Redcap

A Derbyshire Redcap hen stands on a rock wall.

Redcaps (or Red Caps, as some people spell them) are a dual purpose chicken breed from England distinguished by their huge rose combs. Unlike most chickens with red earlobes, the Redcap lays white eggs! Redcaps are good foragers and they're very hardy, so it is a shame that this breed is now nearing extinction. Fortunately some of the major U.S. hatcheries carry them, so it's still possible to save this breed!

Origins/History:

Class: English
Type: Large Fowl & Bantam
Size: Medium (6-7 lbs)
Rarity: Rare
Purpose: Egg-laying
Recognized Varieties: One variety: Reddish brown feathers tipped with black

Egg Facts:

Egg Laying: Good (3/wk)
Egg Color: White
Egg Size: Medium

Fancy Features:

Comb Type: Rose Comb
Crested: No
Feathered Legs: No
Number of Toes: 4

Suitability to Backyard Life:

Cold Hardiness: Hardy in winter
Heat Tolerance: Not especially heat hardy
Bears Confinement: Tolerates confinement
Especially Docile: No
Setter/Broody: No
Personality:

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