Varieties:
Varieties:
Standard Weights: Cock-8-1/2 pounds; hen-6-1/2 pounds; cockerel-7-1/2 pounds; pullet-5-1/2 pounds.
Skin Color: Yellow.
Egg Shell Color: Brown
Use: A dual purpose medium heavy fowl; used more for egg production than meat production because of its dark colored pin feathers and its good rate of lay.
Origin: Developed in the New England states of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, 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.
Characteristics: Rhode Island Reds are a good choice
for the small flock owner. Relatively hardy, they are probably the best egg
layers of the dual purpose breeds. Reds handle marginal diets and poor housing
conditions better than other breeds and still continue to produce eggs. They
are one of the breeds where exhibition qualities and production ability can
be successfully combined in a single strain. Some "Red" males may be quite
aggressive. They have rectangular, relatively long bodies, typically dark
red in color. Avoid using medium or brick red females for breeding because
this is not in keeping with the characteristics of the breed. Also, don't
breed from undersized individuals or birds with black in their body feathers
(called "smutt"). Black in the main tail and wing feathers is normal, however.
Most Reds show broodiness, but this characteristic has been partially eliminated
in some of the best egg production strains. The Rose Comb variety tends to
be smaller but should be the same size as the Single Combed variety. The red
color fades after long exposure to the sun.
Reference:
Chicken Breeds and Varieties (A2880), John L. Skinner, University of Wisconsin-Madison
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