Rhode Island Red

Rhode Island Red

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).

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.