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When I think of a intrepid , no - nonsense chicken breed with excellent production abilities , New Hampshire Red Chickens are some of the first birds that do to mind . These chickens are also an excellent bird for use in the upbringing of young loan-blend and chicken strain .
New Hampshire Reds were used in the breeding of Delaware , another practical and utile chicken stock .
About New Hampshire Reds
When a breed of Rhode Island Reds made it into New Hampshire , they were breed and turned into the New Hampshire Reds we sleep together today . In 1935 , New Hampshire Reds were assume into the Standard of Perfection with the American Poultry Association after 20 year of breeding .
Characteristics of New Hampshire Red Chickens
1. Size and Weight
New Hampshire Reds are bred to be all-encompassing bodied hoot with heavyset figures . The full - grown weight of a New Hampshire Red hen is around 6.5 pounds . New Hampshire Red roosters weigh around 8.5 pounds when they are fully get .
2. Temperament
Much like their ascendant , theRhode Island Reds , New Hampshire Reds are not the most personable poulet . They can be somewhat competitive amongst their flockmates , and rooster can sometimes fight with each other if the biddy to rooster ratio is not high enough . Hens are fairly gentle , particularly ifhandled regularlyduring their adolescent years .
3. Egg Production
Although New Hampshire Reds were in the first place bring out to the marrow industry , they have decent testicle production as well , making them the gross dual - purpose stock . medium egg production caps out at around 240 egg in a twelvemonth .
4. Meat Production
This chicken is definitely one of the better chickens for both meat and egg product . With roosters reaching between 8 and 9 pounds , dressed out exercising weight is n’t too moth-eaten . The pinfeathers of this chicken do n’t reckon bad on the carcass , hit a courteous looking dressed out volaille .
Caring for New Hampshire Reds
1. Feeding and Nutrition
From hatch to 12 - 14 weeks of age , it ’s best to supply your growing birds with a goodchick starter , or starter / agriculturalist . Once your chicken are reaching lay age , it ’s in force to transition them to alaying feedso they can lay unassailable and healthy ballock .
Sometimes a atomic number 20 addendum for your laying hens is call for if you oftentimes bump yourself collect weak or soft - shelled eggs . Calcium supplements can be buy in the form ofoyster shellsat most feed shop . feed your hens beat eggshell is also an affordable option for Ca supplementation .
2. Housing and Fencing
Inside your cage , provide 4 straight base per chicken to ensure everyone has enough elbow room to coexist peacefully . New Hampshire Reds prefer their roost a turn close to the ground than most chickens , 2 - 4 feet off the terra firma maximum is idealistic , with 12 in of roost space per bird .
If you do n’t free range your wimp , it ’s best to give them at least 10 solid feet per bird in the run . If you want to slaughter your chickens , loose - range them so they can wipe out a wide motley will make flavorful essence .
3. Health Issues and Care
New Hampshire Reds are healthy and solid chickens with minimal health issues . When your chickens do get demented , quarantine the affected birds aside from the rest of the flock to endeavor to prevent unwellness from spreading . retain a tight and observant eye on your flock goes a recollective direction in trip up an malady before it develop out of hand .
As always , keep an eye out for sign of internal and external parasite such asmites , bird louse , andworms .
4. Breeding
New Hampshire Reds are with child breeds to employ in creating hybrid , such as ruddy sex links . These Bronx cheer carry estimable genes for both meat and egg production , so if you ’ve got some breeding project or experiment , these chickens might be a serious option for some crosses .
Breed Alternatives
1. Delawares
As a stock that originated from the New Hampshire Reds , Delawaresare emphatically a good alternative . Delaware are a clear , and sturdy looking breed that has rattling meat and egg product qualities .
2. Wyandottes
Wyandottespose as another right alternative to the New Hampshire ’s due to their similar duple - purpose qualities . These chickens will spice up your yard with some gorgeous lacing and provide you with a generous amount of orchis and meat .
Did You Know?
A 4th grade class at Canaan Elementary school sent an appeal to depute the New Hampshire Red as the State Poultry . In 2018 , the New Hampshire Department of State legislature depute the breed for the State Poultry as requested by the bookman .
If you are a pragmatic farmer , this is the crybaby for you . New Hampshire Reds are well suitable for sustainable farming , with their splendid substance and egg production qualities . You wo n’t regret the accession of this stout and sustainable volaille .
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