Spotlight On Poultry: Rhode Island Red

I’m so sorry for the delay in getting out a new Spotlight on Poultry. Things have been hectic around here. I do always feel like I am back in high school writing a report when I do the spotlight because I do a lot of research on each breed. I was looking forward to writing about this breed because of how popular it is!

Ruby's Portrait ~ Jane Steele

 Rhode Island Red chickens are one of the most popular breeds of backyard chickens. They are good for both eggs and meat and do well in all climates. They are very friendly and have a good nature, therefore making a good pet for small children and adults alike! RIR’s lay brown eggs and rarely go broody. Their eggs are normally large in size and they can tolerate the cold. They are red in color and sometimes can be a darker “rust” color and also sometimes have white streaks in their feathers. They have red/orange eyes; yellow feet and their beaks are a reddish brown color. Males can get to be 8.5 pounds and females can be 6.5 pounds.

RIRs From The Chicken Fountain

 This breed originated in Massachusetts and Rhode Island , around the 1840’s. The early birds had both single and rose combs. Breeding began in a little town in Rhode Island called Adamsville. The chickens were bred with a Black Breasted Red Malay Rooster. The Rooster is actually on display at the Smithsonian Institution as the “Father of the Breed” RIR’s were accepted into the APA in 1904. As the breed gained popularity, it has now become one of the best known breed of chicken in the world! There are two types of RIR’s. Over time, breeders would try to breed for the qualities that they liked the best. The first type is often called industrial, or production. These birds are lighter in color and lay about 300 eggs per year. The second type are referred to as exhibition, or heritage. They are darker in color, have a larger body, and lay fewer eggs than the industrial strain of RIRs.

Rhonda ~ Alexis Henry