Looking through the January 2007 issue of Feathered World I noticed an illustration of a Rhode Island Red hen, a Breed Champion at the Stafford show, bred and shown by Mr Jack Butterworth. What surprised me was the colour, which is not far removed from the original type of Rhodes, instead of the dark chocolate colour which has been the aim of breeders for many years now. This is not implying that this bird is not a worthy champion; in fact, the colour is more natural than the dark coloured birds.
In the last Poultry Club Standard there is a note to the effect that the birds which are a deep chocolate red are the ones which win the prizes. Yet the Standard states for the hen that the colour should be a rich brilliant red, except where black is stipulated (on the wings and tail), but the male is darker.
Colour does not control the productivity of a hen, but concentration on one colour to the exclusion of other factors can make a tremendous difference. This 'rule' also applies to any one factor which becomes the prime aim of the breeder - for example, excess feathering, exaggerated markings, wide bodies, and heavy bone.
There is nothing new in this suggestion. W B Tegetmeier, one of the great poultry pioneers remarked on this fact many years ago. He was commenting on the heavy feathering developed on the Cochins and Brahmas which were once commendable layers, and had been reduced in utility quite considerably by the extra feathers, which resulted in a larger appetite because feathers have to be maintained, yet without increasing the number of eggs laid.
Rhode Island Reds. - One variety, red: single or rose comb. (NOTE: There are Whites in the USA.)
The colour is 'rich brilliant red' - practically the tint of port wine neither chocolate nor buff - and free from shaftiness, mealiness, or a brassy effect.
The tail black, and black in the flights, but which must not show when the wing is closed.
In the hen the tips of the lower hackle feathers should be black - ticked, not laced - but the cock's hackles are plain; lobes red, legs rich yellow.
The body is broad, deep, and long, the back slightly concave from the neck-hackle to the tail.
In utility points the breed is equal to the Plymouth Rock, although the chickens arrive earlier at maturity, the pullets are, if anything, rather better layers, but the cockerels do not take kindly to the fattening process for table purposes.
However, Rhode Island Reds are among the best of the 'general-purpose' breeds, and reliable winter layers. Cocks scale 8.50 lbs and hens about 7 lb. (A summary from around 1920.)
This article continues in the February 2008 issue of Feathered World complete with illustrations
