Splash Standard Old English

Splash Standard Old English Chicken

If you’re looking for the perfect Standard Old English game fowl, Chicken Coop Company has the ideal choice in the Splash Standard Old English. Developed over decades, this unique breed stands out with its beautiful white and black spotted feathers. While males are known to be territorial, the hens make exceptional brooding mothers, perfect for naturally hatching and raising chicks.

These birds are also great for exhibitions and enjoy long, healthy lives due to their genetic hardiness. We also offer a miniature version for those with limited space. The Splash Standard Old English is especially suited for free-range setups, where a flock of 1 male and 10 hens can better evade predators. For more information on this resilient and stunning breed, contact us today!

Appearance:

• Feather Color: The Splash Standard Old English Chicken has a light blue-gray or white plumage with hints of darker blues or blacks. The "splash" coloration is when the bird inherits a mix of colors and it creates a soft, irregular pattern, a spangled or speckled effect. It’s elegant and eye catching, the pale blue and white feathers shimmer in the light.
  
  
• Body Type: Like all Old English Game chickens, the Splash Standard Old English Chicken has a compact and muscular body. They are small but sturdy, strong and athletic, built for speed and agility. Their well proportioned body allows them to move quickly and gracefully, they are a true game bird.
  
  
• Comb and Wattles: The Splash Standard Old English Chicken has a single comb, small, upright and red. It sits neatly on top of the bird’s head and is in proportion to the bird. The wattles are small and red, a nice contrast to the soft feather pattern.
  
  
• Tail: The tail of the Splash Standard Old English Chicken is long and upright, with sweeping feathers that adds to the bird’s elegance. The tail feathers are usually darker than the body, often with black or deep blue tones, a lovely contrast to the lighter body feathers.
  
  
• Legs and Toes: The legs are yellow, short and strong, like other Old English Game chickens. They have three toes on each foot, that helps to balance the bird’s structure. The short legs support the bird’s active movements and helps to maintain their compact body type.
  
  

Temperament:

• Active and Spirited: The Splash Standard Old English Chicken is known for being active and lively. They are always on the move, foraging, exploring and scratching for food. Their athletic build makes them quick and agile and they are perfect for free range where they can roam free and express their natural instincts.
  
  
• Independent and Courageous: True to their game bird heritage, the Splash Standard Old English Chicken is independent and confident. They are not too docile and can be dominant in a flock, especially with more passive breeds. They are not aggressive but their bold nature may make them challenge other chickens for dominance, especially if housed with less assertive breeds.
  
  
• Free Range: These chickens love free range where they have space to roam and forage for food. Their active and spirited nature makes them perfect for large areas where they can explore and do their natural thing. However, like all Old English Game chickens, they can fly short distances so a secure, high fence is important to keep them contained.
  
  
• Not for Small Flocks: Due to their independent and sometimes dominant nature, the Splash Standard Old English Chicken is better suited for larger flocks. They are more comfortable in active flocks where they can interact with other energetic breeds. In smaller, more passive flocks they may display dominant behavior which can cause conflicts with more docile chickens.
  
  

Egg Laying:

• Moderate Egg Production: Like all Old English Game chickens, the Splash Standard Old English Chicken is not a prolific egg layer. They lay small white eggs, about 2-3 eggs a week. While egg production is moderate, the eggs are excellent quality.
  
  
• Egg Size and Quality: The eggs are small but delicious, with smooth white shells. They may not lay many eggs but the eggs are fresh and of high quality. These chickens are more valued for their looks and lively personality than for egg production.
  
  

Health and Care:

• Hardy: The Splash Standard Old English Chicken is generally hardy and can adapt to different climates. However, like all chickens, they should be protected from extreme weather conditions, especially in winter. Their small size and comb make them prone to frostbite in very cold weather so shelter should be provided during harsh conditions.
  
  
• Low Maintenance: They require minimal grooming and their smooth feathers don’t need much upkeep. Like all chickens, they should be checked regularly for parasites such as mites or lice and their living space should be kept clean and dry to ensure good health.
  
  
• Flight Risk: Like many Old English Game chickens, the Splash Standard Old English Chicken can fly short distances. They are agile and may fly over low fences so a secure pen with high fencing is necessary to prevent them from escaping.
  
  

Show and Ornamental Qualities:

•          Poultry Shows: The Splash Standard Old English Chicken is shown in poultry shows because of its beautiful color and lovely shape. The soft splash coloration and the bird’s movement is a winner in the show ring. Their lively personality only adds to their appeal.
  
  
• Ornamental Value: These chickens are highly ornamental. Their unique feather pattern, lively nature and compact athletic body makes them a beautiful and lively addition to any backyard flock. They are popular with ornamental chicken keepers and show people.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a Splash Standard Old English Game Fowl?
A unique game fowl with white and black spotted feathers, known for its beauty and resilience.

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

Should Splash Standard Old English males be separated?
Yes, males are territorial and are best kept separated from each other.

Is there a miniature version of the Splash Standard Old English?
Yes, a bantam version is available for smaller spaces.

Where can I buy Splash Standard Old English Game Fowl chicks?
Available from Chicken Coop Company—contact us to place an order!

Splash Standard Old English 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.