Rhode Island Reds are a true breed which are bred according to standards established by the poultry governing bodies. Production Reds are hybrids produced by crossing two red gene parents (any combination of RIR, New Hampshire Red, or Production Red). All of the offspring carry the red genes of both parents, but they are bred for egg production not for uniform physical characteristics, and as such are not recognized as a breed by the poultry governing bodies. Red Sex Links are hybrids produced by crossing a red gene rooster (either an RIR, NHR, or Prod. Red) with a silver gene hen (RIW, White Rock, SLW, Delaware, Light Sussex, etc.). Unlike Production Reds, the Red Sex Link offspring can be sexed by color from hatching (male chicks are whitish, female chicks are reddish), and they are egg laying machines, outlaying either parent breed.