Standard Old English Surplus

Standard Old English Surplus Chicken

The Surplus Bargain Special from Chicken Coop Company offers a unique opportunity to add 25 Old English Standard Game Fowl to your flock at a great value! This special includes a mix of straight-run birds, guaranteeing at least two or more varieties. Please note, birds are unmarked and available only in groups of 15 or 25. Order now to add diversity and quality to your flock!

Appearance:

• Feather Color: The Standard Old English Surplus can come in many colours depending on the bloodlines of the birds. Old English Game chickens have many colour variations, black, white, red, spangled and blue. Surplus chickens may not have as uniform a feather pattern as show birds but they still have the classic look of the Old English Game chickens. Their feathers are often smooth and sleek with vibrant contrasting colours.
  
  
  
• Body Type: Like all Old English Game chickens the Standard Old English Surplus has a compact muscular body. They are small but strong, built for speed and agility. Their athletic build matches their feisty personality, they are quick and active. Surplus birds may not meet the exact proportions of show birds but they have the healthy body type of the breed.
  
  
  
• Comb and Wattles: The Standard Old English Surplus has a single comb which is upright and red. Their wattles are red and small compared to some other breeds. These are standard for the Old English Game breed but may vary slightly depending on the individual bird and its bloodlines.
  
  
• Tail: The tail is carried upright with long sweeping feathers. Like the rest of the bird the tail is compact and elegant, part of the overall athletic look. The tail feathers can be darker than the rest of the bird’s plumage adding to the overall contrast.
  
  
• Legs and Toes: The legs of the Standard Old English Surplus are yellow and short, which suits the bird’s compact body. Like other Old English Game chickens they have three toes on each foot allowing for quick movement and agility.
  
  

Temperament:

• Active and Spirited: The Standard Old English Surplus is very active and full of life. They are always on the move, foraging, exploring and scratching for food. Their agility and quick reflexes make them perfect for free range where they can roam and express themselves naturally.
  
  
• Independent and Courageous: True to their game bird heritage the Standard Old English Surplus is independent and bold. They may not be as refined or docile as show birds but they have the courage and confidence of the Old English Game breed. They are often assertive and not afraid to challenge other birds for dominance especially in a flock with other active or assertive chickens.
  
  
• Free Range: The Standard Old English Surplus is good for free range, they love space to move and explore. Their energetic nature makes them perfect for larger yards or homesteads where they can express themselves naturally. However, like all game birds they can fly short distances so a secure high fence is important to keep them contained.
  
  
• Not for Small Flocks: Due to their bold nature and occasional dominance the Standard Old English Surplus is better suited for larger, more active flocks. They can be dominant especially in smaller passive flocks so best kept with other active and confident chickens.
  
  

Egg Laying:

• Moderate Egg Production: The Standard Old English Surplus lays small white eggs, 2-3 per week. They are not prolific layers but the eggs are excellent quality. The eggs are fresh, tasty and highly sought after.
  
  
• Egg Size and Quality: The eggs are small, typical of bantam and game bird breeds but rich and flavourful. The Standard Old English Surplus is more valued for its ornamental qualities and spirited personality than for egg production.
  
  

Health and Care:

• Hardy: The Standard Old English Surplus is a hardy breed that can adapt to different climates. They are robust birds and can handle warm and cold weather as long as they have shelter from extreme weather. Like all chickens they should be protected from extreme weather conditions especially during winter.
  
  
• Low Maintenance: These chickens are low maintenance, smooth glossy feathers that don’t need frequent grooming. Regular checks for parasites such as mites or lice are important and their living space should be kept clean and dry to keep them healthy.
  
  
• Flight Risk: Like many Old English Game chickens the Standard Old English Surplus can fly short distances. They are agile and may try to fly over low barriers so a secure pen or high fence is important to keep them contained.
  
  

Show and Ornamental Qualities:

• Ornamental Value: While the Standard Old English Surplus may not be show quality they are still beautiful and lively birds that make great additions to backyard flocks. Their strong muscular build and striking appearance make them a pleasure to look at and their lively nature adds character to any flock.
  
  
• Poultry Shows: The Standard Old English Surplus is not shown at major poultry competitions as they are surplus stock and may not meet the breed standards. However they still have the breed characteristics and can be shown in smaller informal shows or for personal pleasure.

Standard Old English Surplus Facts

• Poultry Show Class: Other Standard
  
• Breed – Game
  
• 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
  
• ALBC: 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.