Rhode Island Red

Rhode Island Red

A Rhode Island Red Hen
Conservation status	Recovering
Other names	Rhode Islands
Nicknames	RIR
Country of origin	USA
Traits
Weight	Male: 8.5 pounds (3.9 kg) Female: 6.5 pounds (2.9 kg; 0.46 st)
Skin color	Yellow
Egg color	Brown
Comb type	Single
Classification
APA	Recognized by the APA
Notes
Dual purpose layer breed
Fire/Flying

Rhode Island Reds in a lithograph, c. 1915.

The Rhode Island Red is a breed of chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus). They are a utility bird, raised for meat and eggs, and also as show birds. They are a popular choice for backyard flocks because of their egg laying abilities and hardiness. Non-industrial strains of the Rhode Island Red are listed as recovering by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. Three vital variations appeared to have had the largest impact around the Rhode Island Red: Asiatics, Game, and Mediterranean.

The Rhode Island Red is the state bird of Rhode Island.

Appearance

The bird's feathers are rust-colored, but darker shades are known, including maroon bordering on black. Their eyes are red-orange and they have yellow feet, with reddish-brown beaks. Chicks are a light red to tan color with two dark brown bars running down their backs. The Roosters usually weigh in at 8.5 pounds (3.9 kg), the Hens slightly less at 6.5 pounds (2.9 kg), cockerel at 7.5 pounds (3.4 kg), and pullets at 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg).

History

Developed in Rhode Island & Massachusetts, early flocks often had both single and rose combed individuals because of the influence of Malay blood. It was from the Malay that the Rhode Island Red got its deep color, strong constitution, and relatively hard feathers.

The Rhode Island Red were originally bred in Adamsville, a village which is part of Little Compton, Rhode Island. One of the foundation sires of the breed was a black-breasted red Malay cock which was imported from England. This cock is on display at the Smithsonian Institution as the father of the Rhode Island Red breed.

In 1925, the Rhode Island Red Club of America donated funds for an elegant monument to the Rhode Island Red in Adamsville, near the baseball field and across the street from what used to be Abraham Manchester's restaurant. (The monument is now on the National Register of Historic Places.) A competing monument to the Rhode Island Red, claiming its creation not for the poultry fanciers, but for the farmers who grew them commercially in great numbers in Little Compton, was erected by the state in 1954 a mile or so (about two kilometers) south of Adamsville.

Rhode Island Reds and Sussex are also used for many modern hybrid breeds. Many modern hybrid hens have Rhode Island Red fathers, mainly due to the prolific egg laying characteristic of the Rhode Island Red, which is passed down through the males. Rhode Island Reds cocks were hybridised with Black Shumen chicken and Starozagorska red chicken.

Characteristics

The Reds are friendly chickens with a good nature. They are good pets for children, but they can get aggressive when annoyed (especially roosters).

A Rhode Island Red rooster.

Rhode Island Reds are tough birds, resistant to illness, good at foraging and free ranging, and typically docile, quiet, and friendly. Although they are widely known as good layers through cold periods, if the coop temperature drops below freezing (0 °C (32 °F)), their output drops considerably, and the tips of their combs become very susceptible to frostbite.

Although usually friendly, Rhode Island Red roosters, and sometimes hens, can be quite aggressive towards young children and adults. Most roosters will also attack strangers (humans or animals) if they feel nervous or have never seen the intruder. They are usually friendlier with familiar people, such as those responsible for feeding. Both hens and roosters are known to be aggressive with other chickens, especially in confinement.Rhode Island Red roosters have been known to kill intruding foxes or dogs.

Even though they can have an aggressive nature, if raised properly and lovingly, they can be very loving, even affectionate. They will come when called or when they can see their owner and will walk with him/her just as a dog would. Rhode Island Reds and their hybrid descendants will happily sit on their owners laps, arms or even shoulders. These chickens care for each other as well, and often stay in a group.

Eggs

Frequent layers, Rhode Island Reds are noted for their brown eggs. Although they can sometimes be stubborn, they can end up producing up to 200 eggs a year but a healthy one can lay more. When free ranged, their first year eggs can be too large to fit comfortably in standard or medium egg cartons. Healthy hens can lay up to 6-7 eggs per week depending on their care and treatment. Rhode Island Red hens lay many more eggs than an average hen if provided plenty of quality feed.

Bibliography

• Raymond, Francine (2001). The Big Book of Garden Hens. Kitchen Garden Books, ISBN 0-9532857-3-1
• Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens: Care / Feeding / Facilities (Paperback)ISBN 978-1580173254

See also

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• Blue Hen of Delaware

External links

• Rhode Island Information and Pictures