Brassy Back Old English Chicks

Brassy Back Old English Chicks

The Brassy Back Old English is a striking and vibrant variety of the Old English Game breed, known for its unique feather color and energetic personality. These chicks are a great choice for poultry enthusiasts who appreciate ornamental breeds and are looking to add a touch of history and color to their flock. Known for their beautiful golden-brassy feathering and compact size, they are a beautiful addition to any flock.

Appearance:

• Chick Color: Brassy Back Old English chicks start off as soft, light yellow chicks with some darker down on their backs. As they mature, their golden-brassy color starts to show through.
• Adult Plumage: As they grow, the distinctive brassy, golden-colored feathers begin to take shape, with a blend of golden yellow and dark accents on the wings and tail.
• Size: Small and compact, typical of Old English Game breeds. They grow into strong, sleek chickens with an upright, athletic posture.
• Legs/Feet: They have slender, yellow legs and clean, unfeathered feet.

Temperament:

• Active, curious, and energetic — Brassy Back Old English chicks, like other Old English Game breeds, are active and lively from an early age. They enjoy exploring their surroundings and can be quite bold.
• Known for their independent nature, they are not always the most docile but can be friendly with regular handling.
• They are relatively hardy and adapt well to a variety of environments, but due to their small size, they can be a bit more delicate compared to larger breeds.
• They are also known for being good foragers, which makes them well-suited to free-range systems.

Growth and Development:

• These chicks grow relatively quickly, with their distinctive feathering becoming apparent within a few weeks.
• As they mature, they develop a sleek, muscular body and strong, elegant stature, characteristic of the Old English Game breed.
• They can be slightly flighty as they get older, so having ample space for them to move around is beneficial.

Egg Production:

• Moderate egg layers — Brassy Back Old English hens are not prolific egg layers like commercial breeds but are capable of laying small white or tinted eggs.
• Typically, they lay around 150–200 eggs per year, but they are primarily kept for ornamental purposes and their unique appearance rather than for high egg production.
• Eggs are generally small to medium in size, and their color can vary depending on the individual hen.

Purpose:

• Ornamental: The primary reason for raising Brassy Back Old English chickens is their beautiful and unique appearance. These chickens are ideal for those looking for a decorative breed with historical significance.
• Exhibition: They are often shown in poultry competitions due to their stunning feather patterns and appearance.
• Dual-purpose: Though not as widely raised for meat, they are a dual-purpose breed for those who are interested in both their ornamental and meat qualities.

Care Notes:

• Hardy and adaptable — Brassy Back Old English chickens are well-suited to a variety of climates but should be kept in a safe environment to avoid predators due to their smaller size.
• These chickens are very active and curious, so they need enough space to roam and forage. Free-range conditions are ideal, though they can also adapt to smaller areas if needed.
• Like all chickens, they need access to clean water, a balanced diet, and protection from harsh weather.