Rhode Island Red wimp are an iconic American strain . This barnyard biddy is an excellent brown egg producer with a well-disposed personality and has much to offer the backyard hatful owner .
History
This strain was first develop in Massachusetts and Rhode Island in the nineteenth century by intersect Brown Leghorns with Javas , Malays , and Cochins . Although no one knows who create the first Rhode Island Reds , this strain before long increase in popularity nationwide . In the early 20th century , the Rhode Island Red made its way to England , where it was met with great enthusiasm .
The strain was first admitted into the American Poultry Association in 1904 .
Appearance
Rhode Island Red chickens come in one color : cherry-red . hen sport dark red feathers , with some somebody look almost bootleg . Tail feathers are black , giving these knockout an eye - enamour coming into court . As with all red chicken stock , no two hen are color the same . In universal , cock ’ feathers are somewhat darker than the female person .
Both hen and roosters have single combs and red-faced ear lobes . The beaks are a cerise horn color , while the metrical unit and cannon are yellow . The toe and sides of the shank may also have red grading .
Today ’s Rhode Island Reds are slightly paler in color and smaller in size than the original birds . However , heritage striving of Rhode Island Reds are available for purchase as Heritage Rhode Island Reds at a local hatchery or through a stock breeder .
cock Weight:8.6 British pound sterling
Hen Weight:6.6 pounds
Production
The Rhode Island Red is an excellent egg producer , with egg color ranging from light to dark brown . Each hen produces an average of 4 - 6 prominent / redundant orotund eggs hebdomadally . ( An average of 260 - 300 eggs each year ) .
Hens of this breed produce eggs for two years before yield begin to slow . However , exceptional egg - layers may lay a dyad of egg each spring for ten years .
Known as dual - purpose chickens , these shuttle can be raised for meat and testicle . Some small - scale farms raise the pullets for eggs and cockerel for bitch , but these days , Rhode Island Red wimp have been bred pocket-sized and are usually kept for orchis rather than meat yield .
Golden Comets. Photo by Erin Snyder
Temperament
Hens are combat-ready and confident and dominate the top of the pecking society in a mixed flock . While they can bully other more docile stock , if kept felicitous , most Rhode Island Reds will obtain their way to the top due to their sure-footed nature , not their intimidation habits .
When do by frequently , these hens are friendly and have intercourse to draw close on their preferent homo ’s lap . They are industrious , curious , docile , and sweet , making them an excellent plus to the family .
Rhode Island Red hen are ideal pets , although their food - motivated personality may make them less ideal for family with modest nestling . Because of their honey of food , they are more apt to peck at your hands than other breeds , so tending should be taken to discourage this conduct .
Golden Comets. Photo by Erin Snyder
Roosters are usually more fast-growing than other stock , so they may not be the best choice for individuals seek a pet cock . However , cock are individuals , and some do make excellent pets .
Life Expectancy
The Rhode Island Red chicken ’s average life sentence anticipation depends on the quality of nutrition fed and the strain . provender hens a complete layer ration supplemented with probiotic bacterium , prebiotics , and herbs to help them live longer , healthier lives . When kept dependable from predators , the average lifespan of production strain is about five to eight years ( the average lifespan of most backyard chicken ) , while inheritance strains middling 9 - 10 age . Some hen may live as long as fifteen year .
Health Concerns
Rhode Island Red chickens are known to be quite robust and stout , although they should be check regularly for lice , mites , and national parasites .
Like other high up - producing breeds , hens of this breed can be prostrate to several grievous egg - laying disorderliness , such as egg yolk peritoneal inflammation , bollock binding , and ovarian Cancer the Crab . ballock output should be monitored closely . Take your hen to a qualified veterinary surgeon at the first signboard of an egg - laying upset .
Due to their extra large combs and wattle , cock of this stock are susceptible to getting frostbite . During the winter months , protect the coxcomb and wattle by rubbing a slight coconut tree oil over these sensitive area . supernumerary carefulness must be used to ensure that the feathers do not get coconut oil on them , as the oil could damage them .
Keep hens and cock inside their coop whenever temperatures dip below 30 ° F to keep anyone from developing frostbite . Like all clear - legged domestic fowl , do n’t bury to check the toe for frostbite .
Fun Facts
The Rhode Island Red is as American as its name depicts . With their favorable personalities and excellent bollock production , it ’s easy to see how they have grown in popularity and will for years to fall .
This article about Rhode Island Red volaille was written for Chickens cartridge . Click here to take .
