RIRs - production strains vs. true RIRs....?

[Chicken Love Addiction]

I'm a little confused on this topic, so I hoped you all could help. I have read a bit about true bred orginal RIRs being rare, although RIRs are common. Can you tell/show me what the difference is (ie pictures?) I believe the show quality RIRs are very dark in color and do not have "smut"-black spotting. What characteristics are desired in show quality RIR? I am assuming that the RIRs that hatcheries and feed stores generally sell are not the rarer strains of ture RIR? Here are a few pics of my girls:

"Coo-coo Karoo" and "Red"

"Coo-coo Karoo"

"Red"

"Ugly Chicken"

 

[yoker]

I was wondering that to I got mine from a hatchery.

 

[geareduplyn]

 

[silkiechicken]

Most production strains are lighter and less uniform in color than true RIR's. But it's so intertwined in hatchery strains, if you want a "true or show/breeder quality RIR" you'll want to go to a breeder.

 

[Chicken Love Addiction]

geareduplyn - Im guessing those are "true" RIRs - I see they are quite a bit different from mine.

 

[speckledhen]

Here are some of my current batch of pullets:

 

[geareduplyn]

This picture will give you a little better idea of the hen color. Note the dark red feather color, and the lustrous black tail. One of these hens has won Best large Fowl in Show a coupl

e of times. also note the red tinging on the front of the shanks and toes

 

[wilds of pa]

Did you ever see some of the RIR over in the UK, they almost look black there..

Gary those are great looking birds, by the way there color is really great on them

The others on the page also look good to....

Charlie

 

[Chicken Love Addiction]

geareduplyn - they are gorgeous!

I think I love my little RIRs even more now - Im no runway model either!

 

[pipermark]

A true RIR color is described as Mahogany. The American Standard of Perfection uses "Rich dark red" to describe the color.

The production or Industrial varieties (these are what most people , hatcheries, or feed stores sell as RIRs), are usual smaller as well. A true RIR cock is suppose to weigh in at 8 pounds, hens 6.5 pounds. They were developed to be a duel purpose bird.

You might find, that for a backyard flock, the Industrial breeds are more appropriate, they usually mature sooner, are less aggressive and offer better egg production.


By the way, geareduplyn, beautiful birds.