Rhode Island Red(ish)

[Ext 918]

These are Hoover Hatchery hens. They are just a bit over 6 months old. Other than being the pickiest eaters I've ever experienced, aside from my cats, they are a breeze to deal with.

While marketed as Rhode Island Reds, from what I've read, I'm sure they would be classified as production reds. I am not complaining. I will take function and quality any day and so far, these girls have had no troubles. I'm amazed at the differences in each hen. My Two Tone Joan looks like her head belongs on another body.

Please ignore the mess in the run. Tonight is rake out day. We usually do it twice a week. I cannot wait for cooler weather so that I can rebuild their roosting bars and organize a bit better.

 

[urlocalcrazychickenlady]

Yes, I think you are correct about them being Production Reds instead of RIR.

 

[jbj25]

Yes, definitely not RIR. The color is off from a RIR as well as the leg color. Production Reds are great layers, though.

Hoovers has both RIR and Production Reds. Did you order RIR and they sent you those?

 

[Ext 918]

Yes, I ordered rhode island reds. I also ordered the week before they shut down all ordering, so I was shocked that my order was even processed.

My hens do resemble the pictures of the rhode island reds that hoovers advertises. More so than their production reds, but these are like no rhode island reds i've ever seen.

I will probably never order from hoovers again. But I have no intention of adding to my flock for several years. These girls are extremely sweet and were producing 12 eggs a day until the extreme heat hit. There's absolutely no broodiness to them. When you approach them in the nesting box, they will stand up to allow you to take the eggs.

 

[jbj25]

Yes, I ordered rhode island reds. I also ordered the week before they shut down all ordering, so I was shocked that my order was even processed.

My hens do resemble the pictures of the rhode island reds that hoovers advertises. More so than their production reds, but these are like no rhode island reds i've ever seen.

I will probably never order from hoovers again. But I have no intention of adding to my flock for several years. These girls are extremely sweet and were producing 12 eggs a day until the extreme heat hit. There's absolutely no broodiness to them. When you approach them in the nesting box, they will stand up to allow you to take the eggs.

I have ordered RIR many times from Hoovers and yours are definitely not RIR. It was probably because of the shutdown and they just sent you something instead of nothing at all. I love RIR's but those Production Reds are going to give you just as many eggs and very similar traits in the birds so as long as you are happy I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[jbj25]

It is kind of surprising they shut down on you in the heat, though. It doesn't get much hotter than where I am and my RIRs never shut down during their first 2 years unless they molt. I would have thought the PR would be similar.

 

[Ext 918]

During the first part of the summer, the heat didn't seem to affect them. However, we're dealing with a 108 to a 110 right now. our overnight lows aren't getting much below 87 or 88. And that's not until 6 or 7 in the morning.