Searching for old english game bantam chickens for sale is normally the first step straight into a very addictive hobby because chickens are absolute characters. If you've never owned one, you're in for a treat, and when you have, you currently know why individuals get so enthusiastic about them. They aren't just "small chickens"—they are tiny, feathered dynamos with even more personality in one particular wing than many standard-sized heavy breeds have in their whole bodies.
I remember the 1st time I saw a good Old English Game Bantam (or OEGB, as most folks call them). It has been at a nearby poultry show, and this little rooster has been strutting around their cage like he owned the whole building. He was barely the dimension of a pigeon, but he acquired the guts of a lion. That's the thing about these types of birds; they don't seem to understand how small they will really are.
Exactly what makes these little guys so specific?
Before you go out and hit the "buy" button upon the first listing of old english game bantam chickens for sale that a person find, it's value referring to what you're actually getting straight into. These birds have got a massive background. They are one of the earliest breeds around, descending directly from the ancient pit combating birds of Great Britain. While those days are long gone and we now prize them for their beauty and even pluckiness rather compared to fighting, that "gamey" spirit hasn't gone anywhere.
These people are compact, firmly feathered, and have got a very distinct upright carriage. They look like they're constantly standing at attention. Because they were bred for athleticism, they are incredibly hardy. They don't get sick quickly, they handle numerous climates well, and they are amazingly long-lived for the bantam breed. As well as, they are simply plain fun to watch. Whether they are foraging within the grass or even bossing in regards to bird three times their own size, there's by no means a dull instant.
Choosing the particular right variety for your coop
One of the particular coolest things about looking for old english game bantam chickens for sale is the sheer number of color varieties available. Seriously, it's a bit overwhelming. The American Poultry Association identifies a large number of colors, so you can pretty much find a parrot that matches your own aesthetic perfectly.
The Black Breasted Crimson (often called BB Red) may be the classic "wild" look. It's what a lot of people picture when they consider the game bird. The particular roosters have that stunning mixture of strong reds, oranges, and black, as the chickens are a more camouflaged brown. When you want some thing a little more flashy, a person can look into Crele , which has the beautiful barred design mixed with orange plus red.
Then you've obtained the Spangled variety, which looks like it's been dipped in white paint, or maybe the Silver Duckwing , with a sleek, metallic look. In case you're only starting out, don't worry a lot of about the technicalities associated with showing—just pick the particular color that can make you smile when you walk out towards the coop within the morning.
The temperament: Huge ego, small entire body
I'll become honest with a person: OEGBs can end up being a bit feisty. If you're looking for a bird that will sit inside your lap like a Silkies or even a heavy Orpington might, you might find these guys a bit too "busy" for that. They will aren't usually aggressive toward humans, but they are extremely 3rd party.
The hens are legendary mothers. When you have a good OEGB hen that will goes broody, the girl will protect all those chicks with the girl life. It's in fact pretty impressive (and a little scary) to see a 12-ounce hen take on a farm dog that obtained too close in order to her babies. Because they are therefore small and lighting, fortunately they are great fliers. In case you don't have a covered run, don't be amazed if you discover them roosting in the highest divisions of your walnut trees. They definitely haven't forgotten their own wild roots.
Tips for purchasing Old English Game Bantam chickens for sale
When you start browsing listings, you'll notice a big price range. You may find chicks for a few bucks at a commercial hatchery, or you can find started pairs from the private breeder that will cost fifty or even a hundred bucks. Which one ought to you go for?
It really depends on your goals. If you simply want some "yard art" or a few fun pets in order to keep your back garden lively, the hatchery birds are properly fine. They may not have the "perfect" posture or the exact shade associated with earlobe required for a blue ribbon, but they'll be healthy and full of life.
However, if you think you might want to try your hand at showing, you'll definitely want to look for old english game bantam chickens for sale from the reliable breeder who concentrates on exhibition quality. These breeders spend years perfecting the "type" and colour of their lines. Purchasing from them means you're getting the best of the best in terms of genetics and breed specifications.
Also, usually ask about NPIP certification. It's the national program that ensures the chickens are free from certain diseases such as Pullorum-Typhoid. Any trustworthy seller—whether it's a giant hatchery or even a guy with a backyard hobby—should be able to tell you regarding their testing position.
Keeping all of them happy and healthful
One of the benefits of OEGBs is that they don't need a ton associated with space compared in order to a flock associated with big Jersey Giants. You can maintain a nice little trio in a relatively small coop and run. Nevertheless, because they are so active, they'll appreciate any space you are able to give all of them to scratch and explore.
One thing to keep in mind is the "dubbing" tradition. In the show world, the particular combs and wattles of OEGB roosters are often "dubbed" (surgically removed) to give them that sleek, gamey look. If you're buying adult birds through a breeder, they may already be dubbed. If you're simply keeping them since pets, there's absolutely no need to perform this until you live in a weather where frostbite is really a massive concern. They will look just mainly because handsome with their natural combs!
Feeding them is usually easy, but as they are so small, they do better with the "crumble" rather than a large "pellet" feed. It's just easier for their tiny beaks to handle. They are furthermore incredibly efficient predators; they don't proceed through a bag of feed nearly as fast as the big girls do.
Why you won't regret getting them
At the end of the day, there's a reason individuals have been addicted with these wild birds for centuries. They will represent a link in order to the past, a masterpiece of poultry breeding, and a way to obtain endless entertainment. Whether you find your old english game bantam chickens for sale at a local change meet and have all of them shipped from a sophisticated hatchery, they will change the vibe of the backyard for the better.
They'll chat back to a person when you're filling the waterer, they'll strut around such as they have your own place, and they'll help remind you each day that size has nothing to do with confidence. Just end up being warned: when you get a few, you'll probably find yourself looking for "just another color" prior to the month is usually out. It's the slippery slope, but it's a fun one!