Help needed about Rhode Island Reds or New Hampshire

[BroodGranny]

Good morning, I am going to start my first flock in about 6 to 8 weeks. I have been researching by way of reading websites, books and talking to others who own chickens. I am going to get 5 baby chicks and have picked 4 without a problem. I need help on the fifth one. I can not decided between getting a RIR or New Hampshire. I am getting egg laying/dual purpose birds. From what I have read, is the New Hampshire the same as the RIR only nicer, feathers faster and starts laying earlier? I need the know the pros and cons of each one from people who own them. This would be very helpful. Thank you.

 

[3riverschick]

Good morning, I am going to start my first flock in about 6 to 8 weeks. I have been researching by way of reading websites, books and talking to others who own chickens. I am going to get 5 baby chicks and have picked 4 without a problem. I need help on the fifth one. I can not decided between getting a RIR or New Hampshire. I am getting egg laying/dual purpose birds. From what I have read, is the New Hampshire the same as the RIR only nicer, feathers faster and starts laying earlier? I need the know the pros and cons of each one from people who own them. This would be very helpful. Thank you.
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Hi !
Well you asked at just the right time. Chicken State Uiversity has just started on another thread. The first breed they are judging and discussing is the New Hampshire. Go here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/732985/csu-chicken-state-university-large-fowl-sop Make sure you read the fist 5 posts to get the rules for the thread.
The other thread you need t be on is called, "Heritage Large Fowl".
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/400344/heritage-large-fowl-thread
It has several elite veteran breeders of both New Hampshire and Rhode Island Reds on the list. They're very willing to help and share about the breeds. Including where to find and obtain the treasured old strains. Super resources for anyone starting out in either breed.
Best,
Karen in western PA, USA

 

[BroodGranny]

Thank you Karen, I will check those out.

 

[uphilljill]

I have one of each. There's a color difference: The NH is a medium red, and the RIR is mahogany. I believe the NH was developed from the RIR to be a faster growing, meater bird vs egg laying. I got them both already a year old, so I don't know who grew fastest, but the NH was the faster molter in my flock this year. Also, my RIR had been laying almost an egg a day throughout winter with no added light, but I'm only getting about 3-4 eggs/week from the NH. Still pretty good considering my Buffs aren't laying at all.

What are the other breeds you're considering?

 

[BroodGranny]

Since this is my first flock I have picked out a Buff Orpington, Barred Plymoth Rock, white Leghorn, black Australorp and then I can't decide between RIR or NH.

 

[uphilljill]

Nice mix either way. Or get both! Enjoy!

 

[donrae]

Truthfully, if you're getting them from a hatchery or hatchery stock there's minimal difference. They'll both be red birds that lay well.

 

[Wyandotte96]

Since the Rhode Island Red has a longer carcass it will lay more years than the NH.

 

[BroodGranny]

Thanks for the information. I am leaning toward the RIR.