Production Reds and RIRs

[RockerHen]

So, I no longer have 'rhode island red' (or so I thought) chickens, I've since converted to SLW. But I was curious as to the differences between the production reds and RIR. These are two hens (the closest ones) I both bought as RIR several years ago. Is the hen on the right an actual RIR, and the one on the left a production red? about half of my 'reds' were dark, and the other half were light brown. Were the dark ones actual RIRs, or just dark production reds? Again, I no longer have this flock, I was just curious.

 

[A.T. Hagan]

The one on the right appears to be a RIR. The one on the left I'd say is a New Hampshire.

"Production Red" is a term with no definite meaning. I've seen it applied to red sex-links, New Hampshires, Rhode Island Reds, and chickens of unknown provenance who were more or less red in color. You'd have to speak with the breeder to be sure of what they mean when they call a bird a "Production Red."

 

[Pele]

The bird on your right is a RIR. They are a very dark rich mahogany red/brown, where Production Reds tend towards a lighter earthier red to ginger.