Rhode Island is the smallest state in America. Rhode Island. Newport. Coast

Rhode Island - a breed of chickens,well knownIfarmers all over the world. In addition to unpretentious care, these layers are characterized by high productivity and excellent disease resistance. Also, chickens of this breed are very often used to breed various kinds of crosses.

History of the breed

Rhode Island - a breed of chickens (descriptionwe will give it a little lower), derived in sshA.Farmers were engaged in the selection of this cross in the middle of the last century. For the first time, such chickens began to be bred in the state of Rhode Island.Hence, in fact, their name came from. Today, almost all farmers breed such a bird in this area. These chickens, in fact, have even become one of the symbols of the state of Rhode Island.

For the first time in the exhibitionthese crossestook part in 1880. That is, the breed is quite old. But despite this, no signs of degeneration have yet been observed. Farmers monitored the cleanliness of the line quite carefully.

When breeding Rhode Islands, fawn fighting roosters were first crossed with local chickens. Subsequently, the new breed improved once again. Breeders decided to cross it with speckled leghorns of increased egg production.

These chickens were brought to Russia quite a long time ago. For the first time, they began to breed them on collective farms in the 20s of the last century.

general description

Rhode Island is a breed of chickens related to the meat and egg direction of productivity. Appearance this cross, since its ancestors were fighting cocks, is quite spectacular.

The main features of the American breed include:

small head;

elongated rectangular back;

upright leaf-shaped crest of red color;

medium-sized beak bent down;

orange strong legs.

The plumage of the Rhode Island cross is dark red with a sheen. The tails of both chickens and cockerels are black with a greenish tint. White and yellow plumage is also not considered a defect. However, such chickens in farms are quite rare. In any case, the plumage of Rhode Island chickens is always very thick and dense.Laying hens of this breed have a white spot on their heads.

There is also a variety of this hybrid with a pale red color. This type is bred mainly in poultry farms.

Rhode Island chickens: performance characteristics

INone year oldamerican laying hens reachweighing approximately 3 kg. The mass of adult bettas is usually 3.5 kg. Rhode Islands lay slightly fewer eggs than many modern crosses. But their productivity in this regard is still quite high - about 180 pcs. in year. The eggs themselves are not too large - they weigh about 50-60 grams. Their shell color is brown.

Rhode Island - a breed of chickens,popular with farmers, which is also explained by endurance.Preservation of young animalsthis birdis about 97%. Laying hens and cockerels reach sexual maturity at the age of about 6.5 months.

Rhode Island: features of the breed of chickens

The plumage of this cross, as already mentioned, is very dense. Therefore, in winter, even in the cold climate of Russia, in an unheated barn, this bird feels just fine. Egg production in the cold season, unlike many modern breeds and hybrids, it practically does not reduce. It is for this quality that cross is mainly valued by farmers.

Adult Rhode Island chickens, therefore, do not freeze in winter. However, unfortunately, the same cannot be said about chickens of this breed. Chicks fledge for a very long time. At the same time, their fluff is not too thick. Therefore, hypothermia of newly hatched chicks of this breed should not be allowed in any case.

Content Features

Rhode Island - a breed of chickens (photo eof that bird is presented on the page), which is allowed to be bred as onfull, and cellular method. The second method, however, is considered more preferable. Rhode Island chickens that have the opportunity to take walks near the barn usually lay more eggs.

Despite the fact that this bird is not afraid of cold weather, sawdust bedding should be provided for it in the barn. The house itself needs to be insulated. Perches for these chickens are located at a height of about 80 cm from the floor. Nests are hung on the wall in secluded places so that laying hens can easily get into them.These chickens are not afraid of dampness. However, at least the simplest ventilation in the barn for them to arrange, of course, is worth it.

The character of these chickens is peaceful and kind. Therefore, they can be kept in the courtyard with almost any other household bird.

Maternal instinct in Rhode Island chickens, unfortunately, is not particularly well developed. This bird, in principle, can sit on eggs. However, this happens quite rarely. Therefore, Rhode Island chickens are bred most often in incubators.

How to feed

There is no need to develop any special diet for these chickens. They are fed in exactly the same way as almost any other bird of the meat and egg direction of productivity. That is, in the morning they give the chickens grain, at lunch - a mash and in the evening - again concentrated food. On such a menu, chickens will rush well and gain weight quickly enough. The proportion of concentrated feed in the diet of this bird should be approximately 2/3.

Of course, in order to obtain high-quality eggs and maintain the health of the bird, it is necessary to pour a little premix, grated chalk and salt into the mash prepared for it.

Feedback from farmers about the breed is positive

The advantages of Rhode Island chickens include, of course, first of all, their rather high productivity in terms of weight gain and egg production. Also considered a plus of the breed is its tolerance for the harsh Russian climate. In addition, many farmers note the fact that such a bird is very undemanding to feed.Rhode Island - a breed of chickens, reviewsabout which are positive, among other things, because, nbesides the obligatory cereals,the menu of its representatives can beinclude absolutely any greens (nettle, alfalfa, tops of carrots and radishes, etc.), root crops and fruits. Notthis bird refusesand from pumpkin or zucchini.

At good care and nutrition standard performance indicatorsthese chickens caneasy to exceed. For example, when using vitamins and special additives, egg productiontheiroften reaches220 pcs. in year.

Actually, the Rhode Island eggs themselves, according to many farmers, are very tasty. They go especially well with omelettes. In any case, they do not have a soapy taste, like the eggs of many modern crosses.

Negative Feedback

Rhode Island - a breed of chickens,the main disadvantage of which, according to many farmers, is a weak maternal instinct.To take care of the replenishment of the herd to the owners of household plots breeding this bird,In most casesaccount for on its own.At the same time, with artificial breeding, the survival rate of Rhode Island chickens, unfortunately, is only about 70%. It is believed that laying eggs of this breed are therefore better not to be incubated, but placed under chickens of other breeds.

Also, the minus of this bird is that in terms of productivity it is somewhat inferior to some domestic meat-egg hybrids. Indirectly, some of its exoticism is also attributed to the shortcomings of this bird. It is rather difficult to get real Rhode Islands in Russia. On sale, there are mainly crossbreeds that have lower productivity than purebred chickens.

Dwarf Rhode Islands

In addition to the common bird, a very small variety of this cross can also be bred on farms.Mini Rhode Island - a breed of chickens,popular with farmersmainly for what she needset while keeping very little space. breedthis birdcan be in small enclosures.

Rhode island pygmy betta weightsreachonly about 1.5 kg, and chickens - 1 kg. The egg production of this variety is about 140 pieces. in year. The eggs themselves of such a bird are quite small. They weigh about 40 grams. With regard to care, this variety is as unpretentious as the main one. Reviews of farmers dwarf Rhode Island deserved very good. It is believed that this variety is especially well suited for breeding in summer cottages.

Faced with the need to choose chickens, many experts prefer the Rhode Island (Rhode Island) breed. And it's obvious because she's different big amount advantages, of which one should highlight undemanding living conditions and amazing endurance. Rhode Island - chickens, which will be discussed later.

Breed overview

The Rhode Island breed is used for both meat and eggs. These chickens were bred artificially and today are the object of dreams of a huge number of poultry farmers. They are distinguished by high activity and amazing egg production. Quite an important role is played by the fact that chickens are able to incubate eggs and rush even if the air temperature is quite low.

This breed is incredibly often used for crossbreeding in order to obtain new species. And in most cases, the result justifies all expectations. Interesting fact is that the Rhode Island chicken is the official symbol of one of American states, which has a similar name.

Origin

The breeding of the presented breed was carried out on the territory of the United States of America in 1850-1860. This result was achieved by crossing local chickens with other representatives. Among them were red Malay and fawn Shanghai roosters. Crossbreeds, formed as a result of such actions, were again crossed, but with representatives of the Leghorn breed.

The resulting breed was introduced to the general public only in 1880. And it happened on specialized exhibition held in Massachusetts. And already 24 years later, the Rhode Island breed appeared in the standard of excellence. As for the distribution of these chickens in Russia, they got into it already in 1926 and almost immediately fell in love with breeders.

Appearance

Rhode Island chickens are distinguished by thick plumage. It is quite shiny, red-brown in color. As for the color of the pen shaft, it has a pronounced salmon shade. You can still find white chickens of this breed, however, such cases are extremely rare.

If we talk about other external characteristics of the bird, then it should be noted large sizes rectangular body with a fairly wide chest. At the same time, the head has a rounded shape and is complemented by a leaf-shaped crest, which has exactly 5 teeth. Head size is average. The presented chickens of the Rhode Island breed are characterized by a rather powerful and not too long neck. Their peculiarity lies in a well-developed mane.

Also, this breed is distinguished by a magnificent tail with a large number of feathers. It may have a green, silver or purple tint. The body is complemented by small wings and rather short, but very strong legs.

A permissible deviation from the norm can be called the presence of a rose-shaped ridge. However, it is really rare to meet him in Rhode Island chickens.

Productivity

One of the main advantages that contributes to the fact that this breed is very popular is its high productivity. A rather massive body structure, typical for representatives of Rhode Island, allows you to get a large number of meat. The average weight of roosters at the age of 18 months is 3.1-3.9 kg. This avoids the risk of obesity.

As for hens of the same age, their weight ranges from 2.5 to 2.9 kg. This is understandable, because they differ and are much smaller. It is worth emphasizing that the Rhode Island breed is great solution in situations where you need to get a large number of products. In addition, experts note the fact that the meat is characterized by excellent taste and tenderness.

Birds of Rhode Island can still boast of good egg production. On average, about 160-170 eggs per year can be obtained from each individual individual.

Rhode Island (amer. Rhode Island)- state in the region New England on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, the population of the state is about 1055 thousand people. Rhode Island borders the states, and it also has a water border with the state.

Rhode Island nicknamed"Baby Rodi", due to the fact that the state is the smallest in terms of territory.

The state pays great attention to the education sector, it is home to the famous Brown University. In addition, trade, medicine and industry, including food, are developed in the state.

Providence

Providence (amer. Providence)- the capital and largest in terms of population (about 184 thousand people) city of the state of Rhode Island. Providence is a major cultural, economic, social, governmental and political center state. The city is located at the confluence three rivers— Moshassouk, Wunaskwatuket and Providence. Throughout history, the city has been actively developing in the field of industry, but in Lately medicine, tourism and education are developing.

newport

Newport (amer. Newport) is a city in the state of Rhode Island, located on Akidnek Island. The population of the city is about 25 thousand people. The city is currently known as popular place For summer holiday and tourism. The city also hosts many famous festivals and other cultural events, among them the annual Jazz Festival.

Woonsocket

Woonsocket (amer. Woonsocket)- a city in the state of Rhode Island with a population of about 43 thousand people. In this city, people mainly live at the expense of industry and agriculture. Woonsocket is located on the Blackstone River.

Coventry

Coventry (amer. Coventry) — small town Rhode Island with a population of about 36 thousand people. Coventry is located on the South Branch Potusket River, near Providence.

Rhode Island State Map:

Rhode Island (eng. The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations) is the smallest US state in terms of area, part of the New England region and located on the coast Atlantic Ocean. Rhode Island was one of 13 American colonies that rebelled against England. The state originally consisted of two parts: Providence Plantations ( mainland state, the largest city is Providence) and Rhode Island ( insular part, the largest city is Newport)

Official name: State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

Capital of Rhode Island: Providence

Largest city: Providence

Other big cities: Bristol, Woonsocket, Johnston, East Providence, Cumberland, Coventry, Cranston, Lincoln, North Kingstown, North Providence, Newport, Pawtucket, Smithfield, South Kingstown, Warwick, West Warwick, Westerley.

State Nicknames: Little Rodi

State motto: Hope

Rhode Island zip code: R.I.

State Formation Date: 1790 (13th in order)

Area: 4 thousand sq. km. (50th place in the country. Most small state USA).

Population: more than 1 million people (43rd place in the country).

History of Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Colony was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams after he was expelled from the Massachusetts Bay Colony because of his religious views. He settled on a headland that bordered Narragansett Bay near the Moshasack River, naming the place Providence and declaring religious freedom for the Baptist settlers there.

May 18, 1652 Rhode Island received its first North America a law prohibiting slavery.

King Charles II of England granted John Clark a Royal Charter for Rhode Island. The only one of the 13 colonies, Rhode Island received complete freedom religion. The right to vote was given only to landowners, which was quite democratic for the time, since most of the settlers were farmers. With the beginning of the industrial revolution, a large class of workers formed in the colony, who did not have the right to vote. By 1829, 60% of free white men were in this category. In 1841 Rhode Island was the only state USA, in which not all free men had the right to vote. The state assembly refused to pass the necessary amendments, which caused armed riots in the state. The riots were put down, but the assembly was forced to pass a new state constitution that gave the vote to all men who could pay the $1 poll tax.

Geography of Rhode Island

Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States. Its area is 4,005 km², of which land - 2,710 km², water - 1,296 km². Rhode Island is located on the coast of Narragansett Bay and nearby islands. The flat state average height- about 60 m above sea level, the highest - 247 m (jerimot hill), the lowest - 0 m (the coast of the Atlantic Ocean).

Rhode Island is a breed of chickens that is gaining more and more popularity in Russia. This is one of the breeds of the meat and egg direction, which has high productivity and unpretentiousness to the conditions of detention.

Rhode Island chickens were bred in the United States in 1850-1860 by crossing local chickens with red Malay and fawn Shanghai roosters. The resulting specimens were re-crossed with the Leghorn breed. The result was a new breed, introduced to the general public in 1880. The first appearance of Rhode Island chickens took place at an exhibition in Massachusetts. In America, the breed is very popular, and it can be found in many farms.

The first description and breed standard appeared only 24 years later. The breed came to Russia in 1926. They immediately took root in the yards of landowners and peasants. Currently, Rhode Island chickens are known in many rural farmsteads due to their high productivity and relative ease of maintenance.

Description of appearance and productivity, photos

The Rhode Island breed is distinguished by its thick red-brown plumage. The feather shaft has a salmon shade. Occasionally come across chickens of this breed of pure white color. The breed has the brightest plumage at a young age. As it matures, the feather lightens slightly.

Rhode Island chickens have the following breed standards:

• Rectangular body is enough big size with a wide chest. The weight of the rooster is 3.5-3.9 kilograms, the chicken is 2.5-2.9 kilograms.
• The neck is powerful, densely feathered, with a developed mane.
• The head is round, medium in size. The crest is leaf-shaped, erect, red, rarely pink.
• The eyes and earlobes are red.
• The beak is of medium length, with a slightly curved tip, yellow.
• The wings are small, of sufficient width.
• The tail is rounded, densely feathered, short. The color of the feather on the tail is mostly black, interspersed with bright green.
• Legs strong, short, without feathers. The color of the bare part of the legs is orange.

Rhode Island chicken

Cockerel Rhode Island in the photo

The following deviations from the standard are considered breed defects:

• too heavy skeleton;
• curvature of the back;
• elongated body;
• dull plumage;
• mottling or the presence of strokes on feathers;
• non-attached pen.

There is a dwarf variety of Rhode Island chickens, bred in Germany. Dwarf Rhode Islands meet the same external standards, but are much smaller and less productive.

In poultry farms, a hybrid version of the breed with a pale red color of the feather is bred.

Rhode Island chickens start laying at 6 months old. One laying hen produces 180 eggs per year. Farmers note that some individuals are able to lay up to 220 eggs per year. The color of the eggs in the breed is brown. Weight - 60 grams.

Rhode Island chickens lay almost all year round, without long breaks. Almost all laid eggs are fertilized, which allows them to be used for active breeding of chickens.

The breed is successfully used as a source of meat. Carcasses of roosters reach a mass of 3 kilograms, chickens - about 2.5 kilograms. The taste and nutritional qualities of the meat are excellent.

The main feature in the characteristics of Rhode Island is its incredible adaptability to any conditions of detention. The breed is incredibly hardy and unpretentious. At the same time, in order to maintain the ability to rush in winter frosts, the temperature in the chicken coop should not fall below plus 10. To do this, the floor in the barn is covered with sawdust or straw. These chickens are not afraid of dampness, but for hygienic purposes, the litter should be sprinkled regularly, and completely changed several times a year.

Perches for Rhode Islands are located at a height of 80 cm from the floor. Nests are also attached along the walls at a height of 60-70 centimeters (find out how easy it is). In winter, it is necessary to provide good lighting in the room.

Adult, well-feathered chickens can walk outside even in the winter cold. But it is better not to let young individuals out of the chicken coop in frosty weather. The fact is that Rhode Islands increase their feather mass gradually, and in young chickens, body protection is somewhat worse than in adults.

The ability to spend a long time on the street significantly increases the egg production of the breed. But these chickens can also be raised in cages. But this method is not recommended by specialists, since with such a content, the correct formation of the bird's body is disturbed.

By nature, Rhode Islands are accommodating, so they can be kept in the same aviary and chicken coop with other breeds of chickens. In order to maintain high productivity of the herd, livestock sorting is carried out in autumn. Pullets with high egg production are selected, the rest are allowed for meat.

There are no special dietary requirements for the Rhode Island breed. They are fed a standard set of products, like other meat and egg breeds. For breakfast, chickens are given grain (a mixture of crushed wheat, oats, barley, corn), for lunch - a mash with the addition of boiled vegetables, for dinner - again a grain mixture.

In the mixer, chalk and salt. When fattening for meat, it is recommended to add crushed sunflower seeds. But with this feeding option, egg production is reduced.

Free-range chickens supplement their own diet with pasture. At the same time, feeding on what lies under your feet contributes to the rapid growth and good egg production of chickens. The best summer food for the breed during the day is fresh grass. In winter, the bird can be fed pre-harvested hay.

Important. So that bunches of dry grass do not clog the goiter of chickens, it is crushed before being added to the feed.

In the process of breeding experiments, the Rhode Island breed has somewhat lost the instinct to hatch offspring. Mother hens rarely sit on eggs, but sometimes hens appear in the population, showing a desire to become a mother. Experienced poultry farmers notice and keep such an individual as long as possible in the herd. A maximum of 15 eggs are laid under the hen.

The problem of hatching offspring is solved with the help of an incubator. Chicks hatch from eggs in 20-21 days. It is recommended to bookmark the incubator in April so that the chickens hatch when the weather warms up.

The incubation properties of Rhode Island eggs depend on the quality of the feed. To increase the number of fertilized eggs, it is recommended to add vitamin mixtures, sea fish, fish oil to the feed during the egg collection period. Particularly good results are obtained by the presence of vitamin E in the feed. In private farms, with such a food organization, they achieve one hundred percent fertilization of eggs and friendly hatching of chickens.

Rhode Island chickens are different good health, so the survival rate of the brood is 90-95%. For successful rearing of chickens, it is important to provide them with an ideal housing regime in the first days after hatching.

The temperature of the content in the first week should be at least 29-32 degrees. To do this, a warming lamp is installed above the box in which the brood is kept. Every week the temperature is reduced by 1-2 degrees. The brood is fed exclusively with warm water (38-40 degrees). There should be dry bedding in the box at all times.

Sexual dimorphism in chickens appears already at the age of one day. Chickens are distinguished by a characteristic spot on the head. Thanks to this, it is possible to form a herd of laying hens already at an early age of the brood by planting cockerels for rearing for meat.

Day-old chicks are fed with boiled eggs, special fortified feed, cottage cheese and boiled fish. Such a menu contributes to the rapid growth of chickens and increase their immunity. After 3-4 days, I begin to introduce fresh herbs, dandelions, nettles into the diet.

Pros and cons of the breed

Rhode Island chicken breed has a lot of advantages:

• The ability to exist in any climatic conditions.
• Maximum chick survival.
• Persistent immunity.
• Undemanding to feed.
• High productivity.

The disadvantage of the breed is the undeveloped instinct of motherhood and the average hatchability of chickens. The exotic nature of the breed can also be considered a minus. It is quite difficult to get purebred Rhode Islands, mainly an industrial version with pale plumage is offered.