Is this really a RIR?

[Lesler5]

This hen is supposed to be RIR but she is much darker in color than the other 2 that are from the same breeder. They were all purchased at the same time. The only difference as chicks was that the other two were solid colored chicks but this one had a very dark wide strip down her back. Looked like a chipmunk. She is the same size as her "sisters" but I have noticed that when the sunlight hits her, she has a greenish sheen, almost like the Australorp and a few darker tail feathers as well. At one point her feathers almost appeared to have some subtle barring but it is not noticeable now. Any ideas?

 

[Lothiriel]

Yes, I believe she is a Rhode Island Red. On the FeatherSite page (http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry//CGP/Reds/BRKRIR.html) you can see the difference between hatchery quality and show quality RIR. The SQ are darker, while the HQ are lighter.

 

[doubleatraining]

YES!!! I am so jealous!!! I'll take her if you don't want her.

The HQ RIRs are very light and almost washed out looking.

This is what they are supposed to look like. You have a VERY pretty hen!

 

[Lesler5]

Thanks. Would it be normal for a breeder to raise both both HQ and SQ?

 

[doubleatraining]

The local breeder we have says its very hard to find RIR that are that dark. So most are working towards that color but will still have some lighter ones.

I can tell this local breeder is getting closer....each batch of RIR roosters I get for Camp Kenmore are darker and darker. LOL

 

[Pele]

Yup, looks like a RIR to me. She's the color that they're supposed to be, and the lighter ones are poorly colored. RIRs should be a rich mahogany red.

 

[Lucysmom002]

Yes. She sure has big legs for a hen though. Unless it is just the picture. She looks like a hen otherwise though. I have a bantam RIR and she is real dark like that too. I think she would've been a show stopper.

 

[Lesler5]

I'm thrilled to hear this. I also have a RIR rooster from the same breeder. He is very rich mahogany brown but appears to have a white feather in his tail, which apparently he shouldn't...only one small white one at the base

 

[Carrie Lynn]

Perhaps it will grow in normally after it's first molt.

 

[farmerChef]

If she is from a breeder, your probly getting the 'culls', not saying that's a bad thing, but they, for some reason or another, dont meet the standard she wants. Sounds like their getting better though!! I'd enjoy some "good culls" any day!!