This heritage chicken breed is one of the most popular layer hens on the market. Rhode Island Reds are well-regarded for being particularly hardy and resilient. If you are looking for a dependable bird with great egg laying ability, this is the layer for you.
Rhode Island Red: An Iconic Chicken Breed
This breed matures rapidly compared to some other laying hens, so you can expect egg production to start sooner. Rhode Island Reds lay consistently and prolifically.
In optimal conditions, growers can expect an excellent egg yield between
200-280 brown eggs per year. Rhode Island Red hen eggs are large and brown. They typically do not go broody.
Females are usually a beautiful mahogany or rusty red color, with their tails having dark black tips. Their plumage can fade in color over time. They have yellow beaks and feet.
Males have brighter, more vibrant red plumage with some highlights underneath, as well as black on the tips of their tail and wing feathers.
While they are typically used for egg production, this breed can function as a dual-purpose bird due to their large size and quick maturation.
Because of their active nature and hardiness, they are well suited as free-range or pastured chicken. This breed is cold-hardy and will tolerate hot climates.
Females are usually friendly and docile, so they are suitable as backyard chickens. Roosters may become aggressive as they age, so keep that in mind if you plan to raise a backyard flock.
Average mature weight for males is 8.5 lbs, females average 6.5 lbs.
Ordering Details:
- A minimum of 5 females per breed is required, this does not apply for males.
- Free shipping to Zone 1 or Zone 2 on orders of 25+
- Small order fee on all zones for 15-24 chicks.
- If you would like to pick up your order, please do not order online. Call us or email sales@myerspoultry.com to place your order.
- See how our other brown egg layers compare.
- View our shipping chart here.