What is she?

[Rhodebar Lover]

RIR are supposed to have single combs. Some might have rose combs, but in my opinion those aren't true RIR.
It's a rose comb, not a pea comb, correct.

Rose Comb Rhode Island Reds are just as true to the breed as single combed ones! They're truer to the breed than most single combed hatchery birds! Both are included in the Standard of Perfection. The Rose Comb variety was even accepted in 1906, only two years after the single comb variety. From what I understand, the breeders wanted both to be recognized in 1904, but the standard committee wouldn't recognize both, so they waited until the next meeting. Here's an article by Robert Blosl on the history of the Rose Comb variety. He was an amazing breeder of Rhode Island Reds and had put so much useful information online. I do agree however that the bird pictured is not a RC RIR. Sorry for typing a bit much, having raised the rose comb variety in the past, I have seen the amazing attributes this variety has and the rarity of them now is quite sad given the history of them. http://bloslspoutlryfarm.tripod.com/id13.html

 

[The Happster]

Good to know lol.
I prefer the original single combed ones.
And generally, they have single combs.
I do like rose combed birds, but just not RIR.

I've not come across a rose combed RIR yet, so I'm glad you told me.

 

[Rhodebar Lover]

Good to know lol.
I prefer the original single combed ones.
And generally, they have single combs.
I do like rose combed birds, but just not RIR.

I've not come across a rose combed RIR yet, so I'm glad you told me.

They're difficult to find for sure! The single comb one is definitely more recognizable, like the single comb Leghorn. The other variety is so different than assumptions on the appearance usually are!

 

[The Happster]

I'd never have known they even existed.
I think it will take a bit of getting used to.
All these years of seeing single combed RIR. Rose combed will come as a bit of a shock.
I'm sure they're pretty enough.

 

[Rhodebar Lover]

I'd never have known they even existed.
I think it will take a bit of getting used to.
All these years of seeing single combed RIR. Rose combed will come as a bit of a shock.
I'm sure they're pretty enough.

Here were a few of mine! I definitely recommend them! Very docile and incredibly dense, heavy birds. I got them from Horstman's Poultry who sells both varieties as chicks! I definitely want to raise the single comb variety too, definitely appeal in the classic look. I had lived in Michigan though and wanted to minimize the frostbite!