New Hampshire Red Chickens

Derived from the Rhode Island Red Chicken in the early 20th Century, the New Hampshire Red is a popular dual purpose chicken that will generally lay up to 250 eggs per year. Some attractive qualities of this heavy medium sized bird is its rapid growth, fast feathering, and early maturity make this red a quality and desirable meat bird on top of it's reliable egg laying abilities.

Developed in New England, the New Hampshire Red was made an official breed, distinct from its close relative, in 1935. Like the Rhode Island Red, New Hampshire Red Hens lay large brown eggs that are excellent for human consumption.

New Hampshire Reds grow broody and make great mothers. This breed is also quite hardy during the winter time. They can be competitive and aggressive, but they handle confinement quite well.

New Hampshire Red Chicken Facts

• The New Hampshire Red Chicken was developed in the New England region from different strains of the Rhode Island Red by selectively breeding chickens with certain desirable qualities like fast growth and feathering. The breed eventually developed into a chicken that yields less eggs per year, but is more fit for meat production on the farm.
• Along with the Rhode Island Red, male New Hampshire Reds are often used to breed Red Sex-Link chicks .