Varieties:
Single Comb
Rose Comb
Standard
Weights: Cock-8-1/2 pounds; hen-6-1/2 pounds; cockerel-7-1/2 pounds;
pullet-5-1/2 pounds.
Skin
Color: Yellow.
Egg Shell
Color: Brown
Use: A
dual purpose medium heavy fowl; used more for egg production than meat
production because of its dark colored pin feathers and its good rate of lay.
Origin: Developed
in the New England states of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, early flocks often
had both single and rose combed individuals because of the influence of Malay
blood. It was from the Malay that the Rhode Island Red got its deep color,
strong constitution and relatively hard feathers.
Characteristics: Rhode
Island Reds are a good choice for the small flock owner. Relatively hardy, they
are probably the best egg layers of the dual purpose breeds. Reds handle
marginal diets and poor housing conditions better than other breeds and still
continue to produce eggs. They are one of the breeds where exhibition qualities
and production ability can be successfully combined in a single strain. Some
"Red" males may be quite aggressive. They have rectangular, relatively
long bodies, typically dark red in color. Avoid using medium or brick red
females for breeding because this is not in keeping with the characteristics of
the breed. Also, don't breed from undersized individuals or birds with black in
their body feathers (called "smutt"). Black in the main tail and wing
feathers is normal, however. Most Reds show broodiness, but this characteristic
has been partially eliminated in some of the best egg production strains. The
Rose Comb variety tends to be smaller but should be the same size as the Single
Combed variety. The red color fades after long exposure to the sun.
Reference:
Chicken Breeds
and Varieties (A2880), John L. Skinner, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Images:
Watt Publishing, 122 S. Wesley Ave., Mt. Morris, IL 61054
USA
0 comments:
Post a Comment