Rhode Island Red sex

[Fred's Hens]

Yes, I see what you mean. I will call the hatchery as the claim was I bought pure bred Rhode Island Reds. Two of them (including the one in the photo) are of lighter color than the rest.

In any case they are a lot of fun and we are really only raising them as pets. Eggs are a bonus.

The reason I went with RIR's was for their ability to survive the horrible winter than insists on happening every year.

Thanks for all the feedback!

BR,
Gord

The hatchery has lines of good laying birds, no doubt. They may even claim they are "pure bred", but those expressions and terms are pretty relative. But to what standard? The APA standard for the breed? Ah... not so much. The fact is, once you've seen true bred, heritage birds? It doesn't matter if we're talking Barred Rocks or Rhode Island Reds, New Hampshires, Araucana or just about anything else. 99% of hatchery birds would be disqualified as to breed standard at most any show. Just the way it is. Healthy and good laying? Yes. Readily available for an inexpensive price? Absolutely, that is what hatcheries do best. If one really, truly, wants true bred, up to standard birds, a reputable breeder is about the only way one can get them. So few are hatched in the US each year that a waiting list forms.

Enjoy your birds! They'll likely be wonderful birds. Best regards.

 

[GordM]

Just for the record, this bird laid the first egg of my flock. I guess she is a confirmed she. 19 weeks and 2 days old today.

 

[donrae]

Thanks for the update and congrats on the egg!

 

[SSTupperware]

Congrats...