This breed was given its name of Old English Pheasant Fowl about 1914, previous to which it had been called the Yorkshire Pheasant, Golden Pheasant and also the Old-fashioned Pheasant. That it is a very old English breed is certain. Some Northern breeders retained their strains as Yorkshire Pheasant Fowls until the present tag of `Old English' was brought officially into use. It has a meaty breast for a light breed, and has always been popular with farmers.
General characteristics: male
Carriage: Alert and active.
Type: Body rather long, deep and round with prominent shoulders. Tail flowing and set well back.
Head: Fine. Beak of medium size. Eyes bright and prominent. Comb rose, moderate in size, not impeding either sight or breathing, fine texture, evenly set, rather square front, the top flat and with plenty of work, tapering to a single leader (or spike) at the back, which should curve gracefully downwards, following the neck line but quite free from it. Face and wattles smooth, free from coarseness or wrinkles. Earlobes medium size, oval or almond shape, smooth.
Neck: Graceful.
Legs and feet: Legs of medium length, well apart, neither coarse nor too fine. Shanks free from feathers. Toes, four, well spread.
Female
With the exception of the tail (moderately whipped) the general characteristics are similar to those of the male, allowing for the natural sexual differences.
BANTAM
Old English Pheasant Fowl bantams should follow exactly the large fowl standard.
General characteristics: male
Carriage: Alert and active.
Type: Body rather long, deep and round with prominent shoulders. Tail flowing and set well back.
Head: Fine. Beak of medium size. Eyes bright and prominent. Comb rose, moderate in size, not impeding either sight or breathing, fine texture, evenly set, rather square front, the top flat and with plenty of work, tapering to a single leader (or spike) at the back, which should curve gracefully downwards, following the neck line but quite free from it. Face and wattles smooth, free from coarseness or wrinkles. Earlobes medium size, oval or almond shape, smooth.
Neck: Graceful.
Legs and feet: Legs of medium length, well apart, neither coarse nor too fine. Shanks free from feathers. Toes, four, well spread.
Female
With the exception of the tail (moderately whipped) the general characteristics are similar to those of the male, allowing for the natural sexual differences.
BANTAM
Old English Pheasant Fowl bantams should follow exactly the large fowl standard.
Please contact the breed registrar for more information - [email protected]