Why Rhode Island Reds?

A question we often get is why did we go with only Rhode Island Red chickens?? Several reasons! The first and most important reason is NOSTALGIA!

My grandparents had Rhode Island Reds and ONLY Rhode Island Reds. So that’s what I wanted.

When we first started out we ended up with Golden Comets because I did not want to brood chicks in our neighborhood home. We wanted point of lay pullets. We found a farmer (Fresh Start Farm in Gloucester) who sold Golden Comets at 17 weeks, so that’s what we got!

Since buying our farm we jumped on getting from Rhode Island Reds and we will eventually transition our laying flock to mainly RIRs, at least for a while. I do not want to hatch mixed breed chicks (after the first summer) and we will need better infrastructure to ensure that mix breeds to not happen.
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Some awesome things about Rhode Islands!!!

1. They a great egg layers! We can expect anywhere between 250-300 egss per year from each of our hens. Now this is not the most from a breed (Golden Comets lay more for example) but it is still one of the top layers.
2. They are cold hardy. RIR do not mind the cold. Though those with large combs and wattles are more susceptible to frost bite, they fair well in snow and cold climates.
3. They are heat tolerate. We are in Virginia which is neither super-hot nor super cold. We need a good medium bird that can handle both the summers and the winters. RIRs are good for this.
4. Their temperament is generally very good. Though they are not the cuddliest breed, they are not typically aggressive.
5. RIRs are a great dual purpose breed as the roosters can grow up to 8.5 pounds, making a good size bird for your dinner table.

 
When choosing the breed for your family and farm it is important to take these things into consideration.

1. Egg needs for your family
2. Your location i.e. Summer/Winter Temps
3. Temperaments to consider for children or elderly
4. Dual Purpose or plan for roosters if you are hatching on your own

I am sure there are things that I have missed but hopefully these lists have gotten your minds rolling about what to consider before hitting the feed store this spring!!
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