Meet the Newest Additions to Our Flock!

Today, I received two Old English Game bantam chickens from a family friend. (Bantams are miniature chickens, about one third the size of a regular chicken. They also lay mini eggs.) I fondly named the hen Adelaide, while the rooster already had a name: Mo. Old English game bantams make great pets because firstly, they are filled with personality. Second, they will go broody readily. Third, Old English Game bantams are palm-sized, perfect for little hands. This also adds to the cuteness factor!

Broodiness is when a hen instinctively decides to sit on a clutch of eggs. Broody hens will puff up their feathers and only leave the nest to eat or drink. If approached, they will growl and sometimes peck. Broody hens are almost always unrecognizable from their former self, but their regular disposition returns after their chicks grow up or are taken away to be raised by humans.

Old English Game bantams come in 17 varieties. (Varieties are colors and color patterns) These varieties are Golden Duckwing, Silver Duckwing, Black Breasted Red, Brown Red, Barred, Brassy Back, Crele, Ginger Red, Mille Fleur, Red Pyle, Self Blue, Spangled, Wheaten, White, Blue, Black, and Splash. 

I have been waiting for a breeding pair of Old English Game bantams for over a year now. Mo, the rooster, is either Ginger Red or Wheaten, and Adelaide is a Silver Duckwing. I have spent my afternoon researching this breed in great detail. 

This is only the beginning. (Insert maniacal laugh here) I plan to breed Adelaide and Mo, and I plan to show them at the county fair this year. I am also in contact with a breeder, and may soon get my hands on a pair of Self Blue Old English Game bantams.

For now, say hello to Adelaide and Mo!

Adelaide. Can you believe how small she is in comparison to my hand? She is fully grown.

Mo. Is he handsome or what?