New Hampshire Reds
US$5.50
The New Hampshire Red is a dependable, dual-purpose heritage breed developed in the 1930s selectively out of Rhode Island Red stock. Farmers bred them for faster growth, early feathering, and heavy meat yield, resulting in a slightly broad, full-bodied bird with a lighter, chestnut-red coat compared to the deep mahogany of Rhode Island Reds.
Key Traits
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Egg Production: Excellent layers, producing roughly 200 to 240 large brown eggs per year. They are cold-hardy and maintain reliable laying through the winter.
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Meat Yield: Heavy birds (roosters weigh around 8.5 lbs, hens around 6.5 lbs) with broad breasts, making them great table birds.
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Temperament: Generally active, robust, and friendly, though roosters can be notably competitive and protective.
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Broodiness: Hens go broody occasionally and make attentive mothers.