The New Hampshire Red is a relatively new breed, having been admitted to the Standard in 1935. They represent a specialized selection out of the Rhode Island Red breed. By intensive selection for rapid growth, fast feathering, early maturity and vigor, a different breed gradually emerged. This took place in the New England states-chiefly in Massachusetts and New Hampshire from which it takes its name.

 

Characteristics

The New Hampshire Red has a deep, broad body. This bird grows feathers very rapidly and is prone to go broody and make good mothers. Most pin feathers are a reddish buff in color and, therefore, do not detract from the carcass appearance very much. The color is a medium to light red and often fades in the sunshine. The comb is single and medium to large in size; in the females it often lops over a bit. These good, medium sized meat chickens have fair egg laying ability. Some strains lay eggs of a dark brown shell color. New Hampshires are competitive and aggressive. They were initially used in the Chicken of Tomorrow contests, which led the way for the modern broiler industry.

 

Standard Weights

Cock: 8.5 lbs

Hen: 6.5 lbs

Cockerel: 7.5 lbs

Pullet: 5.5 lbs

 

Skin Color

Yellow.

 

Egg Shell Color

Brown.

 

Use

A dual purpose chicken, selected more for meat production than egg production. Medium heavy in weight, it dresses a nice, plump carcass as either a broiler or a roaster.

 

 

References

Chicken Breeds and Varieties (A2880), John L. Skinner, University of Wisconsin-Madison

 

"Chickens." The Poultry Club of Great Britain. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 July 2015.

 

Ekarius, Carol. "Chickens: New Hampshire." Pocketful of Poultry: Chickens, Ducks, Geese, Turkeys. North Adams, MA: Storey Pub., 2007. 116-17. Print.

 

Lewis, Celia. "Breed Profiles: New Hampshire Red." The Illustrated Guide to Chickens: How to Choose Them, How to Keep Them. New York: Skyhorse Pub., 2011. 121. Print.

 

"New Hampshire Red." The Livestock Conservancy. The Livestock Conservancy, n.d. Web. 01 July 2015.