Last Updated on February 9, 2021 by Pauline G. Carter
In the early 19th century, there were writings about the origin of a chicken breed called Redcap, which is a true native English bird. Others call this fowl “Coral”. Redcap pertains to its large rose comb. To comply with the breed’s standard length, the spikey cluster with a prominent “leader” point at the back of its head must be over 3 inches.
The true breed sources of the Redcap are unknown, but they are believed to be crossed from Black Breasted Red Games, Golden Spangled Hamburgs, Dorkings, and Old English Pheasant Fowl.
Its name Derbyshire Redcap Chicken was derived from its hometown – Derbyshire and Pennine area of England. Its breed is one of the ancient dual purpose kinds. This chicken breed was recognized by APA in the year 1888 and is now on the Conservancy watch list.
Derbyshire Redcap Chicken | Breed Profile
| Country of origin: | United Kingdom |
| Primary use: | Dual-purpose meat/eggs |
| Weight: | Male:3.4 kg (7.5 lb), Female:2.75 kg (6.1 lb) |
| Temperament: | Hardy |
| Recognized varieties: | Plumage |
| Egg production (annual): | 200 |
| Egg color: | White |
| Egg size: | Large |
| Comb type: | Rose |
Characteristics Of The Derbyshire Redcap Chicken
Redcap chickens have one recognized variety – the Plumage. It lays large, white eggs of about 200 pieces per year. It is a hardy chicken breed. A Redcap chicken is disqualified if its cap is sloppy, too large or too small, or not well-formed.
This judgment goes with the hens, too – they are judged by their cap, though their “leadership” is less prominent than the male ones. Their lobes and wattles must be bright red as well as their comb.
They are feathering compliments this redness while the lobes and wattles are complimented by rich-dark mahogany red, black, and brown hues. Hens and roosters’ tails are black while their beaks are horn-colored. For males and females, body feathers mostly end in a curved black edge.
Redcap chickens belong to the light class of large fowl. The standard male size is 7.b lbs while 6 lbs for females. Its conservation status is already critical of being endangered.
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Behavior/ Temperament/ Use
Redcap chicken breed is not broody, but the great producer of white eggs that are large. In Great Britain, there is 100 or less variety of Bantam Redcap, and their known reputation is hardy and active. The hens have a tendency to brood more. They favor a free-range environment since they are active.
What We Liked/Pros
- Various purpose chicken – for meat producing, egg laying and ornamental uses.
- Can excellently produce 200 eggs per annum.
- Active on free-range space.
- Not broody most of the time.
- With high and mighty attitude.
- Has all climate tolerance.
What We Don’t Like/Cons
- Has the tendency to be broody.
- Hardy in winter.
- Slow growing breed and of average size.
- One of the critical chicken breeds.
- Large comb must be more than 3 inches so as not to be rejected from competition.