Please tell me these are not all roosters?

[Rhodebar Lover]

When you hand selected them did your kids pick out the ones that had yellow on their wings and belly? Although this isn't always true, Rhode Island Reds in their chick down can kind of give you an idea of what gender they will be. The females will have a darker red down color and the males will have lighter down with yellow patches. This happened to one of my friends who picked out the yellow colored chicks in a straight run bin of Rhode Island Reds and received all cockerels.

 

[chickenbrit]

Thanks everyone! This has definitely been a learning process. We are just taking each step as it comes without really planning ahead. Even getting chicks in the first place was a total spur of the moment thing that my husband did without any forethought and despite my objections. I've actually enjoyed it, except for the rooster part. I will never buy unsexed chicks ever again!

 

[chickenbrit]

They might have picked the ones that had more yellow. I can't remember. They actually wanted the other breed of chickens at the store that were all yellow, but we directed them to the reds. So yeah, it's definitely possible.

 

[Rhodebar Lover]

They might have picked the ones that had more yellow.  I can't remember.  They actually wanted the other breed of chickens at the store that were all yellow, but we directed them to the reds.  So yeah, it's definitely possible.  

That could explain why you had such a bad gender ratio

 

[chickenbrit]

I called tractor supply and they didn't have anyone wanting chickens at this time. I'm going to list them on craigslist now. But first I want to know are these true Rhode Island Reds?

 

[Michael OShay]

I called tractor supply and they didn't have anyone wanting chickens at this time. I'm going to list them on craigslist now. But first I want to know are these true Rhode Island Reds?

Actually I responded to that question when I realized in my first post that I hadn't answered that question, but you may not have received my edit. Whether they are true RIRs is really a matter of definition. They are hatchery quality RIRs or Production Reds. Technically speaking there is little or no difference between Production Reds and hatchery quality RIRs and NHs as hatcheries are mainly concerned with egg production rather than meeting APA standards. If the Production Reds turn out with a darker red feathering (closer to mahogany), the hatcheries market them as RIRs. If their feathering is lighter (closer to chestnut), they market them as NHs. If the red shade is somewhere in the middle or very uneven, the hatcheries market them as Production Reds. Since your birds are of a darker red shade, they were probably marketed as RIRs.

 

[chickenbrit]

Thanks!

 

[Michael OShay]

Thanks!

You're welcome.

 

[BantamLover21]

All roosters.

 

[ajay18]

I hope you have luck rehoming them! Craigslist is great but some people may be looking to use them in cock fights. Go with your gut as to who sounds legit