As far as is authentically known, the Red Cap breed in America is limited to such as has been imported from England where they have been known and popular with fanciers for many years. Their origin has always been in doubt also what crossings combined to make a male with opposite markings of the female. Anyone versed in the markings of this breed knows that while the plumage of the male conforms in color markings to the pencilled breeds, that of the female conforms to that of the spangled or laced breeds. It must also be borne in mind these different plumages are produced by single mating from which come male and female of show quality, neither sex showing the slightest tendency toward the markings of the other. In nearly every other breed the combinations of penciling with lacing and spangling would be very disastrous, but in Red Caps these are combined with none but the best results.
I have been unable to find in history anything that even intimates the blood used in their production. Red Caps belong to the English class. There is only one variety, the rose comb, although occasionally, as in all rose comb breeds, they will throw a single comb specimen. A great many of the American bred Red Caps are from one to two pounds under weight, whereas the English bred birds are very often over standard weight. By crossing the two I have attained the desired size without destroying any of the distinctly American points of the bird.
The Red Cap male is a handsome bird, with a large well-balanced rose comb, well flowing hackle, straight back of medium length, large, well-expanded tail, and a full well rounded breast. In color of plumage he takes no second place with any other bird. The comb, ear lobes and wattles are bright red, and the legs and toes are a leaden blue color. The plumage of the neck is bluish black, each feather edged with red, the entire hackle shading off to black at base. The back is a rich red and black, saddle feathers dark red with a bluish black stripe extending down the middle of each feather, breast rich purplish black, body and fluff black, upper part of wing a mahogany red, the lower part black, and the tail greenish black. The standard weight of the cock is seven and one-half pounds, and of the cockerel six pounds. The female is of good size, with well-balanced rose comb, a full rounded breast, a long well-shaped back, and a deep body. The tail is of good size, well expanded, giving the bird a well balanced appearance.
The head and legs of the hen are the same color as those of the cock. The plumage of the breast, wings and back is a rich nut brown, each feather ending with a bluish black spangle, shaped like a half moon, and the tail is a dull bluish black. The standard weight of the hen is six pounds, and of the pullet five pounds. Red Caps have a wide reputation as excellent layers, laying practically all the year around. The eggs are good size, ranging in color from white to a darker shade. Red Caps belong to the non-setting class, but occasionally during the warmest months one of them will go broody.
They are energetic and great foragers, but bear confinement in small yards very well. I am often asked if their large combs are not easily frozen. I have always lived in Wisconsin, where our winters are very severe, and any trouble with frozen combs, in my experience, has been very rare. The hens lay practically as well in their second even third years as in their pullet year, and much larger stock is usually produced by using three year old hens as breeders. The male is in his prime height of beauty in his third year.
Red Caps are also very good for eating, their bodies being large, with full meaty breasts, the flesh being a beautiful white with delicious flavor. The baby chicks when first hatched are a light yellow in color, with two or three darker spots on the back and head. They feather quickly, signs of feathers showing in the wings and tail during the first few days. In communities where Red Caps are not known and are exhibited at poultry shows, they always excite great interest and are in great demand. I think if more widely known the Red Cap would rank among America's most popular birds.
Transcribed by Kerby Jackson https://www.facebook.com /groups/124171928424177/
