DARK Rhode Island Reds

[denasfarm]

I had read several threads on the "dark" RIR available at several hatcheries but never really saw enough pictures to satisfy my interest in how they turn out. I am aware they are not a separate type. I am just curious as to how much darker they will be than a regular RIR (not a production red) or if there wont be enough difference to have made the higher price worth it.


So TODAY I received 11 DARK RIR chicks from Welp. I ordered 10 pullets and 2 roosters and had one DOA pullet in the DRIR. I also ordered 10 Barred Rock pullets with one DOA, and 5 EEs.

So I will try to post weekly update pics on how they turn out in color and size.



So Here we go:


Day ONE





Rooster

The Yellow ones are Freedom Rangers. The one with the white wings is a rooster.




Looking Down they are a lot darker than the "red" FRs

 

[3riverschick]

Hi,
Come on over here. Some veteran RIR breeders here. They're discussing depth of RIR color right now.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/400344/heritage-large-fowl-thread/7900
Best Success,
Karen

 

[denasfarm]

Hi,
Come on over here. Some veteran RIR breeders here. They're discussing depth of RIR color right now.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/400344/heritage-large-fowl-thread/7900
Best Success,
Karen

Thanks I will check it out! Looks like a Loooooong thread! It will take me a while to catch up on that one!

 

[denasfarm]

Has anyone else ordered the DARK rhode island reds from Welp/Privett?? NOT the PLAIN/regular ones the DARK ones! I am interested in your experience and pictures.

They hatched 11/28/2012 so this will be their 3rd day.

This one is a bit lighter in color.



The darkest hen chick on right...Notice wing feathers are different than her sister!


Roo Chicks Both have WHITE chests and Wings! Although the Wing Feathers seem to be coming in Reddish.


Roos


Roos again Dark red Back but White Wings/chest concerns me!


Three random hen chicks

 

[denasfarm]

Day 7 Pics Feathers growing in nicely but they are no different than a regular RIR in color so far. I am hoping when they molt into adult plumage they will be that deep mahogany color I thought I bought! The Roos still have a LOT of white and some residual blue ink on the heads.

 

[popsicle]

I've gotten the regular RIR from Welp/Privett, and I'd say yours are darker than mine ever were. I'm very interested in seeing how your birds turn out--be sure to keep us posted!

 

[denasfarm]

Pics 12/ 16 /12
Sorry, I didn't separate them today. (Black ones are Barred Rocks and Brown ones are EEs)


Some do seem darker now and The Roosters are improving in color.





The darkest pullet chick.





Rooster peeking from the bottom.





Rooster in middle, white spots turning red.

 

[tadkerson]

The RIR with the white wings are males. RIR and New Hamps can be be produced so that males have white wing patches (usually much smaller) and females have very small or no wing patches.

Tim

 

[denasfarm]

I didn't forget! It hasn't stopped raining here in a month and it just looks so gloomy outside to take pics. I hope to get some better ones if the sun comes out this weekend My phone camera just doesn't do good without the sun shining!
Heres some makeshift pics of the babies at seven weeks:

 

[denasfarm]

Heres a few from today. These are the sweetest RIR I have ever owned. They Are not flighty and will let me pick them all up and line them up on a perch. The Rocks and EEs are not as nice which is surprising since they are all in the same pen.

Dark RIR chicks 1/19/13 at 7 weeks