Anyone raised Rhode Island Reds? Looking for tips!

Chicken Breeds
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I’ve been doing some research on different chicken breeds, and the Rhode Island Red has caught my attention. I’ve seen that they are known for being hardy and great for egg production, but I’d love to hear from those who have actually raised them. Here are a few specific questions I have:

Characteristics

  • What are the best-known traits of Rhode Island Reds? How do they compare to other breeds you’ve raised?

Egg Production

  • How reliable are they for egg-laying? What’s the average number of eggs I can expect per year?

Climate Adaptability

  • I live in a region with varied weather, and I’m concerned about how well they handle heat and cold. Any insights?

General Care

  • What are some essential tips for raising Rhode Island Reds? Any particular feed or housing recommendations?

Challenges

  • Have you faced any challenges with this breed? It would be great to know what to watch out for.

I’m really looking forward to learning from your experiences and hopefully get some good advice!

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I’ve raised Rhode Island Reds for about two years now! They are hardy and excellent layers. Make sure their coop is well-ventilated and protected from extreme weather.

3

That’s good to know! Do you have any specific tips on their feeding? I’ve heard mixed things about their grain intake.

4

Feeding them a balanced diet is key! I use a mix of commercial layer feed and add some kitchen scraps. They love veggies! Just avoid anything toxic like onions.

5

Great advice! Any other health care tips I should know about? I’m worried about pecking.

6

To reduce pecking, ensure they have enough space and enrichment. Adding perches or toys can help keep them occupied and prevent boredom.

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How do you make sure they get enough space? What size coop do you recommend?

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I recommend at least 4 square feet per bird in the coop. They also need an outdoor run! A good rule is 10 square feet per bird in the run. They’ll be much happier!

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9

That makes sense! And what about winter care? They seem to be okay in cold weather, but I’m still unsure.

10

Rhode Island Reds handle cold well, but make sure they have plenty of bedding and reduce drafts in the coop. They appreciate a little heat if it gets really cold, too!

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I always make sure to keep an eye on their water supply in winter. It’s easy for it to freeze! Is anyone else using heat lamps?

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I’ve tried heat lamps, but I worry about fire hazards. What do you think?

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I’ve raised Rhode Island Reds for a few years now! They’re great layers, averaging about 250-300 eggs a year. Make sure to provide them with a balanced diet rich in protein for maximum production.

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That’s fantastic! How do you keep track of their laying cycles? I feel like mine are all over the place.

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To keep track of laying cycles, I mark the calendar every day I get an egg. Rhode Island Reds usually lay 5-6 times a week, but you might see dips during molting or winter months. Temperature can also affect their cycles.

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Winter months can be tough! I use a heat lamp in colder weather to help keep egg production steady. Have you tried that?

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Yes! I’ve seen at least 2-3 more eggs per week when I keep the heat consistent. Make sure the lamp is placed safely to avoid any fire hazards, though!

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I haven’t tried a heat lamp yet. Do you notice a big difference in production with that?

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Aside from temperature, I’ve heard that the quality of feed impacts egg quality significantly. Any recommendations?

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Absolutely! I use a high-protein layer feed and supplement with crushed oyster shells for calcium. It really improves the eggs’ quality and strength.