From Ultimate Fowl Wikipedia OEGB (US type)
History Old English Game bantams or simply OEGBs, have a lot of confusion on where they came from originally. The history is divided amongst two groups; one group argues that they are descendants of the large Old English "pit fowl" and have since been bred down to a bantam form, while the other group argues that they are descendants of barnyard bantams that are not even related to the large fowl. After some research, I believe that they are partially related to the large fowl, and the barnyard bantams were crosses that contained blood from the large fowl Old English Games giving them the appearance and proud cocky attitude.
The date the fowl were imported is unknown, but was probably during the early to mid 1800's. Once the breed arrived in the United States, they spread rapidly- mainly only in black breasted red variety, however other varieties could be found as well occasionally, though usually in lesser quality.
The American Old English most likely were developed from that of the CarlisleOld English type, I believe this based on some history which mentions the first Old English being rather "unbalanced", and not having long flowing feathers as many American fanciers love to see on a bird. Which is what resulted in Dutch, as well as Rosecomb Bantams being bred into the Old English Bantams.
The Old English Bantams were accepted into the APA, in 1925, in the Black Breasted Red and Spangle varieties. Over the years some other breeds have been added to create new varieties as well, a few of these are Sebright for the laced varieties, Campines, Buttercups, and Japanese Bantams.
Keeping OEGBs Old English Bantams have a very proud and cocky disposition, almost fearless at times. Seeing one makes it quite obvious as to why they have become one of most popular breeds in the United States, or the whole world even. They have many of the characteristics of gamefowl, such as decent egg laying capabilities for bantams, a proud strut with a talkative personality- not to mention their beautiful colors, and them typically being a gentle bird towards their handlers, though some can sometimes test their limits or be aggressive towards people.
However many characteristics they do bare to the games though, I will say that they differ in that you can keep more than one cock in a pen as well as multiple hens until introduction of a new bird. Usually though, after they have settled the pecking order peace will reign again. They also differ from that of their ancestors in that many are not very broody commonly, though some can be frequent setters.
I would say that it is of grave importance to research the lines thoroughly, as some lines having such a harsh selection for merely exhibition purposes, or perhaps intense inbreeding, has resulted in lines that are very weak and most chicks may never be able to live for very long after hatching.
And despite them being small, the Old English Game Bantam is by no means delicate. They are a very hardy bird in both cold and hot climates, decent foragers, excellent flyers, and they do not require a lot of space or feed compared to that of some heavy breeds. It may also be important to note, that many of the Old English Game Bantams carry a tail shortening gene that results in them growing shorter tails every year they molt.
Showing OEGBs The Old English Game Bantam cocks must be dubbed for show, the best time for this is 6-7 months 1/4th of a inch above the head in a smooth, round look and the wattles and earlobes removed completely. Some people believe you should dub in two stages, the comb when the bird is young to keep it small and then dub the wattles and earlobes when the adult feathers are in to promote longer tails. Cockerels are not required to be dubbed, but will be disqualified if not dubbed by November 1st of the year after they were hatched.
There are over 50 recognized varieties and many more unrecognized. Old English Game Bantams should be white legged and nothing else, excluding a few varieties such as the Ginger reds, Red quills, Blacks, Brown reds, and Blues. The main and toughest varieties in competition are BBred, White, and Black. They must be singlecombed and may be clean faced or muffed, tasseled or non-tassled. But the most common are clean faced and non-tasseled.
OEGB American Standard Weight
Cock - 24 oz./680 grams
Hen - 22 oz./625 grams
Cockerel- 22 oz./625 grams
Pullet - 20 oz./570 grams
Shape of Male COMB: Cock - smoothly dubbed in a manner which gives the appearance of starting just above the base of the beak, with a slight convex curve to rear of comb, where it is neatly rounded off.
Cockerel - not dubbed - single. set firmly and evenly on head, straight and upright, evenly serrated in an arched manner, with five distinct points, smooth, nicely rounded on lower edges.
TASSEL: Tasseled variety - a tuft of feathers at the rear of the head, flowing over the back of the neck only, leaving the comb fully exposed to view, as distinct from a crest which also flows over the sides of the head.
BEAK: Powerful, strong at the setting-on, upper mandible held tightly over lower, well curved, pointed.
FACE: Fine in quality, pliant, free from wrinkles, folds or bristles.
EYES: Large, bold, fiery and fearless.
WATTLES: Cock - dubbed in a smooth manner, completely removed.
Cockerel - not dubbed - fine in quality, small, free from wrinkles or folds.
EAR LOBES: Cock - dubbed in a smooth manner, completely removed.
Cockerel - not dubbed - fine in quality, small, free from wrinkles or folds.
HEAD: Medium size, somewhat tapered, carried back from front of breast, nicely proportioned.
NECK: Strong, fairly long, well arched.
HACKLE: Feathers abundant, long and resilient, flowing well over back and shoulders.
THROAT: Skin pliant and loose.
BACK: In profile. well defined slope, moderately short. wide at shoulders, carrying width well back, tapering convexly to base of tail.
SADDLE: Abundant, but not so full as to form a gradual concave curve between back and tail, long, lower saddle feathers filling space between stern and wing tips. partially concealing wing tips.
TAIL: Main Tail - feathers broad, quills strong, long, but not extending beyond sickles, shaft of top feathers carried at an angle of 45 degrees above horizontal. Sickles - broad, long, curved in a semi-circular manner. Lesser Sickles & Coverts - abundant, wide, long, well curved.
WINGS: Large, long, powerful, with strong, hard quills, prominent in front view, carried high, above lower thighs, held compactly and close to body. Shoulders & Fronts - prominent, carried back from front of breast. Bows - smooth, well rounded. Coverts - feathers broad, forming two distinct bars across wing. Primaries - fairly long and wide with strong and tough quills, tapering convexly to stern, but not beyond, completely concealed by secondaries. Secondaries - broad, strong, tips concealed by lower saddle.
BREAST: Broad, full, prominent, with large pectoral muscles, breast bone not deep nor pointed.
BODY & STERN: Body solid, muscular, wide fronted, straight keel tapering to stern. Stern - firm, well tucked up; fluff, short, hard
LEGS & TOES: Legs - widely set, parallel to each other without bowing or knock knees. Lower Thighs - medium length, round, hard, muscular, stout at top and tapering neatly to hocks. Shanks - medium length, strong, clean boned, scales fine and overlapping. Spurs - hard, fine, set low on leg. Toes - four, long, straight, well and evenly spread, strong and well embedded toenails, hind toe of good length and strength, extending straight back, set low down with pad firmly on ground.
PLUMAGE: Hard. sound, resilient, smooth, brilliant and sufficient, without much fluff.
APPEARANCE: Proud, defiant. sprightly, ready for any emergency, strong contraction of wings and thighs to body when in hand.
Shape of Female COMB: Single - small, fine in quality, straight and upright, set firmly and evenly on head, low at juncture with beak, slightly rising convex arch to rear, moderately and evenly serrated with five distinct points.
TASSEL: Tasseled variety - a tuft of feathers at the rear of the head, flowing over the back of the neck only, leaving the comb fully exposed to view, as distinct from a crest which also flows over the sides of the head.
BEAK: Strong at the setting-on, upper mandible held tightly over lower, well curved, pointed.
FACE: Fine in quality, pliant, free from wrinkles, folds or bristles,
EYES: Large, bold, fiery and fearless.
WATTLES: Very small, fine in quality, free from wrinkles or folds.
EAR LOBES: Very small, fine in quality, free from wrinkles or folds.
HEAD: Fairly small, somewhat tapered, nicely proportioned.
NECK: Strong. fairly long, well arched.
HACKLE: Feathers abundant, long and resilient.
THROAT: Skin pliant and loose.
BACK: Moderately short and sloping to base of tail, wide at shoulders, carrying width well back, tapering convexly to base of tail.
CUSHION: Moderately feathered.
TAIL: Main Tail - feathers broad, quills strong, long, top two feathers slightly curved in a convex manner, tail carried at an angle of 45 degrees above the horizontal. Coverts - flowing well up tail.
WINGS: Large, long, with strong, hard quills, prominent in front view, carried high, above lower thighs, held compactly and close to body. Shoulders & Fronts - prominent, carried back from front of breast. Bows - smooth. well rounded. Coverts - feathers broad, forming two distinct bars across wings. Primaries - good length, strong and tough quills, tapering convexly to stern; completely concealed by secondaries. Secondaries - broad, strong, forming a neatly overlapping appearance when wing is folded.
BREAST: Broad, full, prominent, well developed pectoral muscles, breast hone not deep or pointed.
BODY & STERN: Body - solid, muscular, wide fronted, straight keel. Stern - firm, well tucked up; fluff, short, hard.
LEGS & TOES: Legs - widely set, parallel with each other without bowing or knock knees. Lower Thighs - medium length, round, hard, muscular, stout at top and tapering neatly to hocks. Shanks - medium length. strong, clean boned, scales fine and overlapping. Toes - four, long, straight, well and evenly spread, strong and well embedded toe nails, hind toe of good length and strength, extending straight back, set low down with pad firmly on ground.
PLUMAGE: Hard. sound, resilient, smooth and sufficient, without much fluff.
APPEARANCE: Proud, alert, active, with strong contraction of wings and thighs to body when in hand.
Disqualifications
Cock not dubbed - Cock dubbed in a manner that leaves no semblance of comb - Cock without spurs - Cockerel with no semblance of spurs - Undubbed cockerel after November 1 of the year it is hatched.
Defects
Absence of abrupt break between tail and back - Ragged edges of wattles and ear lobes indicating poor dubbing technique - Highly dubbed comb - Thin neck and scanty hackle feathers - Poorly developed sickles and coverts in male, short and slightly curved - Short tail coverts in females - Low carriage of wings, extension far beyond stern - Pointed. crooked or indented breast bone - Keel too deep - Thin and poorly developed thighs - Open scaling on shanks at the approach to the toes, denoting coarse and heavy insteps which are not conducive to activity - Softness of flesh - Soft and rotted plumage - Stiltiness in carriage - Undubbed cockerel before November 1 of the year it is Hatched.
Judging Instructions
Well balanced, hard, but not heavily fleshed, firm and corky with plenty of muscle and strong contraction of the wings and thighs to body when in hand.
Colors of The Old English Game Bantams Below are some of the standard colors for this breed. You can also see pictures of most of these on our Color Charts.
The date the fowl were imported is unknown, but was probably during the early to mid 1800's. Once the breed arrived in the United States, they spread rapidly- mainly only in black breasted red variety, however other varieties could be found as well occasionally, though usually in lesser quality.
The American Old English most likely were developed from that of the CarlisleOld English type, I believe this based on some history which mentions the first Old English being rather "unbalanced", and not having long flowing feathers as many American fanciers love to see on a bird. Which is what resulted in Dutch, as well as Rosecomb Bantams being bred into the Old English Bantams.
The Old English Bantams were accepted into the APA, in 1925, in the Black Breasted Red and Spangle varieties. Over the years some other breeds have been added to create new varieties as well, a few of these are Sebright for the laced varieties, Campines, Buttercups, and Japanese Bantams.
Keeping OEGBs Old English Bantams have a very proud and cocky disposition, almost fearless at times. Seeing one makes it quite obvious as to why they have become one of most popular breeds in the United States, or the whole world even. They have many of the characteristics of gamefowl, such as decent egg laying capabilities for bantams, a proud strut with a talkative personality- not to mention their beautiful colors, and them typically being a gentle bird towards their handlers, though some can sometimes test their limits or be aggressive towards people.
However many characteristics they do bare to the games though, I will say that they differ in that you can keep more than one cock in a pen as well as multiple hens until introduction of a new bird. Usually though, after they have settled the pecking order peace will reign again. They also differ from that of their ancestors in that many are not very broody commonly, though some can be frequent setters.
I would say that it is of grave importance to research the lines thoroughly, as some lines having such a harsh selection for merely exhibition purposes, or perhaps intense inbreeding, has resulted in lines that are very weak and most chicks may never be able to live for very long after hatching.
And despite them being small, the Old English Game Bantam is by no means delicate. They are a very hardy bird in both cold and hot climates, decent foragers, excellent flyers, and they do not require a lot of space or feed compared to that of some heavy breeds. It may also be important to note, that many of the Old English Game Bantams carry a tail shortening gene that results in them growing shorter tails every year they molt.
Showing OEGBs The Old English Game Bantam cocks must be dubbed for show, the best time for this is 6-7 months 1/4th of a inch above the head in a smooth, round look and the wattles and earlobes removed completely. Some people believe you should dub in two stages, the comb when the bird is young to keep it small and then dub the wattles and earlobes when the adult feathers are in to promote longer tails. Cockerels are not required to be dubbed, but will be disqualified if not dubbed by November 1st of the year after they were hatched.
There are over 50 recognized varieties and many more unrecognized. Old English Game Bantams should be white legged and nothing else, excluding a few varieties such as the Ginger reds, Red quills, Blacks, Brown reds, and Blues. The main and toughest varieties in competition are BBred, White, and Black. They must be singlecombed and may be clean faced or muffed, tasseled or non-tassled. But the most common are clean faced and non-tasseled.
OEGB American Standard Weight
Cock - 24 oz./680 grams
Hen - 22 oz./625 grams
Cockerel- 22 oz./625 grams
Pullet - 20 oz./570 grams
Shape of Male COMB: Cock - smoothly dubbed in a manner which gives the appearance of starting just above the base of the beak, with a slight convex curve to rear of comb, where it is neatly rounded off.
Cockerel - not dubbed - single. set firmly and evenly on head, straight and upright, evenly serrated in an arched manner, with five distinct points, smooth, nicely rounded on lower edges.
TASSEL: Tasseled variety - a tuft of feathers at the rear of the head, flowing over the back of the neck only, leaving the comb fully exposed to view, as distinct from a crest which also flows over the sides of the head.
BEAK: Powerful, strong at the setting-on, upper mandible held tightly over lower, well curved, pointed.
FACE: Fine in quality, pliant, free from wrinkles, folds or bristles.
EYES: Large, bold, fiery and fearless.
WATTLES: Cock - dubbed in a smooth manner, completely removed.
Cockerel - not dubbed - fine in quality, small, free from wrinkles or folds.
EAR LOBES: Cock - dubbed in a smooth manner, completely removed.
Cockerel - not dubbed - fine in quality, small, free from wrinkles or folds.
HEAD: Medium size, somewhat tapered, carried back from front of breast, nicely proportioned.
NECK: Strong, fairly long, well arched.
HACKLE: Feathers abundant, long and resilient, flowing well over back and shoulders.
THROAT: Skin pliant and loose.
BACK: In profile. well defined slope, moderately short. wide at shoulders, carrying width well back, tapering convexly to base of tail.
SADDLE: Abundant, but not so full as to form a gradual concave curve between back and tail, long, lower saddle feathers filling space between stern and wing tips. partially concealing wing tips.
TAIL: Main Tail - feathers broad, quills strong, long, but not extending beyond sickles, shaft of top feathers carried at an angle of 45 degrees above horizontal. Sickles - broad, long, curved in a semi-circular manner. Lesser Sickles & Coverts - abundant, wide, long, well curved.
WINGS: Large, long, powerful, with strong, hard quills, prominent in front view, carried high, above lower thighs, held compactly and close to body. Shoulders & Fronts - prominent, carried back from front of breast. Bows - smooth, well rounded. Coverts - feathers broad, forming two distinct bars across wing. Primaries - fairly long and wide with strong and tough quills, tapering convexly to stern, but not beyond, completely concealed by secondaries. Secondaries - broad, strong, tips concealed by lower saddle.
BREAST: Broad, full, prominent, with large pectoral muscles, breast bone not deep nor pointed.
BODY & STERN: Body solid, muscular, wide fronted, straight keel tapering to stern. Stern - firm, well tucked up; fluff, short, hard
LEGS & TOES: Legs - widely set, parallel to each other without bowing or knock knees. Lower Thighs - medium length, round, hard, muscular, stout at top and tapering neatly to hocks. Shanks - medium length, strong, clean boned, scales fine and overlapping. Spurs - hard, fine, set low on leg. Toes - four, long, straight, well and evenly spread, strong and well embedded toenails, hind toe of good length and strength, extending straight back, set low down with pad firmly on ground.
PLUMAGE: Hard. sound, resilient, smooth, brilliant and sufficient, without much fluff.
APPEARANCE: Proud, defiant. sprightly, ready for any emergency, strong contraction of wings and thighs to body when in hand.
Shape of Female COMB: Single - small, fine in quality, straight and upright, set firmly and evenly on head, low at juncture with beak, slightly rising convex arch to rear, moderately and evenly serrated with five distinct points.
TASSEL: Tasseled variety - a tuft of feathers at the rear of the head, flowing over the back of the neck only, leaving the comb fully exposed to view, as distinct from a crest which also flows over the sides of the head.
BEAK: Strong at the setting-on, upper mandible held tightly over lower, well curved, pointed.
FACE: Fine in quality, pliant, free from wrinkles, folds or bristles,
EYES: Large, bold, fiery and fearless.
WATTLES: Very small, fine in quality, free from wrinkles or folds.
EAR LOBES: Very small, fine in quality, free from wrinkles or folds.
HEAD: Fairly small, somewhat tapered, nicely proportioned.
NECK: Strong. fairly long, well arched.
HACKLE: Feathers abundant, long and resilient.
THROAT: Skin pliant and loose.
BACK: Moderately short and sloping to base of tail, wide at shoulders, carrying width well back, tapering convexly to base of tail.
CUSHION: Moderately feathered.
TAIL: Main Tail - feathers broad, quills strong, long, top two feathers slightly curved in a convex manner, tail carried at an angle of 45 degrees above the horizontal. Coverts - flowing well up tail.
WINGS: Large, long, with strong, hard quills, prominent in front view, carried high, above lower thighs, held compactly and close to body. Shoulders & Fronts - prominent, carried back from front of breast. Bows - smooth. well rounded. Coverts - feathers broad, forming two distinct bars across wings. Primaries - good length, strong and tough quills, tapering convexly to stern; completely concealed by secondaries. Secondaries - broad, strong, forming a neatly overlapping appearance when wing is folded.
BREAST: Broad, full, prominent, well developed pectoral muscles, breast hone not deep or pointed.
BODY & STERN: Body - solid, muscular, wide fronted, straight keel. Stern - firm, well tucked up; fluff, short, hard.
LEGS & TOES: Legs - widely set, parallel with each other without bowing or knock knees. Lower Thighs - medium length, round, hard, muscular, stout at top and tapering neatly to hocks. Shanks - medium length. strong, clean boned, scales fine and overlapping. Toes - four, long, straight, well and evenly spread, strong and well embedded toe nails, hind toe of good length and strength, extending straight back, set low down with pad firmly on ground.
PLUMAGE: Hard. sound, resilient, smooth and sufficient, without much fluff.
APPEARANCE: Proud, alert, active, with strong contraction of wings and thighs to body when in hand.
Disqualifications
Cock not dubbed - Cock dubbed in a manner that leaves no semblance of comb - Cock without spurs - Cockerel with no semblance of spurs - Undubbed cockerel after November 1 of the year it is hatched.
Defects
Absence of abrupt break between tail and back - Ragged edges of wattles and ear lobes indicating poor dubbing technique - Highly dubbed comb - Thin neck and scanty hackle feathers - Poorly developed sickles and coverts in male, short and slightly curved - Short tail coverts in females - Low carriage of wings, extension far beyond stern - Pointed. crooked or indented breast bone - Keel too deep - Thin and poorly developed thighs - Open scaling on shanks at the approach to the toes, denoting coarse and heavy insteps which are not conducive to activity - Softness of flesh - Soft and rotted plumage - Stiltiness in carriage - Undubbed cockerel before November 1 of the year it is Hatched.
Judging Instructions
Well balanced, hard, but not heavily fleshed, firm and corky with plenty of muscle and strong contraction of the wings and thighs to body when in hand.
Colors of The Old English Game Bantams Below are some of the standard colors for this breed. You can also see pictures of most of these on our Color Charts.
- Barred
- Birchen
- Black
- Black Breasted Red
- Black Tailed Buff
- Black Tailed Red
- Black Tailed White
- Blue
- Blue Brassyback
- Blue Breasted Red
- Blue Ginger
- Blue Golden Duckwing
- Blue Mille Fleur
- Blue Mottled
- Blue Quail
- Blue Red
- Blue Silver Duckwing
- Blue Silver Wheaten
- Blue Spangled
- Blue Tailed Buff
- Blue Wheaten
- Brassyback
- Brown Red
- Buff
- Buff Columbian
- Buff Laced
- Buttercup pattern
- Columbian
- Crele
- Cuckoo
- Chocolate
- Chocolate BrassyBack
- Fawn
- Fawn Breasted Red
- Fawn Silver Duckwing
- Fawn Red
- Ginger Red
- Golden Campine pattern
- Golden Duckwing
- Golden Laced
- Golden Neck
- Lemon Blue
- Mahongany
- Mealy Gray
- Mille Fleur
- Mottled
- Opal
- Pearl
- Porcelain
- Quail
- Red
- Red Pyle
- Red Quill
- Silver Campine pattern
- Self Blue
- Silver Blue
- Silver Crele