Rhode Island Reds

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ChickenGirl18

ChickenGirl18

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5 Years
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Hey guys! Spring is almost here and I'm planning on getting Rhode Island Reds but, wanted to know if any of you guys have them and if you think they are friendly and interactive. Thank You!
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Hello there and welcome to BYC!
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Hatchery RIR's can be aggressive toward each other, but not always. The Heritage RIR are much calmer and docile. Hatcheries breed birds to be good layers and sometimes the personalities can suffer. But don't let this dissuade you. I know lots of people with very friendly RIR's. Just make SURE to give them plenty of space and things to do...5 square feet per bird in the coop, 10 square feet per bird in the run. Put a big mirror in the run, a ladder for places to climb, seed pecking blocks help to work to vent frustration and hanging cabbages or apples help to break up boredom.

And get them outside once a day even if that is for 30 mins. Free ranging really helps the emotional state of birds.

Have you stopped by our learning center yet? Lots of good articles on all the aspects of keeping poultry...https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center

Enjoy this new journey you are on! If you have any questions along the way, feel free to ask. Welcome to our flock!
 
Last edited:
TwoCrows said:
Hello there and welcome to BYC!
frow.gif


Hatchery RIR's can be aggressive toward each other, but not always. The Heritage RIR are much calmer and docile. Hatcheries breed birds to be good layers and sometimes the personalities can suffer. But don't let this dissuade you. I know lots of people with very friendly RIR's. Just make SURE to give them plenty of space and things to do...5 square feet per bird in the coop, 10 square feet per bird in the run. Put a big mirror in the run, a ladder for places to climb, seed pecking blocks help to work to vent frustration and hanging cabbages or apples help to break up boredom.

And get them outside once a day even if that is for 30 mins. Free ranging really helps the emotional state of birds.

Have you stopped by our learning center yet? Lots of good articles on all the aspects of keeping poultry...https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center

Enjoy this new journey you are on! If you have any questions along the way, feel free to ask. Welcome to our flock!
Click to expand...

Thanks TwoCrows this was very helpful! I have a pretty good size chicken coop with a big run so, they should be happy in there! Thanks again!
 
Welcome to BYC!
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We're glad to have you.

Two Crows has given you some good advice. I have one hatchery Rhode Island Red. She has not been mean to my other birds, but hasn't been my friendliest chicken. Still, you'll get a lot of eggs from Rhode Island Reds, especially from the hatchery strains!
 
Welcome to BYC. Glad you decided to our flock. I've had a number of Rhode Island Reds over the years, and they are excellent layers, but they do sometimes have aggressive tendancies (especially the roosters). If you're really wanting a calm and gentle breed (a potential lap pet) I would suggest going with a different breed. Australorps, Orpingtons, Brahmas, Cochins, Sussex, and Faverolles all have well deserved reputations for being calm, gentle, and friendly birds. If excellent egg production is a priority, Australorps will are excellent layers, often outlaying Rhode Island Reds. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. We are here to help in any way we can. Whether you decide to go with RIRs or some other breed, good luck with your flock.
 

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