If you’re interested in raising rose comb chicken breeds – a low, broad comb covered in tiny bumps that often ends in a backward spike-you’re not alone.
Rose comb type is valued for both its aesthetic appeal and practical advantages, such as reduced susceptibility to frostbite.
In this guide you will know about the 15 most popular rose comb chicken breeds for your backyard coop.
Also you will read about their appearance, origin, key characteristics, egg production, weight, lifespan, and temperament.
You’ll discover dual-purpose breeds, show-quality bantams, and resilient heritage birds, all united by their distinctive rose combs.Each breed profile outlines the essential facts you need to know.
By learning about their origins and temperaments, you can choose a lovely breed that suits your flock goals; whether for eggs, meat, ornamental value, or friendship.
Also read: Read all about chicken comb types
15 Rose Comb Chicken Breeds : Top List With Info
Few best chicken breed list with rose comb:
1. Dominique (Dominick Chicken)
The Dominique is a classic American heritage breed. With barred black-and-white feathers and a close-fitting rose comb, it stands out for both looks and utility.
Originating in New England, it’s likely descended from Spanish Plymouth stock and is among America’s oldest established breeds. Its rose comb is an adaptation for thriving in cold climates.
Dominique chickens are dual-purpose: they are good layers of brown eggs (about 100–150 per year) and also have meaty bodies (roosters ~7 lb, hens ~5 lb).
You’ll find that they are generally calm and docile – “unusually quiet” among chickens – making them easy for you to handle.
They mature moderately (males around 7 lb, females 5 lb) and live on average about 6–8 years.
2. Golden Laced Wyandotte
The Wyandotte (silver-laced, golden-laced, etc.) is an eye-catching dual-purpose breed with a broad body and a full tail.
Recognized by the APA in 1874 (silver laced was first) and known as the “American Sebright,” Wyandottes display gorgeous laced plumage and a smooth rose comb.
The rose comb on a Wyandotte lies flat and curves over the head, offering good frost protection.
Wyandottes originated in the U.S. in the late 1800s, bred for exhibition and utility. They are steady layers of brown eggs (150–200 per year in good conditions) and have heavy frames (rooster ~8–9 lb, hen ~6.5–7 lb).
They have a lovely appearance and friendly nature; which makes them calm and confident birds.
Wyandottes are good winter layers and brooders. In temperament, they tend to be docile and curious, getting along well in mixed flocks.
Lifespan is about 5–8 years under good care. Wyandottes are a popular choice for homesteaders who want both beauty and productivity.
3. Silver Spangled Hamburg
Hamburgs, originally from Holland, are sleek, athletic chickens with a rose comb and distinct pure white earlobes.
The Silver Spangled Hamburg, with black-and-white feathers, is especially striking. Hamburgs appear in several color patterns.
This breed is lively, flighty, and excellent foragers. So you should give them space to roam.
They are prolific white egglayers that continue laying steadily throughout a long season. Hamburgs produce medium-sized eggs at a high rate (often 150+ per year) and mature at moderate weights (rooster ~5 lb, hen ~4 lb).
Because of their active nature, they do best free-ranging. Their rose combs and wattles are bright red and small to medium in size.
Hamburgs are hardy in cool weather; their combs lie relatively flat, so frostbite is less of an issue. As ornamentals, Hamburgs are also popular at shows.
4. Sebright (Sebright Bantam)
The Sebright is a true bantam developed in England by Sir John Sebright around 1800. They are one of the most popular rose comb chicken breeds.
Males show lustrous golden or silver laced plumage, upright posture, and a small rose comb. Hens have similar lacing. These birds are bred for appearance over productivity.
Sebrights weigh only about 22–24 ounces and are considered very small. As an ornamental breed, their egg-laying capacity is low (roughly one small white egg per week at most), and they are reluctant brooders.
They are generally easy to handle and inquisitive, although they are sometimes noted as flighty or less suitable for beginners.
They may be assertive with flockmates, so spacious housing is recommended. With an average lifespan of 5–6 years, Sebrights are best kept in moderate climates due to their small size and delicate rose combs.
Combs and wattles are typically red, occasionally with a purple tinge. Sebrights are valued for their visual appeal and personable nature as ornamental bantams.
5. Rosecomb Bantam
Not to be confused with the comb itself, the Rosecomb Bantam is a true bantam breed from England (14th-century origin) developed as a pet bird.
It is one of the oldest bantams. These tiny chickens stand erect and have a huge, flat rose comb that practically reaches their white earlobes.
Plumage colors include black, white, and blue varieties, always with a rose comb and white lobe.
Rosecombs are small hens around 1 lb, roosters 1.5–2 lb—and appreciated for their distinctive, attractive appearance rather than their egg production.
They produce about one small white egg per week. They are viewed as gentle birds that often develop bonds with humans.
However, fertility is limited and brooding tendencies are rare, making them best suited for ornamental purposes.
Protection from severe cold is advised, as is gentle handling, given their docile nature. With appropriate care, Rosecomb bantams may live between 5 and 8 years.
6. Derbyshire Redcap (Redcap)
The Derbyshire Redcap is a striking English rose-combed breed known for utility and looks.
Developed in Derbyshire, Redcaps are heavy, clean-legged birds with a large rose-shaped comb—roosters’ combs often reach 8.5 by 7 cm. Wattles and earlobes are bright red, rare for white-egg layers.
Redcaps are triple-purpose: good layers (150–200 white eggs per year), hearty meat birds with white skin, and fancy show chickens.
You’ll see that a rooster weighs about 7.5 lb and a hen 6 lb (USA standard). They are active foragers but fairly hardy, standing up well to cold weather thanks to their rose comb and strong build.
Redcaps are known to be confident and good-natured, though roosters can be assertive. They are not as docile as some light breeds, but not aggressive either.
7. Rhode Island Red (Rosecomb Variety)
The Rhode Island Red is a classic American breed usually with a large single comb, but there is also a recognized rose-comb variety.
We include it here because that rose-comb variant has all the same traits except the comb type. Originating in New England, Reds were bred from Malay, Java, and other Asian stock.
The APA registered the single-comb in 1904 and the rose-comb Rhode Island Red in 1906. Rosecomb RIRs display deep mahogany-red feathers, red wattles and earlobes, and a flat rose comb.
They are robust dual-purpose birds: roosters reaching approximately 8–9 lbs and hens 6–7 lbs. RIRs are recognized as reliable brown egg layers (150–200 per year) and are valued for meat production.
They are typically active, alert, and occasionally bold. Rhode Island Reds tend to be approachable if handled from an early age, while roosters may assert dominance.
The rose comb variant does not enhance egg productivity but offers improved resistance to frostbite.
8. Barbu d’Anvers (Antwerp Bearded Bantam)
The Barbu d’Anvers (Belgian Bearded d’Anvers, or Antwerp Bearded Bantam) is a true Belgian bantam, meaning it is a small chicken breed with no larger counterpart.
It’s a fluffy little bird known for an elegant beard and a tiny rose comb. The Barbu d’Anvers comes in many color varieties, Mille Fleur, a speckled pattern, is a classic color—and males have long, upright tails and an upright stance.
These bantams are very small – only about 600–700 grams (1.3–1.5 lbs) each. They are friendly and docile, making them good pets even for kids.
Hens lay small cream-colored eggs (around 2–3 per week). Because of their size and comb, they need mild winters or protection from frost, but they handle heat and cold well overall.
Barbu d’Anvers are hardy foragers and rarely aggressive. In appearance, look for their tiny red rose combs and minimal wattles.
9. Leghorn (Rosecomb Varieties)
Leghorns are renowned Mediterranean white-egg layers. While most have single combs, rose-comb Leghorns are recognized (like the Rosecomb White Leghorn).
These small, active birds from Italy have the same traits as single-comb Leghorns, but hens sport a flat, spiked rose comb. They also have white earlobes and red wattles.
Rosecomb Leghorn roosters weigh about 6 lb and hens ~4.5 lb. The main attraction is egg laying: Leghorns can top 200–280 white eggs annually (depending on strain).
They are very active and flighty, excellent at free-ranging, but they won’t sit on eggs much.
In temperament, they’re alert and can be skittish, so they’re not typically cuddle-buddies, but many keepers find them hardy and efficient.
If you let them free-range, Leghorns fetch most of their diet themselves. In short, the rose-comb Leghorn offers the same phenomenal white-egg laying and hardiness as other Leghorns, with the twist of that low-profile comb.
10. Dorking (Rosecomb Varieties)
Dorkings are an old English heavy breed (dating back to Roman times) that come in single and rose comb forms. The White Dorking standard actually prefers the rose comb.
They have five toes (rather than the usual four), a broad back, and good meat conformation. The Rosecomb Dorking is simply the variety with a medium-to-large rose comb.
This dual-purpose breed is calm and gentle. Roosters weigh around 9 lbs and hens 7 lbs. They lay a fair number of large white/cream eggs (about 170–190 per year).
Dorkings are known for excellent table qualities – flavorful, tender meat – so many people raise them as “culinary heritage” birds.
Temperamentally, you’ll find them docile and friendly; they are known to be quite calm underfoot. They mature more slowly than some breeds, but they are steady winter layers when sheltered.
11. Minorca (Rosecomb Varieties)
The Minorca is a large Mediterranean breed originally from the Isle of Minorca, Spain. Most Minorcas have a huge single comb, but there are recognized rose-comb varieties (bred in the U.S. around 1900 to reduce frostbite).
Rose-comb Minorcas look much like their single-comb kin except that they have a shorter, flattened comb topped with small, rounded points. They still have the trademark enormous white earlobes and a stately carriage.
Minorcas are valued for their eggs: hens lay very large white eggs, often more than 150 per year. In fact, Minorcas may lay some of the largest white eggs of any breed.
Roosters can reach 9 lbs and hens 7.5 lbs, making them the largest of the Mediterranean class. Minorcas are good foragers and heat-tolerant, but they are not cuddly.
Minorcas are flighty and prefer to range free. They are not typically aggressive, but roosters have been known to be protective.
Because their fleshy wattles and earlobes are so large, all Minorcas (even rose-combs) are prone to frostbite, which is why the rose comb was developed in the first place.
In summary, the Rosecomb Minorca is a grand bird – an exceptionally good white-egg layer with a bold, active character – but best kept in fairly warm climates or with careful winter care.
12. Appenzeller Barthuhn (Appenzeller Bearded Chicken)
The Appenzeller Barthuhn (Barthuhn) is a Swiss heritage breed developed in the Appenzell region. It is a large, sturdy bird featuring a full beard and a small rose comb.
Because it was bred for cold Alpine winters, it has tiny wattles and a rose comb to minimize frostbite risk. Its plumage comes in colors like white, black, and cuckoo; this breed is relatively rare outside Switzerland.
In type, the Barthuhn is moderately heavy (roosters about 4.5 lb, hens ~3.5 lb). It’s known as a great dual-purpose farm fowl.
Hens lay about 150–200 large white eggs per year (roughly 3–4 eggs per week). Roosters have an upright stance, and the breed as a whole is considered hardy.
Importantly for you, Barthuhns are bred to be calm and friendly – the Omlet site notes they’re tameable and friendly and love foraging.
They rarely go broody (so they focus on laying) and do well in cold climates. Lifespan is around 6–8 years.
Also read: Appenzeller Spitzhauben Chicken: Complete Breed Guide
13. Marsh Daisy Chicken
The Marsh Daisy is a very rare British breed named for the marsh-dwelling wildflower – fitting, since its large rose comb resembles that flower.
It originated in Lancashire, England, around 1910. This lightweight standard fowl is notable for greenish (“willow green”) legs and white earlobes.
Its plumage is a rich mahogany with black lacing. But most importantly here: it has a prominent rose comb.
Marsh Daisies were bred as hardy free-range birds. They weigh up to about 6.5 lb (rooster) and 5.5 lb (hen), making them lighter than many standard breeds.
They are active and good foragers, preferring pasture or yard space. Hens lay a fair number of tinted eggs (brown-cream), though not as many as top layers.
This breed is generally calm and hardy but tends to be flighty (skittish) and slow to mature. There is no bantam Marsh Daisy.
14. Old English Pheasant Fowl
The Old English Pheasant Fowl is a rare British light breed from Yorkshire/Lancashire, first formalized in 1914.
Its name comes from its wild pheasant-like mahogany plumage. Importantly, it carries a rose-type comb (sometimes called a leader comb) rather than a single comb. It also has white earlobes.
OEPFs are small light utility birds: roosters weigh about 6–7 lbs and hens 5–6 lbs. They are hardy outdoors and do well free-range as table birds and layers of white eggs.
The breed is described as hardy and calm. You can expect a steady but not exceptional egg yield (lots of eggs, but not as many as commercial layers).
Their rose comb follows the head contour, and together with the earlobes and plumage, they give a distinct appearance. For you, this means a docile, tolerant bird that’s fairly easy to manage.
They don’t go broody much, so they are kept mainly for eggs and meat. In summary, the Old English Pheasant Fowl is a calm, hardy bird with heritage looks – a colorful plumage, a white-egg layer, and the classic rose comb of its ancestors.
15. Nankin Bantam
The Nankin is another true bantam, one of the oldest known small chicken breeds (documented in England before the 1500s). It is chestnut-colored with black tail feathers.
Significantly, Nankins can carry either a rose comb or a small single comb; the rose comb variety is included here. These bantams have red faces, wattles, and earlobes, and slate-blue legs.
Nankins are calm, affectionate little birds. You’ll find them friendly and good brooders – indeed, historically they were prized for setting on gamebird eggs.
They weigh only about 1.3–1.5 lbs (rooster). Hen Nankins are fine layers for a bantam, producing many small white eggs (often 100+ per year).
In temperament, they stay together in flocks and are somewhat shy around larger birds.
So, the rose-comb Nankin is a charming true bantam: easy to manage, gentle, and ornamental with its rich coloring and bright comb.
Keep them in small groups, and they will reward you with their friendly nature and dependable small-egg laying.
FAQs
What is a rose comb on a chicken?
A rose comb is a type of chicken comb that is broad and low, covered with small, rounded points, and ending in a backward-facing spike. Unlike the common upright single comb, the rose comb lies flat against the head, which helps reduce frostbite in cold weather. Breeds with rose combs often have other related traits (like large white earlobes). If you inspect your chickens, a rose comb will look flatter and wider than a single comb and often feels like a textured pad with a spike at the back.
Why choose rose comb chicken breeds?
Many backyard keepers prefer rose comb breeds because of their hardiness and distinctive appearance. The fleshy protrusion of a comb helps regulate body heat, and rose combs tend to withstand cold better than tall single combs. As a result, breeds like Wyandottes, Hamburgs, and Dominiques reliably lay through winter in moderate climates. Rose comb breeds also include many heritage and bantam varieties valued for dual-purpose utility or ornamental qualities. In practice, if you live where cold is a concern, rose comb breeds reduce frost-related problems. They also add variety: for example, many show-quality bantams (Sebright, Rosecomb, Antwerp) are rose-combed. Essentially, you get the same productivity and temperament of a breed, but with a comb shape that may suit your climate or aesthetic preference.
Which chicken breeds have rose combs?
Many recognized breeds have rose comb varieties. Common examples are Dominique, Wyandotte, Hamburg (e.g., Silver Spangled Hamburg), Redcap, and the Rosecomb bantam itself. Other examples include Leghorn (rose variety), Dorking (rose variety), Minorca (rose variety), Antwerp D’Anvers (bearded bantam), Appenzeller Barthuhn, and even traditional breeds like Old English Pheasant Fowl and Marsh Daisy. The Rhode Island Red also has a rose comb variety. When choosing breeds, be sure to look at the standard or variety descriptions, as some have both single and rose comb types. The table below (not shown) summarizes key rose-combed breeds with their characteristics.
Is a rose comb better in winter?
Yes – generally, a rose comb is less prone to frostbite than a large single comb. Because the rose comb lies flatter and has a bumpy surface, it sheds cold more effectively. Many breeders developed rose-comb varieties (e.g., rosecomb Rhode Island Red, rosecomb Minorca) specifically for that reason. However, no comb is entirely immune: in extreme cold, you should still protect exposed combs. In hot weather, comb type matters less – all chickens use their combs to help dissipate heat, so even a rose comb does the job of cooling. In short, if you’re in a cold climate, rose comb breeds have an advantage, but always provide proper housing and nutrition for any breed.
How many eggs do rose comb chickens lay?
That depends on the breed. Many rose-combed breeds are also good layers. For example, Hamburg hens can lay over 150 white eggs per year, and rosecomb Minorcas can lay 140–220 very large white eggs annually. Some rose-combed breeds (like Dominique, Wyandotte) lay around 150 eggs of brown or tinted color per year. Others are more ornamental: Sebrights lay only a few eggs per week, and rosecomb bantams only about one per week. Always check breed profiles: the breeds above were chosen for popularity and utility, so most will give you a respectable egg supply. Remember that factors like feeding, daylight hours, and health also influence laying rate.
Are rose comb chickens friendly?
Many of them are. Temperaments vary by breed, but in general, the rose-combed breeds listed are described as calm, friendly, or curious by nature. For instance, Dominiques, Wyandottes, and Nankins are often noted as docile and easy to handle. Bantams like the Barbu d’Anvers are explicitly known to be docile and friendlyand great with children. Of course, individual birds differ; males of some breeds (Redcaps, Leghorns) may be more assertive. But none of these rose-comb breeds are unusually aggressive. If a gentle temperament is key for your backyard, the Antwerp bantams, Barthuhns, and many dual-purpose rose-comb breeds tend to be good choices.
Do rose comb chickens have any special care needs?
Aside from general chicken husbandry, rose comb birds don’t need much special care, but you should note that very prominent combs still need protection in a deep freeze. Even though rose combs resist frostbite better than single combs, in very cold climates it’s wise to use a coop heater or coat the combs with petroleum jelly in winter. Also, some rose comb varieties (like Sebrights and bantams) are smaller and may need finer feed. All the breeds listed enjoy access to pasture or foraging; many are good free-range birds. Be sure to provide balanced feed and clean water year-round. Finally, as with any chickens, inspect combs regularly: a pale comb can indicate health issues. In short, care for rose comb chickens is not fundamentally different – just follow good flock management and watch your birds’ combs in extreme weather.
Conclusion
If you keep chickens, understanding rose comb breeds expands your options. These 15 breeds from heritage heavyweights like Dominique and Dorking to tiny treasures like Sebrights and Nankins all share the distinctive rose comb and each bring unique benefits.
Rose combs generally fare better in winter weather than large single combs, though in cold climates extra coop warmth or Vaseline on combs can still be wise.
Many of the breeds above are hardy dual-purpose birds (e.g. Wyandotte, Redcap, Marsh Daisy) or prolific egg-layers (Hamburg, Minorca, Leghorn), while some are kept mainly for exhibition or as pets (Rosecomb bantam, Barbu d’Anvers).
When choosing a rose comb breed, think about your goals: Are you after a friendly family pet (Antwerp bantams, Sebrights), an egg machine (Silver Spangled Hamburg, Leghorn), a showpiece (Golden Laced Wyandotte, Rosecomb bantam), or a meat-layer (Dorking, Redcap)?
In general, all these breeds are well-documented and should fit well in a backyard flock. Be sure to match their temperaments and space needs to your situation (for example, flighty birds like Hamburgs need safe free-range or tall fencing, while broody mothers like Nankins will want nesting boxes).
With adequate care and shelter, these rose comb chickens will reward you with robust health, striking looks, and, in most cases, plenty of eggs or meat.
