Ideal Hatchery's "Production Reds"

[Cowgirl71]

Ideal's discription of them:

"Production Reds are a brown egg layer that was developed for efficient production of large brown eggs. Crosses utilizing Rhode Island Reds and New Hampshire Reds were used in the development of this breed, which is Ideal's most efficient producer of large brown eggs. Since they have brittle feathers and because their body size is relatively small for the size eggs that they produce, they are more susceptible to cannibalism and are not recommended for high-density wire laying facilities."

My questions are about the "brittle feathers," "small body size for the size eggs they produce," and the "cannibalism." They imply that they'd be fine for a backyard flock. Has anybody had these before?

 

[jerseygirl1]

I've had them, but not from Ideal - Mine were cruel to the other hens and I had to sell them - they were picking on the combs of my leghorns to the point where they were bleeding - Just overall nasty - IMO

 

[ARchick]

I have some Production Reds from Hoover's Hatchery & they are by far my best layers. Mine get along great with my other breeds.

 

[mabhera]

I have 2 of those from Ideal. Good girls. They are not the most friendly ones but are not agressive either. Shiny feathers, great color. They never attack other chickens. Mine freerange when I am at home. Love them. They are not laying yet because are only 3 1/2 month old. Right now they are the bigger from the bunch.