Production Red

[ArizonaDesertChicks]

I believe the production reds are hatchery stock RIRs - bred for eggs and better feed to egg ratio, but not as large and as pretty as the original and breeder RIRs.

We only have one production red, so I can't speak for the breed a whole, but our one PR is one of the friendliest chickens we own (to us). She loves people and loves to be picked up, never pecks at us (like our leghorn does), but she is more agressive to new chickens (she's near the top of the pecking order). She started laying eggs a month ago and I don't think she's missed a day yet.

As for color - you can see her here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=19548-from-chicks-to-pullets-to-hens

She's darker than a NHR, but not the deep mahogany of a breeder's RIR. She's also not as full-bodied.

 

[StrawberryHouseMouse]

If your wanting a pet I would not go with a RIR or PR. I would go with something more like a bantam. Silkie, cochin, things like that.

 

[btrent94]

im getting six hens total .. all different breed:

Australorp
Buff Orpington
Ameraucana
Barred Rock
SL Wyandotte
and RIR or PR ..

the thing is i can either get a PR now or wait a month for the RIR to come in ...

 

[btrent94]

ok so now i guess this is the question ... is the production red breed nice, friendly, docile

 

[gpamela3499]

My pro red is friendly. She goes with me to the pre school once a week for show. The leghorn I have and the Pro Red are nice birds but the leghorn is very flighty. The pro red is a better pullet but each bird has her own personality.

 

[btrent94]

ok thanx ill be getting a Barred Rock and a PR tomorrow

.. im so excited 2 more babiesss

 

[gpamela3499]

I have a barred rock too. She can be a little mean. When I try to pick her up or touch her, she will peak me. not hard

With all the breeds I have my favorites are the Sultans. I heard that cochins and silkies are sweet.
I like all my egg layers too the are very independent.
good luck on your babies. Let me know in a few weeks which ones become your favorites.

 

[wanda047]

I have 4 Production Reds. I have one roo and 3 hens. Mine are very sweet, but I agree... not what I would want for a pet. These birds are for egg production only. My silkies are my pets!

 

[purelypoultry]

As far as production reds go there isnt a substantial difference between a commercial hatchery quality rhode island red and a production Red. There is a huge difference between a real Rhode Island Red for showing and a production Red however.