New Hampshire Reds
Active, Friendly, Independent

Recognized Color Varieties
Single Variety
Breed Traits
This breed shares many characteristics with its forebears, the Rhode Island Red. They are a heavy breed with yellow skin, bright orange eyes, a single red comb, and red earlobes and wattles. The plumage however is much lighter than the modern day Rhode Island Red with much more gold than brown hues. They still share the same black lacing in the tail feathers, but New Hampshires also have some in their neck feathers and in their wings.
New Hampshires are a docile, calm, and friendly breed that do well in backyards and gardens. They are known to go broody and make great mothers. Like the Rhode Island Red, they have a reputation for having the occasional aggressive individual – but this quality is much rarer in New Hampshires. Most are curious, trusting, and personable.
When New Hampshire Reds were first standardized by the American Poultry Association, it was recorded that they laid nearly 340 eggs in a single year. Although this high level of production has not been maintained, you can still expect close to 200 eggs per year. Selective genetic strains of New Hampshires lay a darker brown egg.
Breed History
The New Hampshire Red was originally created by farmers in New Hampshire who wanted a chicken similar to the Rhode Island Red that matured quickly and could be a great source of either meat or eggs. Rather than starting a program of cross breeding, they used a process of selective breeding with Rhode Island Reds that took 30 years to perfect. The breed was admitted to the Standard of Perfection in 1935 and although it had wonderful laying ability and meat quality, it took a long time to gain recognition as the Rhode Island Red was already proven and popular.
Quick Facts
Peak Egg Production
Excellent: Approx 280
Egg Size
Large
Egg Color
Brown
Tolerant of Confinement
Yes
Cold Hardy
Yes
Heat Tolerant
No
Broody
Yes
American Poultry Association
American