Most or nearly all of us are familiar with Rhode Islands, especially the Red variety, and love there standard look and great egg production. So here is some information and history on the breed.

History

The Rhode Island is a true utility breed, specially developed for laying eggs. The breed was created in the United States (country of origin) in the nineteenth century, specifically in the state of Rhode Island. By crossing an assortment of layers with Asiatic birds like Cochins and Malays, there arose, after a focused selection for good laying, a reasonably uniform breed. The red variety was a favourite with the local breeders, as the hens of this colour were rumoured to be the best layers. It took until 1904 for the breed to be recognised in the standard of perfection, at first only with a single comb. Two years later rose-combed birds were also recognised, as were the whites. Even before recognition in the United States, these animals were already exported to Europe, where they became very popular as utility fowl. Until this day, the Rhode Island’s genetic make-up can be found in many commercial breeds used with a view to breeding egg hybrids.

Appearance

The Rhode Island shape is that of a long rectangle. It has a well-rounded breast and a tail that is rather short and is carried a little above the line of the back. It’s leg colour is yellow. It can have either a single or a rose comb. The breed has fairly large eyes of a reddish bay colour. Their ear-lobes are red.

Colours And Marking Patterns

The breed comes in two colours, red and white. The reds have either a single comb or a rose comb. The whites are, in the few countries where they are recognised, only seen right with a rosecomb. The colour red is far better know and bred than the white. Many breeders and fanciers of these chickens often refer to them as ‘Rhode Island Reds’ or ‘Reds’, while this is only a colour variant and not the breed’s true name.

Characteristics

The Rhode Island Reds have both single and rose combs. They are a great dual purpose breed, capable of excellent egg production.

Rhode Island Whites are a result of crosses of Partridge Cochins, White Wyandottes and Rose-Comb White Leghorns. The distinct shape characteristic of both Rhode Island’s is the horizontal, rectangular body.

Purpose

Dual

Classification

Heavy / Soft feather

Origin

United States Of America

Egg Colour

Brown to dark brown

Egg Numbers

220 per annum

Feel free to leave comments about your experiences with Rhode Islands and any changes you think should be made to this post.