Rhode Island Reds

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peepinglaura

peepinglaura

Songster
10 Years
Mar 9, 2009
299
1
131
I bought some Rhode Island Reds at Tractor Supply. They're now about 11 days old. I picked them up a bit impulsively, but partly driven by our love of an old RI Red we had who had so much character. She used to come to the house with her duck buddy and knock on our door for food scraps. One or two of these guys seems quite the opposite of our old Red- aggressive, unfriendly, more like meat birds I've seen (I realize this breed is considered dual purpose). I did a little reading and heard someone say that there are different RI reds- the heritage breed, which these are supposed to be, and more of a factory-produced RI Red, which is not as pet-like. type. Has anyone heard this?
 
This is absolutely true. There are heritage RIR's, who are dark red/mahogany in color. From what I've heard, you cannot get true heritage Rhode islands except from a breeder. The hatchery reds are a production strain, sometimes bred from New Hampshires and Rhode Island strands, for better egg production. This is more than likely what you would have bought at TSC.
 
Your RIR sounds like she was a real sweetie. I have a Rhode island red, she's almost 7, and by far the sweetest bird I've ever had. And my first! But she's pretty dark, and she always let's me pick her up and when I talk to her she always makes chicken sounds and it really sounds like she's answering me! I a few months back got 2 more RIR's, and they're both really sweet too, but not like Rhody. :)

What strand do you think she comes from? By the way, the date on the pic is wrong, I took this a little over a year ago.



 
I think I'll call Tractor Supply and see if they have any info. There's one in the bunch that's really lovely, and another one who's curiosity earns my respect. We'll see how it goes! I hope I get at least one that meets up to the Red/ Rhody standard!
 
It could just be the bird... My hatchery RIRs were kind of bullies in the brooder but aren't now. They are pretty friendly now that they are laying. They get along in the flock very nicely. I'd wait and see. They seem to be champ layers.
 

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