Rhode Island White chickens are often thought of as a different color variety of the Rhode Island Red. However, this is not simply a different color variety of the Rhode Island Red; this chicken is a unique breed all its own.
Breed Origins of the Rhode Island White
The Rhode Island White chicken was developed by crossing White Wyandottes and Partridge Cochins with the rose combed variety of the Leghorn.
The breed was first developed in the late nineteenth century in Peacedale, Rhode Island, by J. Alonso Jocoy. However, it was not admitted to the American Poultry Association (APA) Standard of Perfection until 1903.
Rhode Island White Chicken Appearance
As their name suggests, the Rhode Island White chicken sports snow-white feathers. Their bodies are brick-shaped and solid, giving the appearance of a good dual-purpose breed.
The chicken’s feet, legs, and beak should be bright yellow. Feet and leg color will fade, especially in laying hens as the bird ages.
Combs and wattles should be bright red and waxy, with the rose combed variety being much more popular than the single comb variety.
Like many other breeds, they also come in a bantam variety.
Standard Adult Rooster Weight: 8.5 pounds
Standard Adult Hen Weight: 6.5 pounds
Rhode Island White vs. Rhode Island Red
Rhode Island White chickens are not the same breed as the Rhode Island Red. Despite their similar breed names, these two chickens have so few resemblances that even their breed development has little in common.
Though the breed was supposed to resemble the Rhode Island Red in body type, its white feathers give it a distinct look.
While the two breeds are not related, they do share resemblances, including that both come in single and rose combed varieties. However, the rose combed Rhode Island White, is the only variety recognised by the APA.
Rarity and Sex Link Traits
The Rhode Island White chicken does not have the same popularity as the Rhode Island Red. A fairly rare breed, they are listed as Watch on the American Livestock Conservancy (Meaning there are fewer than three thousand birds in the show ring).
These rare chickens are best known for their ability to carry sex link genes, and can be bred with the Rhode Island Red to create the Red Sex Link.
The downside to owning this breed is that it is so rare that acquiring stock can prove tricky.
Note: Even though these chickens can be used to create a sex link chicken, it is important to know that these chickens are not sex links themselves.
Egg Production and Broodiness
Rhode Island White hens are an excellent choice for individuals living in cold climates, as they are both cold-hardy and lay well during the colder months.
Averaging two hundred to two hundred and fifty extra-large to jumbo light brown eggs (about four to five eggs per week), their egg outputs are compatible with other popular brown egg layers.
While they are good brown egg-laying chickens, if you are looking for a chicken to hatch and brood chicks, they are not the best choice, as these hens rarely go broody.
Raising Rhode Island White Chickens for Meat
When selecting these chickens for meat, be sure to buy from a breeder or hatchery that has a non-egg laying strain for best meat production.
Rhode Island Whites have white skin, which is a preferable trait in meat chickens, and makes processing the carcasses easier.
Roosters reach marketweight between the ages of twelve to sixteen weeks. Since the breed is a dual-purpose breed, many chicken keepers order straight run chicks and butcher the roosters and keep the hens for eggs.
Temperament and Personality
The Rhode Island White is a very friendly chicken with their human family. Hens have a docile personality and make good family pets. Both hens and roosters are hardy, gentle, and tolerate confinement well. While they do enjoy free ranging, use extreme caution as their white feathers make them easy for predators to spot.
Unlike the Rhode Island Red, Rhode Island White roosters are not prone to an aggressive nature. However, bear in mind that roosters of any breed may become aggressive, especially during the breeding season.
Keeping Rhode Island White Chickens in a Flock
Rhode Island White chickens require plenty of room in the coop, as they can be assertive in a mixed flock. While not all strains are prone to aggressive behavior, be sure to monitor your flock carefully for signs of aggression and bullying.
To prevent stress and bullying tendencies, provide them with a spacious coop and run. An overcrowded henhouse must be avoided at all times when owning these beautiful chickens, so be careful to plan your coop and run to be sure adequate space is available.
Final Thoughts
The Rhode Island White chicken is a versatile, cold-hardy, and friendly dual-purpose breed that deserves more attention in backyard and heritage flocks. With impressive egg production, excellent meat quality, and a calm temperament, this rare American breed makes an ideal choice for homesteaders looking to raise a sustainable, multi-purpose chicken. Although acquiring chicks may require some effort, their many benefits make them well worth the search.
This article was written for Hobby Farms and Chickens magazines. Click here to subscribe.
