About the Derbyshire Redcap

The Derbyshire Redcap is an old English heritage breed originating in Derbyshire. Traditionally a practical farm bird, it was valued for both egg and table production and is particularly well suited to free-range conditions.

Its most distinctive feature is the unusually large rose comb from which the breed takes its name. Redcaps are light, active birds and capable foragers, making them quite different in character from the giant, laid-back Brahmas we’ve just finished.

History & Origin

The Derbyshire Redcap is one of England’s old native poultry breeds. Its exact ancestry is uncertain, although old Pheasant Fowl, Hamburgh-type birds and other local farm fowl are believed to have contributed to its development.

Redcaps became established as practical farm poultry around Derbyshire and the southern Pennines, where their hardiness and ability to forage were valuable characteristics. They remained popular farm birds until the rise of specialised commercial poultry during the twentieth century contributed to their decline.

Derbyshire Redcaps in Australia

The Derbyshire Redcap is a relatively recent arrival in Australia. The Rare Breeds Trust of Australia records the breed as being introduced into Australia in 2016.

Characteristics

Egg colour: White. Interestingly, Redcaps have red earlobes despite laying white eggs, an unusual combination in chickens.

Egg size: Large.

Average egg production: Approximately 150–200 eggs per year, averaging around 3–4 eggs per week across the year.

Weekly egg figures are annual averages. Actual laying varies with age, season, daylight, nutrition and individual bird.

Day-old sexing: Derbyshire Redcaps are not an autosexing or sex-linked breed, so males and females cannot be reliably distinguished by colour at hatch. Young birds take considerable time to develop their mature colouring and other sex characteristics. RBTA notes that the breed may not reveal its full adult colour until its second or third year.

Temperament: Active, alert and independent. Redcaps are energetic birds and excellent foragers that particularly suit free-range conditions.

Broodiness: Low. Redcap hens are generally not reliable sitters.

Notable features: The enormous rose comb is the breed’s defining characteristic and gives the Redcap its name. The plumage is rich red-brown with dark spangling, and the breed has red earlobes despite producing white eggs.

Hardiness: A hardy, active breed historically developed under farm conditions in northern England. Redcaps are particularly capable free-ranging birds and strong foragers.

Rare Breed Status

The large Derbyshire Redcap is currently classified as OF CONCERN by the Rare Breeds Trust of Australia. This indicates low presence and/or low breeding-flock ratios in Australia.

Current Availability

See what’s currently available from Deb’s Heritage Hens.