.JPG) A Derbyshire Redcap cock | |
| Conservation status | RBST (UK): at risk |
|---|---|
| Other names | Redcap |
| Nicknames | Coral |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Use | eggs, meat |
| Traits | |
| Weight |
|
| Skin color | blue-grey |
| Egg color | white |
| Comb type | rose |
| Classification | |
| APA | English[1] |
| ABA | rose comb clean legged[1] |
| PCGB | soft feather: light[2] |
| |
TheDerbyshire Redcap is abreed ofchicken originating in theEnglishcounty ofDerbyshire. The name "Redcap" derives from the breed's unusually large Rose-typecomb. Britishbreed standards dictate a length of more than 7 centimetres (3 inches) of length for a Redcap comb. It is covered in small, fleshy points, and has a distinct spike pointing backwards called a "leader". Combs,wattles andearlobes are all ideally bright red.[3]
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Redcaps are classified as a light fowl, with cocks weighing approximately 3.4 kilograms (7.5 lb) and hens 2.75 kg (6.1 lb). Redcaps can be differentiated from similar looking breeds, especially the more popularHamburgs, by their red earlobes and larger comb.[4] Beaks are horn-coloured. Combs which hang to either side of the face, white earlobes, or a lack of points on the comb are undesirable traits according to thebreed standards, and result in disqualification frompoultry shows.[3] The breed appears in a single variety of plumage, with various dark hues of red, brown and black. Cocks display a greater diversity of colour, but both males and females have black tails and acrescent shape of black on the edge of most body feathers.[4]
Derbyshire Redcaps are a hardy, active breed of chicken that does well infree range conditions. They are well suited for dual-purpose farm flocks, being used for both meat and egg production in addition to their ornamental qualities. Hens do not usually go broody, and lay a good amount of large, white coloured eggs.[5]
The exact breeds that contributed to the creation of the Redcap are unknown, but Golden Spangled Hamburgs,Dorkings,Old English Pheasant Fowl and Black-Breasted RedGames may have been involved. The breed is also very similar in conformation to now-extinct chickens such as theYorkshire Pheasant and theLancashire Moonie.[6]
Derbyshire Redcaps were common on British farms until the middle of the 20th century, particularly around the southernPennines. They have never been preferred byintensive farms or commercial operations, and have always been primarily a barnyard fowl. In the 21st century, they are a very rare chicken, with the largest numbers still residing in their home country. TheRare Breeds Survival Trust of theUK lists them as Vulnerable on their watch list.[6] Abroad, Redcaps were admitted to theAmerican Poultry Association'sStandard of Perfection in 1888, and are listed as Critical on theAmerican Livestock Breeds Conservancy watchlist.[7]
