Characteristics
Redcaps are classified as a light fowl, with roosters weighing approximately 3.4 kilos (7.5 pounds), and hens 2.75 kilos (6 pounds). Redcaps can be differentiated from similar looking breeds, especially the more popular Hamburgs, by their red earlobes and larger comb. Beaks are horn colored. Combs which hang to either side of the face, white earlobes, or a lack of points on the comb are undesirable traits according to the breed standards, and result in disqualification from poultry shows. The breed appears in a single variety of plumage, with various dark hues of red, brown and black. Roosters display a greater diversity of color, but both males and females have black tails and a crescent shape of black on the edge of most body feathers.
Derbyshire Redcaps are a hardy, active breed of chicken that does well in free 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 colored eggs.
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