New Hampshire Red Thread...My first experience raising chickens is coming in March. What should I kn

[Portland Marcos]

I have thought about raising chickens for many years. This coming March I am taking the plunge. A good friend ordered 15 New Hampshire Red chicks (minimum order), but only wants 9. She convinced me to take 6 by telling me she would raise them until March and then give them to me. I have purchased Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens by Gail Damerow and I am wide open to suggestions that might help me give them a good life. Thank you for any helpful suggestions. I truly appreciate them!

 

[Michael OShay]

You should be aware that there is no such breed as a New Hampshire "Red." The name of the heritage breed is just "New Hampshire." Any hatchery that is selling birds under the name New Hampshire "Red" is actually selling Production Reds which are red gene roosters X red gene hens. Technically speaking, there is little or no difference between hatchery quality Rhode Island Reds, hatchery quality New Hampshires, and Production Reds as hatcheries are more concerned about egg production than they are in preserving SOP standards. If their "reds" turn out to have a darker shade of red feathering (closer to mahogany), they typically market them as RIRs. If their red shade is lighter (closer to chestnut), they typically market them as NHs (or NH reds). If their red shade is somewhere down the middle or very uneven, they market them as Production Reds. In the pics below you can clearly see the difference between a hatchery's New Hampshires (top pic) and the heritage New Hampshires of a reputable breeder (bottom pic). The hatchery quality NHs lack the deep body, rich chestnut color, and profuse black tail feathers of the heritage NHs. Don't misunderstand me; there's nothing wrong with hatchery quality birds. Most of the birds that I've had over the past 50 years have been ordered from hatcheries including my New Hampshires and they have been very good layers--probably better than the heritage birds. But if you decide you want to enter New Hampshires in a poultry show, you will need to purchase them from a reliable breeder. Good luck with your NH reds. )

http://midlandspoultry.com/NH004.jpg

https://seventreesfarm.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/newhampshireheritage.jpg

 

[Portland Marcos]

Dear Michael,
Thank you! I learned more in your short reply than I have reading the past 2 weeks. I am 63 years old and have always wanted chickens, but circumstances and city restrictions prevented me from having a flock. I am a retired HS teacher and now own 10 acres so it looks like chickens are in my future. A friend is ordering the chicks from Murray McMurray Hatchery and has convinced me to take 6 in the spring. I think she's trying to make it easier for me so I don't get discouraged. I have worked with birds of prey and passerines my entire adult life. I'm now going to try the domestic side Again, I thank you for your informative response. Have a great day! Mark