The Rhode Island Red chicken is a popular breed with many uses. Farmers and homesteaders have raised them for meat and eggs since the late 1800s. Because of their versatility, they’ve become a staple in American poultry farming.
This article will take a closer look at the Rhode Island Red chicken — its history, care, and key characteristics.
We’ll cover:
- Where the Rhode Island Red came from
- What they look like
- Their temperament
- How many eggs they lay
- Their care requirements
Origin and History
The Rhode Island Red chicken was developed in — you guessed it — Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts. Two men, William Tripp and John Macomber, are credited with contributing to the breed’s early development.
Several breeds influenced the development of the Rhode Island Red. The Malay and Java breeds are thought to have been especially important, although some believe the Brown Leghorn may also have made its mark on the breed.
Once the breed had become more standardized, it was accepted into the American Poultry Association (APA). Breed standards were established to govern appearance and performance.
What do Rhode Island Reds look like?
Rhode Island Reds are known for their distinctive coloring and body shape.
Plumage and Appearance
The birds are typically a rich rust-red color, though there can be variations in shade. Some Rhode Island Reds are a darker shade of red, almost black.
If your chickens are exposed to a lot of direct sunlight, their feathers may fade a bit over time.
Comb Types
The American Poultry Association recognizes two comb varieties for Rhode Island Reds: single comb and rose comb.
The single comb is a fleshy, upright appendage with five distinct points or serrations, whereas the rose comb is flatter and closer to the head, with a more rounded shape and a small point at the rear.
The rose comb variety tends to be a little smaller than the single comb.
Body Structure
Rhode Island Reds have a rectangular, sturdy build. Their skin is yellow, even under their feathers.
Size and Weight
Rhode Island Reds are considered medium-heavy birds. Official breed standards specify the following weights for both the Single Comb and Rose Comb varieties:
- Cock: 8.5 lbs (APA), 3.85 kg (PCGB)
- Hen: 6.5 lbs (APA), 2.95 kg (PCGB)
- Cockerel: 7.5 lbs (APA), 3.60 kg (PCGB)
- Pullet: 5.5 lbs (APA), 2.50 kg (PCGB)
A bantam version of the Rhode Island Red also exists. These miniature chickens typically weigh between 1.5 and 2.2 pounds.
Temperament and Behavior
Rhode Island Reds are generally pretty great birds. They’re active, hardy, and relatively docile, and most of them are friendly toward people.
That said, some Rhode Island Red roosters can be aggressive, and even the hens can be a little territorial with each other.
They’re also not the quietest birds around. If you’re looking for a bird that’ll stay silent all day, you probably don’t want a Rhode Island Red.
But if you’re looking for a bird that will provide you with plenty of eggs, is cold-hardy, and is active and fun to watch, then the Rhode Island Red might be just the bird for you!
Egg Production
Rhode Island Reds are well-known as excellent egg layers. You can expect a good hen to lay between 220 and 310 eggs per year. Some sources cite a slightly lower range, between 150 and 200 eggs, so it’s a good idea to consider the source.
The eggs are brown and range in size from medium to large.
Broodiness
Broodiness is the tendency of a hen to want to incubate eggs. While any hen can become broody, Rhode Island Reds are generally not considered to be highly broody birds. This is good news if you’re primarily interested in egg production, as a broody hen will stop laying eggs until her chicks hatch (or until you discourage her broodiness).
Care and Management
So, you’re thinking of raising some Rhode Island Reds? Here’s what you need to know about keeping them happy and healthy.
Feeding and Nutrition
What you feed your chickens will change as they grow. Baby chicks need a starter feed with 20% to 24% protein, while pullets or young chickens need a grower feed with 18% to 19% protein. Laying hens need layer feed with 15% to 17% protein, plus added calcium to help them produce strong eggshells. And of course, all chickens need constant access to fresh, clean water.
Housing and Shelter
Your chickens will need a safe and comfortable place to roost. The general rule of thumb is that each chicken needs at least 4 square feet inside the coop, and 8 to 10 square feet in an outdoor run. They’ll also need 8 to 10 inches of roosting space per bird. For nesting boxes, plan on about 14x14x20 inches per box.
Temperature and Lighting
Chickens are pretty hardy, but they do best when the coop is somewhere between 65°F and 75°F. If you want your hens to lay consistently, you’ll also need to make sure they get 14 to 16 hours of light each day. This may mean supplementing with artificial light, especially during the winter months.
Health Considerations
Like all chickens, Rhode Island Reds can be prone to certain health problems. Some of the most common include:
- Crop impaction: This is when the crop (a pouch in the chicken’s esophagus) becomes blocked.
- Bumblefoot: A bacterial infection in the foot, often caused by injury or rough surfaces.
- Water belly (ascites): Fluid accumulation in the abdomen, often related to heart or liver issues.
Regular coop cleaning and daily observation of your birds can help you spot and address potential health issues early. Consistent routines are also crucial for maintaining their overall well-being and preventing stress-related illnesses.
The Bottom Line
The Rhode Island Red is a popular chicken breed with many outstanding qualities. They’re dual-purpose birds, so they can be raised for both meat and eggs. They’re exceptionally hardy, and the hens are prolific layers of brown eggs.
Whether you’re new to poultry keeping or you’re a seasoned pro, you’ll find that Rhode Island Reds are an excellent choice for your backyard flock.
Just be sure to provide your chickens with proper housing, quality feed, and regular health checks to ensure they stay healthy and productive.