Delawares were developed in the state of Delaware from off-colored sports of a Barred Plymouth Rock and New Hampshire Red cross. They have a similar genetic makeup to Barred Plymouth Rocks except that they lack the E gene that allows for the extension of black; therefore, limiting the black plumage to the hackles, primaries, secondaries and the tail feathers. Delaware chicks are primarily light yellow, or cream colored with some having a few black specks or spots mostly on top of the head, wings and wing tips. They have single combs and clean, yellow legs and feet. Adults have a similar body shape to New Hampshire Reds with a Columbian plumage pattern.