When it comes to Old English Game bantams (OEGB) and American Game bantams (AGB), many folks often ask what the difference is. I will explain a few of the main physical differences between the two game bantam breeds as far as shape, size, and a few other criteria. I will cover most of the differences, but will also touch on some of the similarities between the two. OEGB and AGB are the only two breeds in the "Game Bantam Class" of the American Bantam Association's Standard and so, naturally, share a somewhat similar general appearance, but they also have just as many differences. There is really not adequate time or space to cover all of the temperament, lineage, and other differences (of which there are many) in this article, so the differences I will focus on here will be mostly the physical ones.

The OEGB originated in England, and was first seen in the British Standard in 1865. Standard weight for an OEGB cock is 24 ounces, and is set at 22 ounces for hens.

The AGB originated in the U.S. It has been around since the 1890s but wasn't really perfected or fully standardized until the 1940s and first appeared in the ABA Yearbook in 1950. Standard weight for an AGB cock is 30 ounces, and 27 ounces for hens.

So as you can see there is a difference of about 6 ounces between the two breeds when it comes to standard weights. Keep in mind though that the ABA Standard is quite generous with respect to allowances in weights. In fact the standard allows up to 20% either underweight or overweight before it calls for the bird to be disqualified. So theoretically you could see an Old English Game bantam (let's say a male) that is underweight (which they have a tendency to be) and weighs in at 20 ounces, shown right next to an American Game bantam male that is overweight (which they also tend to be) and weighs in at 34 ounces, and both birds would be well within the allowable range for their respective standards. So you will often see a much greater size difference between the two breeds both at shows and on breeders' yards than the 6 ounce difference described in the Standard.

This illustration shows the proper semi-cardiod curve of the "sickle" tail feathers that is required on American Game bantam males.

The differences in shape may seem subtle to those who are not all that familiar with both breeds, but in reality there are quite a number of differences in shape (type) between the two breeds and in both sexes. Generally speaking and strictly going by the ABA Standard, both breeds have backs that are sloped. OEGB backs are to have a "well defined slope" and AGB backs are to have a slope of 30 degrees for males and 20 degrees for females.

The OEGB's standard calls for a moderately short back in both sexes and males are no longer required to have an abrupt break at the juncture of the back and the base of the tail. The AGB's standard calls for a medium length back in both sexes and it does require the abrupt break at the juncture of the back and tail on males. Both breeds and both sexes should have somewhat tapered (as opposed to rounded) heads, and there should be a strong contraction of their wings against the body. According to the Standard both breeds should have hard resilient plumage with little fluff, arched necks, medium length shanks and legs that are widely set, wings that are held up rather high and tight against the body so the lower thigh can be seen, and both breeds should look proud, sturdy, well muscled, and alert and have the appearance of being ready for anything.

A drawing by Bob Gary of a male American Game bantam.

When it comes to plumage though the AGBs are to be more abundantly feathered, having both a greater number of, and also longer and broader feathers in several distinct areas on male birds, namely the tail (including the actual main tail feathers, sickles, lesser sickles, and tail coverts), the saddle, and the hackle. Speaking specifically of the tails on male birds there is a very distinct difference in the two standards and that is that American Game bantams are required to have a semi-cardiod (semi-heart shaped) curve in their sickle feathers just like most full sized gamefowl do. Occasionally you do see individuals of OEGB's that too have this distinctive curvature, but most often OEGBs sickles are shorter and have far less curve to them. One other difference is that pure AGBs (individuals that do not carry any OEGB or other non AGB blood) tend to have tails that actually get longer as they age, as opposed to OEGBs who generally have the greatest length in their tail feathers when they are cockerels.

Another big difference in the two standards that some people may not be aware of is that American Game bantam males are required to be dubbed if they are shown, no matter what their age is. If not, they are to be disqualified. However OEGBs can still be shown while undubbed when they are cockerels (as long as it is before November 1st of the year it was hatched).

In the females of both breeds their differences are a bit more subtle, but in general, the AGB should be bigger and more substantial, having a solid body with good weight. While remaining "corky", she should look less dainty than her OEGB counterpart. In both breeds moderate to well spread tails are much preferred to those that are carried pinched.

For more information on Rosen American Game Bantams, contact Mark at mfireback@aol.com, or visit his website: http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/rosenagbs/; phone: (719) 947-3006.

For more information on the American Game Bantam Club (AGBC), go to http://americangamebantamclub.spaces.live.com/.

For more information about the Old English Game Bantam Club of America (OEGBCA): www.bantychicken.com/OEGBCA/; Troy Vannoy, Secretary, 526 East Locust St., Collinsville, TX 76233;(903) 429-6681; E-mail: troyvannoy@msn.com.