New Hampshire Red

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Egg color brown
Eggs / year 220
Egg size large
Purpose dual
Class American
Size large
Hen weight 6.5 lbs
Rooster weight 8.5 lbs
Temperament aggressive layer, competitive
Noise level moderate
Origin USA
Lifespan 6-8 yrs

About the New Hampshire Red

New Hampshire Reds are medium-sized birds with rich red feathers and a robust build. They are known for their friendly and active nature, making them suitable for backyard settings. This breed matures faster than Rhode Island Reds and offers excellent egg production, typically laying medium to large brown eggs.

History

Developed in the 1930s in New Hampshire, this breed emerged from local Rhode Island Reds and other breeds. It quickly gained popularity due to its dual-purpose capabilities in both meat and egg production, leading to its spread across the United States.

Care tips

New Hampshire Reds are hardy birds that thrive in various climates, but they appreciate some shelter from extreme weather. They are not particularly broody, making them less reliable for hatching eggs, and they enjoy roaming space for foraging. Regular interaction can enhance their friendly disposition.

Color varieties

chestnut red

Fun facts

  • New Hampshire Reds were developed in the 1930s as a faster-maturing alternative to Rhode Island Reds.
  • They are known for their calm temperament, making them great for families and novice keepers.
  • This breed performs well in free-range settings, taking advantage of their foraging instincts.
  • New Hampshire Reds can lay over 200 eggs per year, making them prolific layers.
Written by the ChickenCoops.ai Editorial Team
Written by our team of backyard chicken keepers and community moderators, and checked against published poultry husbandry guidance and our own breed and disease datasets. This is general keeping information, not veterinary advice. Call a vet for a sick bird. Last reviewed November 8, 2026.
Found on NexURLs
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