Despite the fact that chickens are bred and used mainly for eggs and meat, today it is increasingly possible to meet decorative individuals and sports birds that are raised by their owner to participate in cockfights. It is to such feathered pets that the breed of Old English chickens belongs. It is characterized by vitality and endurance, aggressive character and power.
The exact origin of this breed of chickens is unknown. However, many believe that they were brought to Great Britain from India, which was a colony of this state for many years. And already in England, the bird was brought to perfection in terms of training and preparing it for the upcoming battles.
These fighting English chickens are represented by two types: Oxford – graceful feathered pets that are raised to participate in exhibitions, and Carlish – large, tall, strong individuals, real fighters who demonstrate their skills and ability to fight in the ring, in a duel with an opponent.
The productivity of Old English chickens is low – egg production in the first year of laying is approximately 50 eggs, the weight of which varies between 30-50 grams. For incubation, only 50-gram specimens are suitable. The egg shell has a slightly yellowish tint. These birds are also not suitable for growing for meat. It is tough and tasteless. Adults reach a weight of 1,7-2 kilograms. Roosters are able to gain a live weight of up to three kilograms.
Chickens and roosters do not differ from each other either in the color of plumage or in the size of the crest. Therefore, they can be easily confused. The breed of Old English chickens has a dense, tight-fitting, hard plumage, which is rare among fighting birds. These individuals are cocky, temperamental and mobile. They are distinguished by good health, able to quickly adapt to difficult conditions of detention. They cannot be placed with other breeds of chickens due to the possibility of conflict and fights. However, the bird treats its owner kindly.
The breed of chickens Old English, oddly enough, are very sensitive and they need constant, intense training in order to achieve the desired shape, gain endurance and prepare well for battles. In feeding, individuals are absolutely unpretentious, as in maintenance. But they need a green spacious paddock to develop muscles and feathers.
Old English hens have not lost the instinct of incubation, but hatching chickens in incubators is much more efficient and convenient.
