Breed Profile: Rhode Island Red

Photo of Kassandra Smith

Kassandra Smith

Senior Editor • Backyard Chicken Coops

Last Updated: 18 July 2020

Rhode Island Red chicken in backyard

Rhode Island Reds are the most well rounded chicken of all the backyard flocks! Chances are if you don’t know which chicken is best for your environment a Rhode Island Red will do just perfectly! These chickens lay egg-streamly well, they are highly valued for their meat, they are cold hardy and generally hardy in every other sense. The white variation, whilst equally as quality in its trait doesn’t receive the same popularity as the reds.

HISTORY

  • Origin: Rhode Island, America
  • Size: 3-4 kg
  • Rarity: Common
  • Purpose: Meat & Eggs
  • Recognized Variations: Red & White

EGG FACTS

  • Extra Large and Brown
  • 250-300 Eggs Average Annually

FEATURES

The Rhode Island Reds have been referred to as a ‘rust’ coloured bird whose colors can vary from this light rusted colour to a dark maroon or black. The breed has red eyes, brown beaks and yellow feet. Chicks show an adorable light reddish tinge to their yellow baby feathers.

BACKYARD BEHAVIOUR

Want to know more? Have a look at our 5 reasons to love Rhode Island Reds here.

Do the Rhode Island Reds flutter your fancy? Before making that important decision, take a moment to consider all the other awesome breeds you could choose! It can be eggstremely overwhelming to find the perfect fit for your family. From looks to traits to egg-laying talents - where should you begin?

Cluckily, our friends over at Chickenpedia have created an amazing Chicken Breeds Course. This extensive online course shares helpful guidance on choosing the top chickens for you as well as size & frequency of eggs laid. You will even learn about their distinct personalities, and be able to use their family-friendly compatibility scale through this well-structured program. It really is a great way to discover your perfect backyard buddies which is why I highly recommend them to all of my readers!  The courses are beginner-friendly and filled with essential information to help you raise a happy, healthy flock.

We all want to do an eggcellent job when caring for our feathered friends. Many keepers struggle to handle chicken health or behaviour issues, especially in the first few years of having a flock. Chickenpedia have a broad range of comprehensive online courses that cover everything you didn’t know you need to know and then some more! From healthcare to raising baby chicks to feeding and behavior, get the knowledge and confidence to successfully look after your flock. 

As a member, you will get access to ALL their fantastic courses. So, no need to wing it, become a confident chicken keeper. Click here to check out Chickenpedia today!

Sources and further reading