Rhode Island Red chicken is an American dual purpose chicken breed which was developed in Rhode Island and Massachusetts in the mid 1840s. Rhode Island Red chickens are good egg layers but can be raised for both meat and eggs production.
They are also good as show bird. This breed is among the most popular chicken breeds for backyard flocks. They are highly popular mainly for their hardiness and egg laying abilities. Rhode Island Red chicken was from the Malay that it got it’s deep color, strong constitution and relatively hard feathers.
The early flocks often had both rose and single combed birds. The first Rhode Island Red chickens were originally bred in Adamsville (a village which is part of Little Compton, Rhode Island).
A black breasted red Malay cock which was imported from England was one of the foundation sires of the Rhode Island Red chicken breed. As Rhode Island Red chickens are prolific egg layers, so they are used in the creation of many modern hybrid breeds.
Rhode Island Red Chicken Breed Information
Here we are trying to describe more information about the Rhode Island Red chickens.
Physical Characteristics
Rhode Island Red chickens are relatively hardy and probably they are the best egg layers among the dual purpose breeds. This breed is a good choice for the small flock owner.
They continue producing eggs even in poor housing conditions than any other breeds and they can also handle marginal diets.
Rhode Island Red is one of the breeds which has excellent exhibition qualities and good production abilities at the same time. They have rectangular, relatively long bodies, typically dark red in color. They have red-orange eyes, reddish-brown beaks.
And their feet and legs are yellow (often with a bit of reddish color on the toes and sides of the shanks. Their skin is yellow colored. The bird’s feathers are rust-colored, however darker shades are known, including maroon bordering on black.
Rhode Island Red chicks are a light red to tan color. On an average, a male Rhode Island Red weights about 3.9kg and a female weights about 2.9kg.
Behavior/Temperament
Rhode Island Red chickens are active, docile and calm. Sometimes, roosters can be a little bit aggressive. This chicken breed is suitable for both confinement and free range system.
| Breed Name | Rhode Island Red |
| Other Name | RIR, Rhode Islands |
| Breed Purpose | Dual Purpose |
| Breed Temperament | Aggressive, Calm, Friendly, Curious, Noisy, Easily Handled |
| Breed Size | Heavy (6.5-8.5 lbs) |
| Broodiness | Seldom (not prone to broodiness) |
| Comb | Large, Single or Rose Combs |
| Climate Tolerance | All Climates (very robust) |
| Egg Color | Brown |
| Egg Size | Large |
| Egg Productivity | Very Good (about 300 eggs/year) |
| Feathered Legs | No |
| Rarity | Common |
| Varieties | Only Recognized in Red |
The Good
- Beautiful
- Calm
- Curious
- Caring for other chicks
- Prolific layers
- Lay large eggs
- Good foragers
- Lay brown eggs
- Sturdy birds
- Mild temperament
- Not flighty
The Bad
- Roosters are little bit aggressive
- Sometimes can be mean to other birds
- Sometimes bossy
- Sometimes very loud
Is Rhode Island Red Chicken Good For You?
Rhode Island Red Chickens are good for you if you…….
- Want to raise highly egg producing chickens.
- Want to produce larger brown eggs.
- Want to utilize your kitchen wastes.
- Are willing to raise some beautiful birds.
- Are looking for proper chicken breeds which are good foragers.
- Want to raise some hardy chickens which can survive in all climates.
- Are looking for a dual purpose chicken breed which produce more eggs than meat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Rhode Island Red chickens are highly popular in many countries around the world. And popularity of this chicken breed is increasing gradually. That’s why many people are trying to learn more about this breed. Especially, the beginners ask us many questions about Rhode Island Reds. However, here we are trying to list the most common questions and trying to answer them. Hope you will find your answer. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.
Are Rhode Island Red chickens nice?
YES, Rhode Island Red chickens are very nice. They are very friendly and fairly docile in nature.
Can Rhode Island Reds live with other chicken breeds?
YES, Rhode Island Red chickens are very friendly and fairly docile in nature. They tend to get along fairly well with other chicken breeds.
How can you tell if a Rhode Island Red is pure?
Red wattles, comb and ear are the common characteristics of the Rhode Island Red chicken breed. Their skin, feet and legs are of yellow color.
Are Rhode Island Red quiet?
YES! Rhode Island Red is the quietest breed among all layer chicken breeds.
What are the pros of Rhode Island Red chickens?
Main pros of Rhode Island Reds are:
- They are excellent layers
- They are great hen for the beginners
- They are very of very friendly personality
- Very strong and hardy and resistant to most health problems.
What are the cons of Rhode Island Red chickens?
Common cons of these chicken breed are:
- They can sometimes be skittish
- Sometimes they can be loud
- They are excellent escape artists
- Sometimes lower down on the pecking order
Are Rhode Island Reds noisy?
They make very little noise.
How cold is too cold for Rhode Island Red chickens?
Temperature below 18°C is considered too cold for the Rhode Island Reds. So, provide them heat if temperature is too cold.
Which chicken breed is the friendliest?
Some friendly chicken breeds for the beginners are:
- Silkies
- Rhode Island Reds
- Cochins
- Speckled Sussex
- Buff Orpington
Are Rhode Island Reds good in winter?
Rhode Island Reds are pretty cold-hardy.
How many eggs do Rhode Island Reds lay per year?
Rhode Island Red is a very good layer chicken breed. On an average, a hen can lay around or up to 300 large brown eggs per year.
What is the lifespan of a Rhode Island Red chicken?
Average lifespan of a Rhode Island Red chicken is between 5 and 8 years. But the Rhode Island Reds raised in farms are slaughtered after their 3-4 years of age.
Do Rhode Island Reds need a rooster to lay eggs?
NO! Rhode Island Red hens don’t need a rooster for laying eggs. Roosters don’t have any function in total eggs production. You need roosters only if you want to have fertilized eggs for hatching.
How long does a Rhode Island Red hen lay eggs?
Generally, a Rhode Island Red hen can lay eggs for 3-4 years.
Can Rhode Island Red chickens fly?
Almost all chickens can fly to a small degree, but Rhode Island Reds are not among the more agile airborne breeds.
Do Rhode Island Red chickens lay eggs in the winter?
YES! Your Rhode Island Reds will lay some eggs throughout the winter.
What color eggs do Rhode Island Reds lay?
Color of the Rhode Island Red hen’s is brown. Their eggs are much large in size than many other chicken breeds.
Are Rhode Island Red roosters friendly?
YES, Rhode Island Red chickens are relatively friendly in nature.
Do Rhode Island Red hens go broody?
Rhode Island Red hens very seldom go broody.
Which is better Rhode Island Red or Black Australorp?
Black Australorp chickens are a better choice for you if you want to raise chickens for meat. But if you want to produce eggs, then Rhode Island Reds will be very good for you.
How can you tell if a Rhode Island Red is male or female?
Gender of the Rhode Island Red chickens can be determined by wing color at hatching. Male chicks have a white spot on the down over the wing web. This spot is lost when the chick down is shed and replaced with feathers.
How big do Rhode Island Red hens get?
Generally around 2.9 kg.
How big do Rhode Island Red roosters get?
Generally around 3.9 kg.
What do Rhode Island Red chickens eat?
Rhode Island Reds are just like other common chicken breeds. They will be okay if you feed them with regular layer chicken feed.
How much does a Rhode Island Red cost?
Exact price can vary from place to place. Average price of a Rhode Island Red chick can vary from $1.5 to $5.
Are Rhode Island Reds heat tolerant?
YES, Rhode Island Red chickens tend to tolerate heat better than some of these other cold hardy breeds.
What age do Rhode Island Red roosters start to crow?
A Rhode Island Red rooster start to crow at around their 16 weeks of age.
How much space do Rhode Island Red chickens need?
On an average, a Rhode Island Red chicken require around 4 square feet space.
Why are my Rhode Island Reds not laying?
Chickens stop laying eggs for a variety of reasons. Hens may lay fewer eggs due to light, stress, poor nutrition, molt or age.
What do Rhode Island Red chickens need?
The Rhode Island Red chickens are very useful, delightful and entertaining poultry birds. They just need nutritious food, clean water and a good shelter. Always try to take good care of your birds and vaccinate them timely.
