Crele Standard Old English

Crele Standard Old English

Discover the Crele Standard Old English game fowl at Chicken Coop Company, one of our 18 unique varieties of this historic breed. Known for its strength, vigor, and impressive longevity, the Old English game fowl is one of the oldest poultry breeds still in existence. The Crele variety stands out with its straight comb and pearl-colored legs, bringing both beauty and resilience to any flock.

While we recommend separating the males, the hens are excellent brooding mothers, perfect for naturally hatching and raising chicks. We also offer a miniature (bantam) version for those with smaller spaces. Interested in learning more about the Crele Standard Old English or our other varieties? Contact Chicken Coop Company today for full details!

Appearance:

• Feather Color: The Crele Standard Old English Chicken’s crele coloring is the most distinctive feature. A mix of red, brown and black feathers. Body is warm reddish brown or golden, wings, tail and hackles (neck feathers) are darker, black or deep brown. The contrast is striking and the feathers have a metallic sheen to them.
  
  

• Body Type: Compact and muscular, like a game bird. Small but robust, streamlined for agility and speed. Athletic body type means they move quickly and gracefully, like game birds.
  
  

• Comb and Wattles: Single comb, small and upright like other Old English Game. Comb is bright red, wattles are small and red.
  
  

• Tail: One of the most beautiful features of the Crele Standard Old English Chicken. Carried upright and long, elegant feathers with dark accents to match the bird. Tail feathers are long, slightly sweeping and add to the bird’s elegance.
  
  

• Legs and Toes: Yellow legs, 3 toes on each foot like many bantams. Strong and short legs to support the bird’s active and agile movements.
  
  

Temperament:

• Energetic and Spirited: Like other Old English Game, the Crele Standard Old English Chicken is high energy and alert. Very active and love to forage and scratch. Energetic nature means they are best suited to free range where they can roam and express themselves.
  
  

• Independent and Courageous: Crele Standard Old English Chickens are independent and courageous. Confident birds and can be dominant especially when housed with other breeds. Not aggressive but will assert themselves and stand their ground.
  
  

• Free Range: These chickens love free range where they can roam and forage. Agile and fast they are great forgers and suited to larger areas where they can move freely. However due to their agility they can fly short distances so a secure pen or high fence is important to keep them contained.
  
  

• Not for Small Flocks: Due to their independent and sometimes dominant nature the Crele Standard Old English Chicken may not be the best for small passive flocks. They are better suited to larger more active flocks where they can coexist with other energetic breeds.
  
  

Egg Laying:

• Moderate Egg Production: The Crele Standard Old English Chicken is not known for high egg production. They lay small white eggs, about 2-3 per week. While not as high as some breeds the eggs are excellent quality and flavour.
  
  

• Egg Size and Quality: Small eggs, typical of many game bird breeds but prized for their freshness and flavour. These chickens are kept for ornamental or game bird purposes rather than high egg production.
  
  

Health and Care:

• Hardy: The Crele Standard Old English Chicken is generally hardy and adaptable to most climates. Like most chickens they need protection from extreme weather, especially cold temperatures, due to their small size and comb. Provide shelter from frostbite in winter months.
  
  

• Low Maintenance: These chickens are low maintenance. Smooth crele feathers require little grooming, but regular checks for parasites like mites or lice are important. Keep their living area clean and dry is essential to their overall health and well being.
  
  

• Flight Risk: Crele Standard Old English Chickens can fly short distances. Due to their agility and small size they can fly over low fences or enclosures. A high fence is necessary to keep them contained and protected from predators.
  
  

Show and Ornamental Qualities:

• Poultry Shows: The Crele Standard Old English Chicken is shown in poultry shows due to its striking colour pattern and elegant appearance. The beautiful contrast between the dark and light feather tips, and the graceful tail and athletic build make this bird a showstopper.
  

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a Crele Standard Old English Game Fowl?
An ancient breed known for its vigor, straight comb, and pearl-colored legs.

Are Crele Standard Old English good brooders?
Yes, hens are excellent brooders, great for hatching and raising chicks.

Do males of this breed need to be separated?
Yes, it’s recommended to separate males for optimal care.

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

How many Old English Game Fowl varieties does Chicken Coop Company offer?
We offer 18 unique Old English Game Fowl varieties.

Crele Standard Old English Facts

• Poultry Show Class: Other Standard Breeds, Game Class
• Weights – Hen ——- 4 lbs
  Rooster——5 lbs
  Pullet——-3 1/2lbs
  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: Yes, Recognized by the American Standard of Perfection in 1938
• 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.