Breed Overview: Rhode Island Red Chicken

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Let us your thoughts on the Rhode Island Reds.

[@rudiyuli7978]

Hallo

[@CaponeCabin]

Bossy babes...lol... we don't have chickens yet, but this info really helps me decide about breed. I will be looking for docile good egg layers!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Now that we have four more breeds, I'll have good recommendations when it comes time for you to start a flock! Cheers!

[@MinuteontheMountain]

Really informative. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thank you! I appreciate your support and your viewing! Cheers!

[@rhondaredeemedprodigal]

Wow thanks for sharing with us. Hey you're almost at 1k subscribers.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I'm closing in on it pretty quickly. I'm still behind on my hours. Watch the whole series if you want!! Thanks Rhonda!!

[@rhondaredeemedprodigal]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm I'll check it out 🙂. My son has 1.1k and over 3000 hours.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

@@rhondaredeemedprodigal Let me know his channel and I'll watch a bunch to help him. Cheers!

[@rhondaredeemedprodigal]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm kzbin.info/door/xaRP850YR9YOxcZNxPHH6A Lord Aniolist. Thank you ❤️. I appreciate you. I'll watch a bunch of yours too 💕. It takes KZbin forever to see his watch hours go up. You might want to watch some of his older videos. He's 22 years old and cusses. It's so.nit like him but I've been there too. Might want to play it on low , 😆

[@flowerfolkfarm3553]

That was great info Rich!! Sounds like they like to be dominant in the flock! Bossy britches! Boy yours look so healthy and happy, look at that gloss in the feathers! Beautiful! There’s just something special about watching hens free ranging…. It’s good for the head and heart! 🙌🏼🌻🌷

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

With the good weather, they've been out eating everything in the yard and forest. They're really looking healthy! Thanks for watching Anita! Cheers!

[@DigPlantWaterRepeat]

These are such pretty chickens! Rich you are so close to 1k! 🤞🏼

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We are getting close to 1K! Just need some more watch time! Thanks for all your support Janey!!

[@MtnGrandma]

We have so many red hens we loved. For us they have been the friendlier ones that we got real attached to. This was very informative and I appreciate the info! 😊👍💗

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

It is so interesting that some people have had friendly Reds and others (like me) had bossy, nasty girls. Bi-polar?! Cheers Tammy!

[@Devildog]

Rich, You know that I have chickens, but I love watching your videos. I can always learn something new when watching.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks for watching and the kind words. I watch a bunch of channels and always pick up tips and new ways of doing things. Thanks again for watching!

[@PershijsmachnijKherson]

Thanks for sharing this video!To be here and enjoying this video makes me feel so good! I love your channel, I will support you on this journey! Always believe in yourself and keep doing what you love to do❤

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We really love what we do and are having a LOT of fun! Thanks for watching and commenting! Cheers!

[@ihfarmer8164]

Great information! We have quite a few rir chickens at our place some of them are quite old, still lay well. All they get for feed is what they free range and what I spill in corn silage feeding my cows, and they do great! Thanks for sharing. Take care.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

There is no doubt that they are great foragers. Mine are out int he woods finding buds, plants (and ticks!). Cheers!

[@gardeningmadeeasywiththeol3945]

Hi Rich, those Rhode Island Reds are mighty attractive and handsome chickens! As they are moving around they behave in a very confident, assertive way. Guess we know why you like red chickens - reminds you of men in red shirts running around after a football !! Best Wishes, Nadj & Paul ( not wearing red shirts).

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Ha! I didn't think about the red chickens and the red shirts. They're bossy and have a lot of attitude (must be Man U chickens!). I guess I need to get a small soccer ball out in the barn for the girls! Thank you for checking in and commenting! We appreciate your support!

[@gardeningmadeeasywiththeol3945]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm Nadj still thinks that your chickens could play with ping pong balls ! Best Wishes, Paul & Nadj.

[@MadAcreFarms]

This was awesome! Spot on!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks! I always just give my observations and then watch the comments to see if I'm totally off base. On this one, it seems that we're pretty accurate. Cheers!

[@gardening101bybabita9]

Nice video full watched 👍

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thank you for watching and commenting Babita! Cheers!

[@WhiskeynSunshineOffGrid]

We have 1 red left. Her name is Laverne. Shirley passed last year. I agree with all you said , except my girl doesn’t mind the snow. Great information Rich!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

My girls will look at the snow but not go in it. I've seen your vids and your girls love going out snow walking!! Cheers Shelley!

[@beebop9808]

They're beautiful. Love those birds if only because they were the only birds my mother ever kept when I was a kid growing up. Always lots of huge beautiful eggs. Often hard to tell if you had a double yoker or just extra large. Sweet hens that were always up for some good conversation. :)

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

They really are beautiful and great layers. Our have gotten more aggressive as they have aged and gotten a lot of attitude. We're phasing them out as they pick on the other hens. Thank you for stopping by to watch! I'm glad it could bring back a great memory of your Mother! Cheers!

[@beebop9808]

That's too bad your hens are getting cocky. 😅

[@YogiHollowFarm]

I love my RIR’s. My girls molted and changed colors completely…it was fascinating. They’re power layers! Nope no snow for them! Have a great day!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

It's good to know that mine aren't the only birds who hate snow! Have a great day Lisa!

[@ALittleFishintheKitchen]

Thanks for this great breed review, Rich!! So interesting that some females take on the domination trait with no rooster around, wow!! We will have to give this breed some thought, for sure! 💖👍

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

This breed can really be dominant, and a bit of a bully at times. We're not going to get any more of the Reds. With Grandkids around, we're looking for good layers who are more docile (Barred Plymouth Rock, Isa Brown, Calico Princess, etc.). Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@TripleThreatFirearmsDefenseInc]

Those are some beautiful red birds.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

In the sunshine, they are glorious birds! They just need to lose a bit of the attitude!!

[@DaveCollierCamping]

Very interesting review

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks for watching Dave! I appreciate the support!

[@DaveCollierCamping]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm my pleasure

[@Pennies_on_the_dollar]

Great insight on the breeds my friend!! Learning the ins and outs of them all, really appreciate you taking time to explain sir!! Cheers Mr Rich, looking fwd to more sir!! 😁👍

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I'll have a full breed analysis for your flock, when the time comes! Thanks for watching Nelson! Cheers!

[@Pennies_on_the_dollar]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm That you will my friend, that you will!! Always my friend!!

[@mamtachampawativlogger7651]

13 👍🏻🤝🔔👈 beautiful so very very nice 👌🌹❤️😘🤝👍🏻

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thank you for watching and commenting! Luck #13!!

[@LifewithBlindaandChuck]

Nice overview. We had some a few years back and they did lay really well.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Despite the attitude, they sure are great layers! Cheers!

[@MySliceOfHeavenoutdoors]

Nice info you shared on the birds, sounds like you have an egg or two in the barn.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

There were a couple that were letting me know that they were done laying! Glad you heard that! Cheers!

[@northerngirlhobbies]

Good morning Rich and ladies. We don't have this breed yet, probably won't be a good idea seeing how noisy they are. Our girls are illegal here. Thank you for sharing this info. Seeds in the mail today.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

This is not a quiet breed!! They would not go unnoticed! Seeds are in the mail here as well.

[@northerngirlhobbies]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm thank you.

[@BramptonGardener]

beautiful birds

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Beautiful, with a whole lot of attitude. It's like owning one of the Kardashians!

[@BramptonGardener]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm hahahaha

[@BARBSCOUNTRYHOME999]

Beautiful hens.. I need a Rhode Island Red chicken! 🤣

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Don't you have a bossy rooster? If you get a bossy Red, that would add some interesting interaction in your flock. Thanks for watching Barb! Cheers!

[@BARBSCOUNTRYHOME999]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm My rooster is a Americana "Easter Egger" but I would love to have a Rhode island red hen. 😊

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

@@BARBSCOUNTRYHOME999 She might become the new Rooster!! They can be that "tough."

[@ForageGardener]

Two of my favorites, I see the barred rock wandering through haha I've noticed Rhode Island Reds are very wise foragers, tough hens! The barred rock tend to be a bit more broody in comparison, as far as I have noticed. Indeed barred rock are some of the most mellow!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We love our Rocks. They may be in charge. Instead of pecking and tormenting the others, a Rock will gesture that she is going to peck (but not). They seem to carry respect versus picking on others. Cheers Ben!

[@AnnettesCreations]

Great overview, I got a couple Rhode Island red chicks can’t want to see their beautiful color as hens.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

They vary from orange to dark brown. All the reds and mahogany. Beautiful girls.

[@graceandfire]

I have friends who adopted an entire RIR Flock that was in the commercial industry and then bought by someone who didn’t provide proper conditions. Long story, but my friends are now giving them the good life in their senior life. They pick on each other HORRIBLY though. Always tearing out feathers. And yes, they free range an entire working farm. So no reason they should be doing this. As for eggs, it dwindled down hard, but I think it’s cause they’re seniors and they were in the commercial industry. They also have a RIR rooster. He is so loveable. In fact, he’s the first and only rooster I’ve ever held. I helped do health checks too. Big boy let me.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I've watched them and nothing seems to provoke them. They just attack. I have Plymouth Rocks that are high up the flock. They show dominance with a head twist or to fake a peck. They rarely actually do it. Thanks for watching and commenting! Have a great week!

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

We love this breed too. One of our roosters was RIR and he was a sweet boy. Didn't attack anyone. I'll have to pay attention and see if my Red girls are bossy. I know some breeds allow other chickens to beat up on them without fighting back, Dorkings are bad about just taking the bullying.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Watch your girls. Our just pick on others. They will be the first to be retired from the flock. They're just mean. Cheers!

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm I'm definitely going to pay attention! We are culling a few chickens anyway because we aren't selling eggs anymore and don't need this many birds, maybe our Reds will be the first to go (to new homes) too! Thanks for the heads up!

[@Vie_garden]

Wow ayam-ayam yang sangat sehat dan lucu, saya suka sekali

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

They are very healthy, now that they have been free ranging outside for a month. They are eating well!! Cheers!

[@TheRodgerB]

I have been raising RIR's for almost 20 years, we live in Indiana just a lil south of you. Our experience with the red's has been great very good layer's during last winter I got about 3 eggs a week from each hen. I have raised a lot of different chickens in the 55 yrs. of being a chicken person. I have 18 bird's now 17 red's and 1 Black Australorp to keep the hawks away. They are very easy to take care of, my hens have a very loud egg laying song but usually they just walk around scratching & cooing, I have found if you raise one breed at a time or separate the different breeds there is a lot less bullying, a lot of people raise a lot of what I call foo foo chickens I raise pure breed birds for the food sources they give and the love of chicken's.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

It is interesting about the single breed. We've always had a mixed flock as we wanted to try out different breeds. We're bringing down the number of breeds this season as we only bought two. I think we'll zero in on a couple breeds that we like best and focus on them. The Reds always laid well but their attitude was too much. Thanks for watching and commenting! Cheers!

[@8EACRESHOMESTEAD]

Good to hear behaviors from others 👍

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

It is good to have "real world" reactions. These are great layers but I just wouldn't raise them again. Cheers!

[@RagnaroksHomesteading]

Nice overview of the breed. That's always been my concern with R.I. Reds. They don't seem to be the calm flock members. I feel the same way in that their egg laying and tolerance to heat/cold is great - the behavior is not desirable. Thanks for sharing!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

It seems like many others have had similar experiences to us. I did read that New Hampshire Reds lay like the RIR but don't have the attitude. Thanks again for your comments!!

[@pinesedgefarm1155]

Totally agree with what you said about them. Out of all the breeds that I've had, it is one of my favorites though.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Some people love them and others don't like the attitude. An interesting bird but a great layer. Cheers!

[@MiniatureChickenChannel]

Bossy and Loud lol...got it. I had some 30 years ago as a kid. I can confirm some of the roosters are real a-holes haha. I've heard the barred rocks are also kinda bossy/awnry. I only have black australorps and EE's now. The australorps are super friendly. The EE's are hit and miss....some are super tame....some are wild and avoid you. Time will tell on egg laying/awnryness/loudness ratings :-) Good vid Rich!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We love the Rocks. We have about 25 of them. Friendly and great layers. Where a RIR will peck on someone, a Rock will fake a gesture and make the other bord back down. Not big fighters. Thanks for watching and adding your comments!

[@MiniatureChickenChannel]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm Good to know! I always thought they were pretty but didn't consider them since i had read/viewed they were bullies to other birds. I'm sure, how the birds are raised when little matters quite a bit as well as genetics.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

@@MiniatureChickenChannel They have been loved like all our girls. I feel it is genetic.

[@MiniatureChickenChannel]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm Have these chickens received at least one pet or chicken hug per day ??? 😃😃😃🐓🐓🐓

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

@@MiniatureChickenChannel They get pets every day. Treats and other snacks. They are pampered! Our girls have it good!!

[@johnhildenbrand2642]

Rhode Island Red's, Barred Rocks, and Australorps are my flock, I usually pick up a few oddball breeds just to see how it goes (Wyandottes and a Welsummer this year) but I could be very happy with RIR's or Barred Rocks as a whole flock option

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I've heard good things about the Australorps. You'll have to update us on the Wyandottes and Welsummers. We're getting more Barred Rocks this year. Phasing out the RIRs. They lay a lot of eggs, but we've noticed them being dominant and pick on the others. We're moving away from hens with attitude! Thanks for stopping by John!

[@johnhildenbrand2642]

@The Old Swede's Farm Australorps would be a good replacement then, cold/heat tolerant, at one point record egg layers (ISA Browns and other commercial breeds have since surpassed them) and the temperament of a buff orpington, I personally enjoy a highly mixed flock, and find that Bullying among chickens in like 99% of cases comes down to space/resource availability. If birds are free ranged or have enormous coops/tractors, with plenty of feed options and water available, no Bullying will really be present and certainly not to the extent of cannibalism or feather picking, if you try for the 8ft/bird deal, you'll probably find some hens get a bit mean

[@SDMountainMan]

We have a couple and have had them in the past I would agree with your statement s. I think leghorn is the only one I won't get again.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

It's been interesting to hear everyone's comments. Thank you for watching and commenting!!

[@crxmovies19]

We have a couple and hard core, they leave and come back and in the coop early like clock work . They do what they want

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

The Reds do as they wish. Great layers but ours ended up having a LOT of attitude and picked on the others a lot. We ended up getting rid of them due to their attitudes. Great layers and free rangers though.

[@jandcschwartz]

I adopted 3 RIRs only one left. They were very unhealthy birds. The one left is a nervous wreck. She pulls her feathers. She's a mess. She has become my shop chicken. I am trying to remove her stress and give her extra nutrition. It is good to know that my birds are not indicative of the breed.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Sorry you had such a bad experience. While ours are mean and bossy, they were still healthy and good layers. I hope the third girl comes around for you. Cheers!

[@jamiescountryliving]

Thank you.. I agree with you. I had a red turn Broody. I probably won't get any more reds either. N yes the roosters are extremely nasty.. thank you very much.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Our first broody hen was a Red, but after that, nothing. I was actually scared when the RIR Rooster came at me. I got out of there quick!

[@magnusjacobsen6237]

How do they do with cats that might go after them?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We've had feral cats in the area. We've removed the cats from the area! I wouldn't have any animals around my hens that would go after them!

[@karenpotts689]

Over in the UK the Rhode Island Red is cross-bred with light Sussex or leghorn for a hybrid called a warren. This hen can lay 320 to 335 eggs a year through what I believe to be commercial laying, where lighting is kept on for longer with a heated barn to ensure that laying is maxed. Terrible for the girls.We had some ex battery hens from the British hen welfare trust, you donate money to the trust per hen and there is a day to collect. The birds had no feathers, and their beaks were clipped, truly dreadful state, they did not live very long just a few months, but they got to feel the sun on their faces and enjoyed being outside with a cuddle.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

That is awful conditions. Cruel. I had never heard of that hybrid. Thanks for watching and commenting Karen! I appreciate your support!! Cheers!

[@halilerginn]

Hi friend i saw light and dark rır. Whats better?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We just bought the RIR, not a dark or light breed. I would bet that they lay the same number of eggs, whether they are dark or light. While they lay a lot of eggs, they have a bit of an attitude. We do not have any of these any more.

[@user-RosieM]

This is my 2nd time having Rhode Island Reds and if I go for 3 it will be Rhodies for sure. I don't mix breeds. Mine are not "bossy" but to me bossy means strong survive. So our of my 3, Betty is the boss but not mean. They, at 6 months are laying min 18 eggs per week. That's my 2 cents 😅

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Awesome news for you! Great production! It's possible that RIR's from different hatchery's have different behaviors. Ours were just thugs and constantly picked on the others. We couldn't get rid of them fast enough and the dynamics within the flock really changed. You've got a group of winners on your hand! Thanks for stopping by to watch and comment! Happy New Years!!

[@AEDChannel82]

❤❤❤❤👍🏻

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thank for stopping by to watch!!

[@rudiyuli7978]

Haloo

[@wandawilliams2397]

Funny. One of my girls is playing rooster. Even different vocalization

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We've had a few that change roles. We haven't had the crowing though. Interesting!

[@HelmetVanga]

Our family got 5 egg laying chicken. 3 died in less than a year. One is alive but not laying eggs anymore. Only 1 out of 5 is fully functioning as egg laying is concerned. We religiously clean their quarters, we give them plenty of water and feed. Why would 3 die and 1 stopped laying eggs. The ratio is 1 out 5, not good for Rhode Island red. Anyone knows why this happens when you raise this kind of breed?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Reading your message, I was thinking that the rates were abnormally high. You need to tell me more. Did you make notes on each death? if not, keep a notebook from now on so you can have notes for future reference. Date of incident, time of day of discovery, notes about issue (or death), etc. Maybe you can tell me more about these hens. How old were they when you received them? Were they healthy and came from a healthy farm? How did each one die, where did they die and time of day? What feed are you giving the hens? Commercial or home made feed? Out of all the Reds we had, we only lost two. One was killed by a hawk. The other we found dead under the roost, in the morning. No predators had touched it and it seemed healthy the next day. We could not conclude anything on this hen. Tell me more and let's see if we can come up with any thoughts.

[@HelmetVanga]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm we got the red hens babies tiny. We kept them inside until there were ready for outside. We fed them the regular grow feed as recommended. Sometimes when they were old, wife will feed chicken skins, some grease. I fed them worms that I found when digging sprinkle system. In common they had this, once they stopped laying eggs, within 3 months they start to die. This last hen that is not laying eggs is now in the same route, and why does she look swollen, her body looks bloated and does not look good.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

@@HelmetVanga There is a condition called "Water Belly" or she might be egg bound. We have never experienced either. You might want to look into those two conditions and see if it is similar to what your hen looks like. You can then learn a fix. We feed our chicks a Purina hick Starter food until they lay, then they get Purina Layena feed until they die. One food all the time, other than what they gather from free ranging. They get some treats from time to time (cracked corn in winter, scraps from the kitchen, etc.). Reds should live for 5-8 years and lay for 5+ years. It is also possible that they had something genetic that came with them when you bought them. Try a new batch and see if anything similar happens. Sorry I haven't been much help.

[@pablobasalan7702]

I need PURE Rhode island red

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

If you're in the States, I would suggest Hoover's Hatchery in Iowa. If you're outside the US, I can't be much help. Maybe an email to Hoover's and they could recommend someone in your area. Hope this helps! Cheers!

[@ilyachernishov8963]

Typically in any group of females, one will take on the role as a male/protector.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Some of the Reds took this behavior to an extreme! Thanks for stopping by!

[@ilyachernishov8963]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm Of course! Love my red ladies

[@Blue_Happiness]

Beautiful 😍 women

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Beautiful women......with attitude!! Cheers JD!