Old English Game Bantam

The Old English Game Bantam is defined by its compact, powerful build. Breeders often describe the ideal bird as having the feel of a tennis ball when held: hard, muscular, and exceptionally tight-feathered. The body shape is traditionally compared to a sliced calf's heart, being broad at the shoulders and tapering towards the tail.

• Wings: Short and strong, carried slightly high to contribute to the breed's rounded appearance.
• Shoulders: Markedly broad and prominent.
• Feathering: Very short and hard with almost no down, making them feel firm to the touch.
• Tail: Carried at about a 40-degree angle, with the rooster displaying long, sweeping, sabel-shaped sickle feathers.

While primarily an exhibition breed, the Old English Game Bantam is a moderate layer. They typically produce between 100 to 140 small eggs per year. The eggs are usually cream to tinted white in color and weigh approximately 1.1 oz (30g).

Hens are known to be highly broody and make exceptional mothers. Because of their protective nature and small size, they are often used by hobbyists to hatch eggs of other small bantam breeds.

The primary difference between the sexes lies in their comb and feather development. Roosters possess a single comb that is traditionally dubbed (removed) for exhibition in many countries to mimic the look of historic fighting birds and prevent injury during spats. Hennen have small, upright single combs that are never dubbed.

Hens carry their tails slightly higher and have a more horizontal posture compared to the rooster. Roosters weigh approximately 32-35 oz (900-1000g) in some standards, though US show standards often prefer them smaller at 22-24 oz (625-680g). Hens are lighter, typically 20-22 oz (575-625g).

This breed is remarkably hardy and adaptable. Thanks to their tight, hard feathering, they do not suffer from the cold as much as loose-feathered breeds, provided they have a dry, draft-free coop. However, their small combs (if not dubbed) and wattles can be susceptible to frostbite in extreme northern winters.

They are active foragers and thrive in environments where they have space to move, though they are flighty and can easily clear a standard backyard fence.

The Old English Game Bantam boasts more officially recognized color varieties than almost any other breed. Common colors found in the US include:

• Black Breasted Red: The classic wild-type coloration.
• Spangled: A beautiful pattern where each feather ends in a white tip.
• Silver Duckwing: Striking silver and black contrast in roosters.
• Crele: A combination of cuckoo and partridge patterns.
• Self Blue: Often referred to as Lavender.