Started Rhode Island Reds

Started Rhode Island Reds

Why purchase Rhode Island Red Chickens? Rhode Island Reds are hardy and prolific egg layers that will thrive under less than ideal conditions. For these reasons, they are a good choice for backyard poultry owners.

History: The origins of the Rhode Island Red chicken can be traced appropriately enough to Rhode Island, where it is the state bird. Bred to endure the tough New England winters, these dual-purpose birds are raised for their meat and eggs, as well as for exhibition. Its pedigree includes a black-breasted red Malay cock from England.

Temperament: Roosters can be aggressive and are known to attack other birds. For this reason, they are not recommended around small children. Hens are calmer and considered good foragers. Generally, they are considered noisy and antisocial, but if handled and acclimated when young, they are less hot-tempered and easier to approach.

Color description: Almost invariably dark red in color (sometimes described as mahogany or rust-colored); however, the red color will fade with age and exposure to the sun. They have a touch of black in the tail and wing feathers. Skin is yellow; eyes are red-orange.

Status: Very common. These birds are often used for several modern hybrid breeds.

Body type: Large, rectangular, and long-bodied often described as "brick" shaped. Hard feathers.

Weight: Rooster 8.5 lbs, Hen 6.5 lbs, Cockerel 7.5 lbs, Pullet 5.5 lbs

Production: Rhode Island Reds are considered among the best egg layers of dual-purpose breeds, producing large eggs with brown-colored shells. A typical hen will lay up to 200 eggs per year, although healthy hens on a diet of high-quality feed will easily exceed this figure.