Muffed Old English Game
Muffed Old English Game describes Old English Game chickens, most often bantams in modern hobby flocks, that carry feathered muffs on the cheeks and usually a beard under the beak. The base breed is a British gamefowl type with hard feathering, compact muscle, proud carriage, and many color varieties such as black breasted red, duckwing, birchen, and spangled. The muffed form is best treated as a variety or strain where breeders maintain the facial feathering along with Old English Game type, rather than as a separate species or unrelated breed.
These birds are kept for exhibition, preservation, and ornamental backyard flocks, not for fighting. They are active, agile chickens that benefit from secure covered runs, low-stress handling, and separation of mature males when temperament requires it. Muffs can trap moisture or feed and should be checked during grooming, especially before shows. Good breeding stock should show clear game bantam type, sound legs, alert carriage, and consistent muffing without sacrificing health or fertility.
