Heritage breed

Rhode Island Red

The dependable standard of the American backyard flock. Our Rhode Island Reds are bred for steady brown-egg production, tough constitutions, and easy handling — a fine first bird for new keepers and a workhorse for established coops.

At a glance

Temperament

Hardy, curious, confident foragers

Hen weight

6.5 lb mature

Rooster weight

8.5 lb mature

Eggs

250–300 large brown eggs per year

Starts laying

18–20 weeks

Pullets available

4–6 months old

Adult hens available

1–1.5 years, peak laying

Cold hardy

Yes — excellent winter layer

Temperament

Reds are alert, chatty, and forward at the feeder. They tolerate confinement but shine on pasture, where they will clear ticks and beetles all day. Hens rarely go broody; roosters are protective and can be pushy with mixed flocks, so give quieter breeds their own space.

Care tips

• Provide 4 sq ft of coop space and 8–10 sq ft of run space per bird.
• Feed a 20% protein chick starter for the first 8 weeks, then grower feed.
• Brood at 95°F in week one, dropping 5°F each week until fully feathered.
• Offer free-choice oyster shell once hens begin laying at 18–20 weeks.
• Roosters can be assertive — keep one rooster per 8–10 hens.