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Rhode Island Red Chicken Breed Info + Where to Buy

Modified: Feb 28, 2023 by Russell Crow · This post may contain affiliate links ·

The Rhode Island Red is one of the most popular breeds out there. Not only are they a heritage breed, but they are hardy, extremely healthy, easy to care for, and are dual purpose.

Rhode Island Red chicken standing next to eggs spilled from a basket.

The Single Comb Rhode Island Red is currently one of the most popular brown egg-laying breeds. There are also Rhode Island Reds that are bred for show, which are a bit darker in color and have a lower egg production.

Jump to:
  • How to Buy Online Rhode Island Red Chickens
  • Rhode Island Red Chicken Breed Quick Info
  • Origins of the Rhode Island Red Chicken
  • Some Things to Know About the Rhode Island Red Chicken
  • How Easy is it to Keep Rhode Island Red Chickens?
  • Special Care and Considerations for Rhode Island Red Chickens

How to Buy Online Rhode Island Red Chickens

Cackle hatchery
The Best Hatchery to order from: Read reviews here.

Rhode Island Red Chicks (Exhibition Type) As low as: $9.95 - Read reviews

Rhode Island Red Chicks As low as: $2.55 - Read reviews

Rhode Island Red Bantams As low as: $4.60 - Read reviews

Rhode Island Red Started Pullets As low as: $125.00 - Read reviews

Rhode Island Red Chicken (Exhibition Type) Hatching Eggs As low as: $5.95 - Read reviews

Rhode Island Red Hatching Eggs As low as: $3.84 - Read reviews

Rhode Island Red Chicken Breed Quick Info

Rhode Island Red Chicken Description

Rhode Island Red Type/Size:Standard
Feather Color:Brownish-red
Leg Type:Clean
Leg Color:Yellow
Skin Color:Yellow
Rhode Island Red Ease of Raising/Keeping:Easy
Rhode Island Red Special Care Needs:No
Is the Rhode Island Red breed a common, rare, or protected breed of chicken?Protected

Rhode Island Red Use

MeatYes
EggsYes
Dual PurposeYes
Rhode Island Red Temperament:Active
Rhode Island Red Ability/Likelihood to Free Range:Yes

Rhode Island Red Egg Production

Egg ColorBrown
Egg SizeLarge
Estimated Number of Eggs Per Year200-280
Likeliness to Brood Eggs/Raise ChicksMedium

Rhode Island Red Meat Production

Dressed Weight Male6 lbs.
Dressed Weight Female4 ½ lbs.

Rhode Island Red Climate Tolerance

HeatGood
ColdExcellent

Rhode Island Red Age to Maturity

Number of Months to Reach Full Size5 Months
Number of Months to Start Egg Laying5 Months
Number of Weeks/Months to Reach Meat Harvest Size5 Months

Rhode Island Red Size at Maturity

Male8 ½ lbs.
Female6 ½ lbs.

Origins of the Rhode Island Red Chicken

Two Rhode Island Red chicken standing at the entrance to a coop.

This breed was developed by rural New England farmers in the 19th century. In 1854, sea Captain William Tripp brought home a Malay rooster and mated it to his hens. After noticing the offspring were unusually good egg layers, word got around, and the crossbreeding continued.

See also  Ancona Chicken Breed Info

Eventually, the breed we know today as the Rhode Island Red emerged and was used for the purpose of both meat and egg production.

Some Things to Know About the Rhode Island Red Chicken

Big strong-looking Rhode Island Red rooster.

This heritage breed was inducted into the American Poultry Association in 1904. They are described as large, rectangular, and solid. Their wattles, ear lobes, and comb should all be red.

Their egg production is hard to beat. After World War II, the breed was split into two groups: Heritage and Industrial. Although both are fairly high-producing, the Industrial group beats out the Heritage with 5-6 eggs per week and 200-280 eggs per year.

How Easy is it to Keep Rhode Island Red Chickens?

Two Rhode island red chicken drinking water from a bowl.

Rhode Island Reds are somewhere in the middle of the road when it comes to temperament. They are extremely easy to keep and have excellent health and hardiness, especially when it comes to the cold weather of northern New England.

However, they are known to be somewhat active, pushy, and on the louder side. The roosters can be aggressive, so take that into consideration if you’re considering adding one to your flock.

Special Care and Considerations for Rhode Island Red Chickens

Rhode Island Reds are a fantastic bird to add to your flock. They are hardy, healthy, and require almost no special care to thrive and produce high-quality eggs and meat. This solid, dependable breed is perfect for first-time chicken owners or seasoned pros alike.

Rhode Island Red Chicken Breed poster.

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