If consuming delicious extra-large eggs is your thing, this is your lady. Rhode Island Reds are the powerhouse of the poultry world; iconic, hardy, and endlessly productive. Rain, shine, snow, or blazing sun, these dependable hens will still be out scratching, foraging, and cleaning up unwanted bugs in your yard. Commonly used in commercial hatcheries thanks to their strong production and reliable nature, they’re equally beloved in family backyards for their balance of personality, hardiness, and keeping your egg basket full.
Feather Colors
Rich mahogany plumage shimmers with coppery highlights in the sunlight, giving Rhode Island Reds a warm, regal glow. Roosters carry darker, contrasting tails that make them a striking pair alongside the hens.
Eggs Hens Gift
These determined ladies gift 5–6 extra-large brown eggs per week—and they don’t quit when the weather turns. Rhode Island Reds are renowned for being strong winter layers and equally productive in summer, keeping your basket full year-round. Rarely broody, they’d much rather keep laying than sit.
Personality
Rhode Island Reds are as iconic as Lucille Ball—so much so that they’ve even been immortalized in public art, including the Rhode Island Red Commemorative Monument and a mural at Denver International Airport. They are calm, confident, and self-sufficient, preferring to roam freely and forage but still quick to come running when you bring treats. When raised from chicks, they grow comfortable with handling, making them a wonderful choice for families with children.
Physical Characteristics
A dual-purpose breed, hens mature around 6 lbs while roosters reach 8 lbs, making them valuable for both eggs and meat. They’re sturdy, well-feathered birds with vibrant red combs, wattles, and alert eyes that reflect their vitality and strength.
History
The Rhode Island Red’s story begins in 1854 with Captain William Tripp of Little Compton, Rhode Island, who purchased a Red Malaysian cock from a sailor and crossed it with his barnyard hens. Along with John Macomber of Massachusetts, the pair refined the line by adding Light Brahmas, Plymouth Rocks, and Brown Leghorns, creating a bird larger and more prolific than its ancestors.
By the 1880s, Isaac Wilbour crossed “Tripp’s fowl” with his own hens, christening the breed Rhode Island Reds. Wilbour stamped each case of eggs with his famous PPP motto: Practical, Prolific, Profitable—and went on to design “The Biggest Poultry Farm on Earth,” boasting 200 acres and 5,000 laying hens.
The breed was officially recognized at the Providence Poultry Show in 1895, entered poultry journals by 1896, and was accepted into the APA’s Standard of Perfection in 1904 (both single- and rose-combed varieties). Today, the Rhode Island Red remains one of the world’s most hardy, productive, and beloved dual-purpose chickens.
Sexing Method:
Vent sexing as a day-old is the most common method for this breed. Accuracy averages around 85–90%, which means there’s always a small chance of “surprise roosters.” The industry standard is to sell “female chicks” or pullets; even though 10–15% end up being accidental boys. Since many communities have ordinances against keeping roosters, we decide to be different!
While hatcheries and feedstores stop at the industry standard, we go further because we care. If your “female coverage” chick grows into a rooster, we will give that boy a free home and provide a store credit for the original purchase price with healthy return of the rooster. This way, your family is not left with the hardship of a city ordinance issue. For families who want zero risk of rooster surprises an heartbreak, we also offer DNA sexing services. DNA is the only truly accurate method, but is a bigger investment, costing about 3x more than a female-covered chick. The choice is yours. We’re here to make sure your flock is the perfect fit for your family.
Chick: Rhode Island
Scheduling – Order Pick-Up Commitment
Standard Pick-Up Times
Saturdays: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Mondays: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Book a Special accommodation appointment
Placing an order is your commitment to pick up your order based as described below:
Available Now Orders
Chickens (already hatched): Must be picked up within 6 days of purchase. Pick-up during standard times or by booking a special accommodation appointment.
Puppies & Kittens: “Go home” dates will be listed at purchase. You may also book an earlier pick-up appointment if available.
Feed & Supplies: Must be picked up within 1 year of purchase. Pick up at your convenience during standard pick-up times or book a special accommodation appointment.
Pre-Orders
A pre-order indicates the estimated month your animals will be ready for pick-up.
Once notified your order is ready, you must pick up within 6 days of notification (any time during the month it becomes available).
Notifications are sent via text to the number provided at checkout.
👉 At checkout, please verify that your phone number is accurate and that it can receive text messages.
DNA-Sexed Orders
DNA-sexed chicks must be picked up within 6 days of notification.
We are unable to extend free boarding.
If not picked up within 6 days, the order will be forfeited.
The DNA testing fee deposit is non-refundable, but store credit (minus the testing fee per bird) will be issued.
Order Abandonment
Placing an order is a commitment to being available for pick-up within the stated timeframe.
Refunds are not provided. Instead, store credit is issued for a future order.
Store credit is valid for up to 3 years from the date issued (per Colorado law).
Disclosure Statement (Colorado Law Compliance)
By placing an order, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
No Refund Policy: All sales are final. Refunds are not available for abandoned, forfeited, or canceled orders. Store credit may be issued as described above.
Store Credit Validity: Store credit is valid for up to three (3) years from the date of issuance, after which it may be considered abandoned property under Colorado law.
Customer Responsibility: Customers are responsible for timely pick-up within the stated windows (including the 1-year deadline for feed & supplies) and for providing accurate contact information. Please confirm at checkout that your phone number is correct and able to receive text messages.
Health & Welfare: Once animals or supplies are picked up, the customer assumes all responsibility for their current and future health and care.