Rosecomb chicken is one of the oldest bantam breed and named for it’s distinctive comb. It is among the true bantam chicken breeds and not a miniaturized version of large birds. It originated in Great Britain, but very little history is known about the breed.
Rosecomb chicken breed is developed by the English breeders, and has been known since at least the 1400s. The breed first saw popularity after being kept by King Richard III during his reign in the 15th century. And it’s not known exactly when the breed arrived in America.
Nowadays Rosecomb chicken is raised mainly as an ornamental breed. And it is still popular with the fanciers today. Rosecomb chicken was admitted into the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection in 1874.
Rosecomb Chicken Characteristics
Rosecomb Chicken has a strong build body. And its large tail is held at an upright angle from the back, which creates a handsome appearance. Rosecombs have a large rose comb for which they are named for, with striking white earlobes and wattles. The comb is large compared to its overall body size. Combs and wattles are of bright red color.
The Rosecomb roosters have long sickle tail feathers and the legs are slate blue, long and graceful. The wings are pointed downwards so that the tips almost reach the floor and the back is one long elegant curve from neck to tail. There are many color varieties of Rosecomb chicken, approximately 25 color varieties.
Although the American Poultry Association recognizes only three; Black Blue and White. But the American Bantam Association acknowledges more varieties.
All the color varieties of Rosecomb chicken have standard plumage with white earlobes, bright red combs, face and wattles. Their legs are black on the Black variety, white tinged with pink on the White variety and bluish-slate on the Blue variety. The eyes are generally hazel in black-feathered birds and red in white-feathered varieties.
Some common color varieties of Rosecomb chicken breed are Blue, White, Black, Splash, Black Breasted Red, Blue Red, Brassy Back, Brown Red, Lemon Blue, Mottled, Red Pyle, Wheaten etc. Rosecomb roosters weight about 0.57-0.62 kg and hens about 0.45-0.51 kg.
Behavior/Temperament
Rosecomb chickens are generally hardy and active birds. They are usually friendly and easily handled, but roosters may be aggressive. Unlike most of the chickens, Rosecombs are good fliers. Hens are not good layers, and lay a few number of small white eggs. And they tend not to be broody. Chicks are slow to mature and need spacial care.
Rosecomb chicken is suitable for all climates and they also do well in confinement. They are great flyers. Special care needs to be taken in cold weather, as their comb is prone to frostbite. As they are friendly in nature, so they are also good as pets. Review full breed profile of this chicken breed below.
| Breed Name | Rosecomb |
| Other Name | None |
| Breed Purpose | Ornamental |
| Breed Temperament | Friendly, Easily Handled, Shy, Noisy, Flighty, Bears Confinement Well |
| Breed Size | Bantam |
| Broodiness | Seldom |
| Comb | Rose |
| Climate Tolerance | All Climates |
| Egg Color | White |
| Egg Size | Small |
| Egg Productivity | Low |
| Feathered Legs | No |
| Rarity | Fairly Common |
| Varieties | Some common color varieties of Rosecomb chicken breed are Blue, White, Black, Splash, Black Breasted Red, Blue Red, Brassy Back, Brown Red, Lemon Blue, Mottled, Red Pyle, Wheaten etc. |
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom |
