When it comes to choosing the best chicken breed for your backyard flock, the options should be good. Here we are going compare Rhode Island Red vs New Hampshire Red chicken breeds, as there are many chickens breed but among them these two breeds are become favorites.
Rhode Island Red Vs New Hampshire Red
Rhode Island Red and New Hampshire Red both are the popular breeds of chickens that are known for their excellent egg-laying capabilities and overall hardiness. However, they share some similarities and some differences.
| Characteristic | ||
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Deep, rich mahogany plumage | Lighter chestnut plumage |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Body Weight | Male: Around 8.5 pounds (3.9 kg), Female: Around 6.5 pounds (2.9 kg). | Male: Around 7.5 pounds (3.4 kg) Female: Around 6 pounds (2.7 kg) |
| Temperament | Friendly and calm | Friendly and calm |
| Egg Production | Excellent (200-300 eggs/year) | Reliable (180-250 eggs/year) |
| Egg Color | Brown | Brown |
| Hardiness | Cold climates | Adaptable to various climates |
| Broodiness | Moderate | Less broody |
1) Appearance: Rhode Island Red Vs New Hampshire Red
Rhode Island Red (RIR): The RIR chicken breeds have deep, rich mahogany-colored feathers. They have a single comb, bright red wattles, and yellow legs.
New Hampshire Red: These chickens body color is also red but little bit lighter than the Rhode Island Reds body color, their feathers are kind of like a brown chestnut color. They also have a single comb, bright red wattles, and yellow legs.
Read Also: Rhode Island Red Vs Black Australorp
2) Size: Rhode Island Red Vs New Hampshire Red
Both breeds are comes into the category of large-sized chickens, but there are slight variations: Rhode Island Reds Males weigh around 8.5 pounds (3.9 kg), while females weigh approximately 6.5 pounds (2.9 kg).
On the other hand, the New Hampshire Reds Males typically weigh around 7.5 pounds (3.4 kg), while females weigh around 6 pounds (2.7 kg).
3) Temperament: Rhode Island Red Vs New Hampshire Red
Rhode Island Red (RIR): This chicken breed is known for being friendly and calm. They generally have very polite temperament, which makes them suitable for backyard flocks and the beginners.
New Hampshire Red: This chicken breed is also known for their calm and friendly nature. They are also calm and easy to care, which makes them a good choice for people who are new in raising chickens on their backyard.
4) Egg Production: Rhode Island Red Vs New Hampshire Red
Rhode Island Red (RIR): This chicken breed hens are know as on of the exceptional egg-laying chicken breed. As they are start laying eggs at around 5-6 months of age, and able to lay Consistently throughout the year, they offer an average of 200-300 brown color of eggs annually.
New Hampshire Red: While this chicken breed hens are slightly lower in egg production than Rhode Island Reds, New Hampshire Reds are still good layers. They also produce brown eggs, with an average of 180-250 eggs per year, and start laying eggs at around 5-6 months of age.
5) Hardiness: Rhode Island Red Vs New Hampshire Red
The Rhode Island Reds are particularly famous for their ability to bear colder climates, while New Hampshire Reds are known for their adaptability or ability to survive in different environmental conditions.
However, both Rhode Island Reds and New Hampshire Reds are known for their hardiness that they can adapt well to various climatic conditions. They are also known for their ability to survive in both hot and cold weather conditions.
6) Broodiness: Rhode Island Red Vs New Hampshire Red
Rhode Island Red (RIR): This breed of hens are tends to have moderate level of broodiness. However, Some hen of the flock can shows broody behavior, which means they have tendency to sit on their eggs and incubate them.
New Hampshire Red: On the Other hand, Compared to Rhode Island Reds, New Hampshire Reds are generally more less broody. However, sometime the individual hen of the flock can shows broodiness.
Conclusion:
When it comes to choosing between the Rhode Island Red and New Hampshire Red, the Rhode Island Reds offer a stunning appearance, exceptional egg production, and a high level of cold weather hardiness.
On the other hand, New Hampshire Reds shows their own unique beauty, reliable egg-laying abilities, and adaptability to different environments. Choose any of these chicken breed wisely and Consider your specific preferences, needs, and goal.
