Rhode Island Red

Rhode Island Red Chicken

Originating in Rhode Island, this breed holds the honor of being the state bird of Rhode Island and was officially recognized as a distinct pure chicken breed in 1904 by the American Standard of Perfection. The Single Comb Rhode Island Red chicken is our most sought-after breed for brown egg-laying production. They are a top choice for backyard flocks due to their exceptional egg-laying capabilities and resilience.

Rhode Island Red chicks are an excellent option for those raising chickens naturally and for egg production. Non-industrial strains of the Rhode Island Red are noted as recovering by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. The Chicken Coop Company’s bloodline or strain is a heritage production type, bred pure by The Chicken Coop Company Farms since 1936.

The Rhode Island Red is a true heritage chicken breed, selected as an ideal choice for egg production. While many breeders focus on breeding Rhode Island Reds for show, these tend to be a slightly darker red and do not lay as many eggs. Roosters typically weigh in at around 8.5 pounds (3.9 kg), with hens slightly lighter at 6.5 pounds (2.9 kg), cockerels at 7.5 pounds (3.4 kg), and pullets at 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg).

Developed in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, early flocks often included both single and rose combed individuals due to the influence of Malay blood. The Chicken Coop Company now offers the single comb variety of the Rhode Island Red Chicken (Exhibition Type).

Health and Care:

• Hardy and Resilient: Rhode Island Reds are known for their hardiness and ability to adapt to various climates. They are particularly well-suited for colder weather, as their dense feathering provides insulation against the cold. However, they also do well in warmer climates, though it’s essential to provide shade and fresh water during hot summer months to prevent heat stress.
  
  
• Disease Resistance: This breed is generally disease-resistant and strong, with a robust immune system. However, like all chickens, they can still be susceptible to common poultry diseases such as mites, lice, and respiratory infections. Regular cleaning of their coop, good ventilation, and access to clean water are essential for keeping them healthy.
  
  
• Low Maintenance: Rhode Island Reds are easy to care for and do not require specialized diets or extra attention. They are hardy foragers and can thrive in free-range environments as long as they are given enough space and a secure area to sleep at night. Regular health checks, a balanced diet, and fresh water are the key to their well-being.
  
  

Egg Laying:

• Excellent Egg Production: Rhode Island Reds are renowned for their impressive egg-laying abilities. They are consistent layers and can produce around 250-300 large brown eggs per year. This makes them one of the best egg-laying breeds available.
  
  
• Year-Round Laying: They are strong year-round layers, capable of laying eggs throughout the colder months. Although egg production can slow down in the winter due to shorter daylight hours, it rarely stops altogether, making them a reliable source of eggs year-round.
  
  
• Large Brown Eggs: The eggs laid by Rhode Island Reds are large, brown, and of excellent quality. Their consistent egg production, combined with the large size of their eggs, makes them highly sought after by egg producers.
  
  

Temperament:

• Friendly and Calm: Rhode Island Reds are generally friendly, calm, and easy to handle. They are known for being more docile than some other breeds, though they can be independent and somewhat reserved. They do well in a mixed flock and tend to get along with other chickens, though they are often not the most dominant breed in the pecking order.
  
  
• Active and Curious: These chickens are moderately active and enjoy free-ranging. They are curious and enjoy foraging for food, which makes them suitable for free-range environments. They are not overly flighty, and with regular handling, they can become quite tame and accustomed to human interaction.
  
  
• Not Aggressive: Rhode Island Reds are generally not aggressive, though they can sometimes be territorial, especially if they feel the need to protect their nesting areas. However, they usually do well in a flock environment without exhibiting dominant or overly assertive behaviors.
  
  

Appearance:

• Attractive Plumage: Rhode Island Reds are known for their beautiful, deep red to mahogany-colored feathers. Their plumage is rich and glossy, with a uniform, dark red color that gives them an attractive and healthy appearance. Roosters tend to have slightly brighter and more vibrant feathering than hens.
  
  
• Medium to Large Size: Rhode Island Reds are medium to large birds. Roosters typically weigh between 8-9 pounds, while hens are slightly lighter, typically weighing around 6-7 pounds. Despite their robust size, they have a well-proportioned and sturdy build.
  
  
• Single Comb and Wattles: Like many chicken breeds, Rhode Island Reds have a single comb and wattles. The comb is medium-sized and red, while the wattles and earlobes are also red, contributing to their bright and striking appearance. Their combs are upright, adding to their sharp and distinct look.
  
  
• Muscular Build: Rhode Island Reds have a strong, muscular build. This sturdy structure makes them not only good egg layers but also excellent for meat production if raised as a dual-purpose breed.

Rhode Island Red hens typically lay between 5 to 7 eggs each week. In their first year of laying, they can produce around 310 eggs, which usually decreases to about 220 eggs in their second year.

Occasionally vocal: Rhode Island Reds can be quite active and sometimes loud. If you're planning to keep them in a backyard setting, especially with nearby neighbors, it's something to consider. Adventurous and self-reliant: These chickens enjoy roaming and foraging, happily munching on seeds and hunting insects – even small rodents.

Chickens in backyard flocks can live up to 6-8 years, with their peak egg production typically occurring within the first 3-4 years. As chickens age, their egg production gradually declines, with a noticeable decrease in both the number of eggs and the quality of the eggshells. In commercial settings, hens are often kept for about 2-3 years, as their egg-laying efficiency begins to drop significantly after this period.

For Rhode Island Red and New Hampshire breeds, gender can be determined by the color of their wings at hatching. Typically, male chicks will have a small white spot on the down over their wing web, which serves as an indicator of their gender. It's important to note that this white spot will disappear as the chick matures and its down is replaced by feathers.

• Poultry Show Class: American Class
  
• Weights: Hen—–6 1/2 lbs
  
• Rooster——8 1/2 lbs
  
• Pullet–5 1/2 lbs
  
• Cockerel—–7 1/2 lbs
  
• Purpose and Type: Primary production, Egg Laying & Pet/Secondary meat source
  
• Egg Shell Color: Brown
  
• Egg Production: 200-280 eggs per year (estimates only)
  
• Egg Size: Large
  
• Temperament: Active
  
• Gender Accuracy: 80-85%
  
• Fertility Percentage: 65-80%
  
• Broody: Variable
  
• Mating Ratio: 10 Females to 1 Males
  
• Roost Height: 2 to 4 feet
  
• Country of Origin: United States, Rhode Island
  
• APA: Yes, Recognized by the American Standard of Perfection in 1904
  
• TLC: Watch Status, Considered a sustainable heritage chicken breed
  
• Breeder Farm Source: Poultry Breeding Farm has been developing our bloodline or strain of pure Rhode Island Red since 1936.