regular New Hampshire Red hens

[caseebeths]

I have 2 New Hampshire Red hens and neither one has black on their tails...is that normal??

 

[Fred's Hens]

Did you get them from a hatchery or feed store?

 

[caseebeths]

I bought them from someone.

 

[Fred's Hens]

This is what a New Hampshire, proper name for the breed, should look like. Note the black in the tail feathers.

The absence of black in the tail feathers is a DQ. Lots of folks sell re-bred hatchery stock that do not meet the breed standards. These are often called New Hampshire "Reds" although there is no Red in the breed's name.

If you were just sold some orange/reddish birds for backyard egg layers and you're happy with them, that's all that matters. If you are interested in getting some real New Hamps some day, there are threads here on BYC where the American line, the German line and the 50/50 birds are discussed and shown.

 

[caseebeths]

I have been incubating their eggs with my New Hampshire rooster and some do have the black on their tails.