Red Pyle Old English Bantam

The Red Pyle Old English Bantam is a striking and historic variety of the Old English Game bantam, known for its vivid red coloring and energetic, confident personality. Here’s an in-depth look at this captivating bantam:

Appearance:

• Feather Color: The Red Pyle Old English Bantam is known for its beautiful, bright red plumage. The males (roosters) feature a deep, vibrant red color across their body, complemented by darker, more subdued tail feathers. The hens are more modest in their coloration but still have a rich, warm reddish hue. The bright red color stands out in both sunlight and shade.
• Size: As a bantam breed, the Red Pyle Old English Bantam is small and compact, with roosters typically weighing between 22-26 ounces (625-750 grams), and hens weighing slightly less. Their small size makes them a good choice for ornamental purposes or smaller backyards.
• Body Type: The breed has an upright and athletic build, characteristic of the Old English Game family. They have a slender, graceful frame that conveys agility and alertness. Their compact, streamlined body and upright posture contribute to their elegant look.
• Comb: They have a small, single upright comb, which is red in color and complements their vibrant plumage. The comb helps complete their proud and refined appearance.

Personality:

• Temperament: The Red Pyle Old English Bantam is energetic, confident, and alert. They are highly active birds, known for their curiosity and boldness. Roosters can sometimes be territorial and assertive, while hens are more docile but still lively and spirited. They may be more independent than other breeds.
• Hardiness: This bantam is relatively hardy, though like many smaller breeds, it may need extra care in extremely cold climates. Ensuring they have proper shelter and protection during colder weather is important.
• Social: Red Pyle Old English Bantams are generally not overly aggressive but may be more flighty or independent, especially when compared to more docile breeds. They can coexist peacefully with other chickens if there is enough space, but they may display territorial behavior, especially the males.

Egg Production:

• Eggs: Red Pyle Old English Bantams are not known for being prolific egg layers. They produce small white eggs, but their egg production is modest compared to other breeds. This breed is more highly valued for its ornamental qualities and agility than for its egg-laying capabilities.
• Broodiness: Like many bantams, Red Pyle Old English Bantams can occasionally go broody, though they are not particularly reliable mothers, and they are not typically used for hatching eggs.

Care Requirements:

• Housing: Due to their small size and active nature, Red Pyle Old English Bantams need secure housing. A well-ventilated, safe coop is essential to protect them from predators. Additionally, they need ample space to move around, as they are energetic birds that enjoy exploring.
• Diet: These bantams need a balanced diet that includes high-quality poultry feed, fresh water, and occasional treats like mealworms, vegetables, and greens to keep them healthy.
• Space: Despite their small size, Red Pyle Old English Bantams require space to roam and forage. They are very active birds, so providing them with a larger run will allow them to be more content and healthy.

Popularity:

The Red Pyle Old English Bantam is highly regarded for its beauty and agility. While not as commonly seen in egg-laying farms, it is prized in poultry exhibitions due to its bright plumage, elegant build, and dynamic personality. This bantam is often raised for ornamental purposes and is a classic example of the Old English Game breed’s historical and ornamental value.

Summary:

The Red Pyle Old English Bantam is a stunning, small breed with vibrant red plumage and a confident, energetic personality. While not a prolific egg layer, its beauty and agility make it a prized bird for ornamental flocks and poultry shows. Its lively nature, striking appearance, and compact size make it a perfect choice for poultry enthusiasts looking for a charming and active bird.

Red Pyle Old English Bantam