament and behavior of English Game chickens.

The lifespan of this chicken breed typically ranges from 5 to 10 years. With proper care, a healthy diet, and a suitable living environment, English Game chickens can live a long and fulfilling life. It's essential to provide regular veterinary check-ups, protect them from predators, and ensure they have access to clean water and a balanced diet to help maximize their lifespan potential. Additionally, environmental factors such as climate and living conditions can also play a role in determining the overall longevity of these birds.

Common behavioral issues in this breed include aggression towards other chickens, especially roosters displaying territorial behavior. They can be highly assertive and feisty, requiring careful socialization from a young age to prevent conflicts. English games tend to be skittish and wary of humans, needing patient handling to build trust. Feather pecking can be a problem in some individuals, so providing plenty of space and environmental enrichment is crucial to prevent boredom. It's important to establish a clear hierarchy within the flock to minimize stress and ensure a harmonious environment for these spirited birds.

Considered a more aggressive breed, these chickens require careful management to prevent fighting within the flock. Providing adequate space, enrichment, and distractions can help minimize aggression and keep them content. Regular health checks are essential to address any potential injuries from their assertive behavior. Additionally, introducing new chickens to the flock should be done gradually to reduce stress and territorial disputes. Proper socialization and consistent handling from a young age can also help in managing their strong-willed and territorial nature effectively.

The English Game breed is known for its strong guardian instincts, making them excellent protectors of their flock. They are highly alert and attentive, always on the lookout for any potential threats. These chickens will fearlessly defend against predators, often displaying aggression towards any perceived danger. Their protective nature makes them a valuable asset to any poultry owner looking to keep their flock safe and secure. It's important to provide them with a suitable environment where they can exercise their guardian instincts while also receiving proper care and attention to thrive in their role as protectors.

English Game chickens are gentle on allergy sufferers due to their minimal shedding and low dander production. This breed's short, sleek feathers and clean appearance contribute to reduced allergens in their environment. Regular grooming practices can further minimize shedding and keep allergens at bay. Additionally, providing a clean living space and proper ventilation can help alleviate allergy symptoms for chicken keepers. Overall, English Game chickens are a suitable choice for individuals with allergies, as long as basic care and hygiene practices are maintained.

Cost of Ownership: The cost of owning and maintaining a flock of English Game chickens can vary depending on factors such as feed, housing, and healthcare. On average, owners can expect to spend between $20 to $30 per month per bird, which includes expenses for high-quality poultry feed, supplements, and miscellaneous supplies. Initial setup costs for housing and fencing can range from $200 to $500 or more, with additional expenses for periodic maintenance and repairs. Healthcare costs for routine vaccinations and potential treatment of common chicken ailments should also be factored into the overall cost of owning and caring for English Game chickens.

Availability and Adoption: The breed can be relatively challenging to find, as they are not as common as other chicken breeds. However, dedicated breeders and specialty poultry farms may have English Game chickens available for adoption. Potential owners should research reputable sources and breeders to ensure the health and quality of the birds. Due to their history as fighting birds, it's important for adopters to provide proper care, socialization, and enrichment to ensure a well-adjusted and content flock. With the right environment and care, English Game chickens can thrive and make a valuable addition to a backyard flock.

Some of the notable examples of this breed include the Oxford Old English Game, which is recognized for its striking red and black plumage, impressive stature, and fierce, game-like demeanor. The Carlisle Old English Game is admired for its balanced and compact body structure, as well as its striking orange and black coloration. The Carlisle breed is known for its excellent foraging abilities and hardiness. Both varieties are celebrated for their rich history in cockfighting and their continued popularity in poultry exhibitions worldwide.