Do Rhode Island Reds live like Cornish Crosses?

[lyndatu]

Just got 2 chicks on what I believe are Rhode Island Reds and put them in our second brooder. They're the cutest little furballs I have ever had. I think. My mom is dying of cuteness so I can determine their cuteness on her. They are smaller than our cornish X's. Finally, we have some other breeds rather than cornish X's. I did a research about sexing them(vent and feather technique) and if it is correct then I have a hen and a roo. I heard they are very excellent dual-purpose birds: Fantastic laying and superior meat quality. But, does this mean they live and grow like cornish X's? Will they grow very fast? Are they major eating and pooping machines? I hope not. So far they do look tame and friendly.

Thanks in advance!

Oh and did I mention that my RIR's are MUCH more quiet than my cornishes?

 

[silkiechicken]

They will be higher strung than cornish x and will grow a lot slower. Vent sexing is very rough on birds and they may be a bit old for that if you just bought them. Feather sexing only works IF parents were bred for that purpose so that is a tough one too. Usually 50/50 though when you pick them.

 

[lyndatu]

Thanks, silkiechicken!

Does this mean they aren't eating and pooping machines?

 

[Scrambled Egg]

My RIR's are very docile and sweet natured and a bit scared of my bigger Barred Rocks. They tend to stay grouped together and even protect the smaller, handicapped one (big hard boney lump under her wing makes her alittle crooked) from the occassional pecking of the Rocks. They are my babies, my handicapped one beeps all the time, the rest make a traditional chicken cluck sound, different than my Rocks. You will love them. They are supposed to get about 6.5 pounds, or so I read, mine are about 6 months old now and they are a really pretty red brown color with a few black tailfeathers, taller in body than my barred rocks, they seem to stand up taller. Good choice, and yes they were precious little puff balls, that's why they came home with me too!! Darlene

 

[lyndatu]

Oh my having RIR's sound real great! Thanks for the info!

I have a cornish that is quite left alone from the others and I hope the RIR's will help her when they meet. Thanks!

 

[justusnak]

Lynda,

If indeed you got RIR, you will be in love with them in no time! I havea handfull of them, they were my FIRST flock. They are now 1 1/2 yr olds....and I just love em. They are nothing like the cornish x , as far as poo goes.
Here is a pic of a Rooster.