What kind of comb do they have? This breed can have some comb variety. Some Reds may have a rose comb or a single comb.
Are they suitable for mixed flocks? If housing your birds with smaller poultry like bantams, we would advise caution as well as careful management. This breed tends to be at the top of the pecking order and may bully smaller birds.
Should I consider a rooster of this breed for my flock? In general, we would advise against it. While temperament varies from bird to bird, males of this breed tend to be dominant and aggressive. We would invite you to consider
friendlier rooster breeds, like Buff Orpingtons.
What will my Rhode Island Red chicks look like? They are a beautiful rust or copper color, which will darken to a deep red as they grow in their adult feathers.
Will my Rhode Island Red chickens go broody? In most cases they do not go broody, but there is always a chance depending on what personality traits they inherit from the parent stock.
Are they recognized by the APA? Yes, both the single comb and rose comb variety were accepted in the early 1900s.
What makes them such great egg layers? Selective breeding over hundreds of years has given them great egg laying abilities, as well as a lack of broodiness.
When do Rhode Island Reds start laying eggs? Usually between 18-22 weeks, or approximately 5 to 6 months of age. This depends on the time of year you are raising your birds (how much daylight they are getting), their individual rate of maturity, as well as their nutrition.
How long do Rhode Island Reds live? Typically between 5 to 8 years, but that depends on quality of care and their genetics. Egg production will decrease after their first 1 to 2 years of laying.
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