Red chicken breeds are a popular choice among backyard chicken enthusiasts and farmers alike.
These breeds are known for their striking appearance and can range from a blushing rose color to a deep crimson.
In addition to their beautiful feathers, many red chicken breeds are also excellent egg layers and can produce meat, making them a versatile choice for those looking to raise chickens.
In this article, we will discuss 14 of the top red chicken breeds, with pictures, and their characteristics.
There is sure to be at least one red chicken breed that stands out to you and will fit well with your backyard flock.
Top Red Chicken Breeds
When it comes to chicken breeds, red is a popular color choice for many backyard chicken enthusiasts.
Red chicken breeds are not only beautiful, but they are also known for their hardiness, egg-laying abilities, and friendly personalities.
Here are some of the top red chicken breeds:
1. Rhode Island Red
The Rhode Island Red is one of the most popular red chicken breeds around.
They are known for their hardiness and excellent egg-laying abilities, producing up to 300 large brown eggs per year.
They have deep red feathers with some shades of black mixed in.
These chickens are not known for having many health issues and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures.
Rhode Island Reds are also friendly and easy to handle, making them an excellent choice for families with children and beginner chicken keepers.
| Color: | Dark red |
| Weight: | Hens: 6.5 lbs, Roosters: 8.5 lbs |
| Purpose: | Dual purpose (meat and eggs) |
| Egg Color: | Brown |
| Egg Production: | 200-300 per year (5-6 per week) |
2. Welsummer
Welsummers are a Dutch breed that is known for their dark, terracotta-colored eggs.
They have beautiful reddish-brown feathers with golden-brown neck feathers and a deep red-colored face.
Welsummers are also known for being friendly and easy to handle and they make a great option for beginners.
Keep in mind that these chickens can be quite loud and they do best with lots of space to forage and roam. They are better suited for rural homesteads and farms.
| Color: | Reddish-brown |
| Weight: | Hens: 5 lbs, Roosters: 7 lbs |
| Purpose: | Dual purpose (meat and eggs) |
| Egg Color: | Terracotta red to dark brown |
| Egg Production: | 160-250 per year (3-4 per week) |
3. New Hampshire Red
The New Hampshire Red is a popular breed for both meat and egg production.
They are hardy and can withstand cold temperatures, making them a great choice for backyard flocks in colder climates.
They also have a friendly personality and are easy to handle.
New Hampshire Reds have a very similar appearance to the Rhode Island Red but are a lighter red color.
They are a medium-sized chicken that is used for both meat and egg production.
| Color: | Light red feathers |
| Weight: | 6-7 lbs, Roosters: 8-9 lbs |
| Purpose: | Dual Purpose |
| Egg Color: | Brown |
| Egg Production: | 150-200 per year (3-4 per week) |
4. Red Star
Red Stars, also known as Red Sex Links, are a hybrid breed that is known for their excellent egg-laying abilities.
They are a cross between a Rhode Island Red and a White Plymouth Rock.
This breed has red-brown feathers with some white speckles throughout their plumage.
Red Star chickens are known for their friendly personalities and easygoing nature, making them great pets or an excellent addition to backyard flocks.
| Color: | Red-brown |
| Weight: | Hens: 6 lbs, Roosters: 7 lbs |
| Purpose: | Dual purpose (meat and eggs) |
| Egg Color: | Brown |
| Egg Production: | 250-300 per year (5-6 per week) |
5. ISA Brown
Although they have the word “brown” in their name, ISA Brown chickens are actually an extremely popular red chicken breed.
These chickens are a hybrid breed that is known for their excellent egg-laying abilities.
A healthy ISA Brown hen can lay upwards of 300 eggs per year, which is about 6 eggs per week!
They are a sex-link breed, meaning they are easily sexed right after hatching.
These birds are known for their friendly personalities, easygoing nature, and of course, their beautiful red plumage.
| Color: | Red |
| Weight: | Hens: 5 lbs, Roosters: 6 lbs |
| Purpose: | Egg production |
| Egg Color: | Brown |
| Egg Production: | 250-300 per year (5-6 per week) |
6. Red Orpington
Orpington chickens are a popular breed of chicken that are known for their beautiful plumage and friendly personalities.
Fortunately for us, these wonderful birds come in a dazzling red color that is sure to bring a pop of color to any backyard flock.
One of the great things about Red Orpington chickens is that they are very docile and friendly.
They are known for being great with children and are often used as show birds because of their calm and gentle nature.
These chickens are also very hardy and they can tolerate both hot and cold weather, which makes them a great choice for those who live in areas with extreme weather conditions.
| Color: | Deep red |
| Weight: | Hens: 6-8 lbs, Roosters: 8-10 lbs |
| Purpose: | Dual Purpose |
| Egg Color: | Brown |
| Egg Production: | 150-200 per year (3-4 per week) |
7. Red Leghorn
Red Leghorns are a Mediterranean breed that is known for their excellent egg-laying abilities.
This breed is typically known for being a white chicken breed, however, they can also be found with deep red and brown feathers.
They are a hardy breed that can tolerate warmer temperatures.
However, this breed is known to be skittish and does not like to be handled, which means they don’t typically do well around kids or other pets.
| Color: | Red |
| Weight: | 5 lbs, Roosters: 8 lbs |
| Purpose: | Eggs |
| Egg Color: | White |
| Egg Production: | 280-320 per year (5-6 per week) |
8. Red Cochin Bantam
Red Cochin Bantams, like other bantam breeds, are a smaller version of their standard breed.
In this case, they are the smaller version of the regular-sized Cochin breed.
They are known for their puffy, red plumage, making them one of the fluffiest chicken breeds around.
These chickens are easy-going and have friendly personalities.
They are also great for families with children as they don’t mind being handled and actually make great lap chickens.
Red Cochin Bantams only lay a few eggs per week, however, they make excellent mothers and will hatch eggs with no problem.
| Color: | Red |
| Weight: | Hens: 1-2 lbs, Roosters: 2-2.5 lbs |
| Purpose: | Ornamental |
| Egg Color: | Brown |
| Egg Production: | 100-150 per year (2-3 per week) |
9. Nankin Bantam
Nankin Bantams are a small, British breed that is known for their beautiful, red plumage.
These chickens are considered to be a vintage breed, as they have been around for a very long time.
This breed is tiny but they are hardy and are very calm and docile.
Nankin Bantams often go broody and make great mothers. They will even sit on other breeds’ eggs and hatch them as their own!
They are a great addition to any backyard flock and are known for their friendly personalities.
| Color: | Red with black tail feathers |
| Weight: | Hens: 1-1.5 lbs, Roosters: 1.5-2 lbs |
| Purpose: | Ornamental |
| Egg Color: | Cream or white |
| Egg Production: | 100-150 eggs per year (2-3 per week) |
10. Production Red
Production Reds are a hybrid breed that is known for their excellent egg-laying abilities.
They are a cross between Rhode Island Reds and New Hampshire Reds and are known for their hardiness and friendly personalities.
These birds closely resemble Rhode Island Reds with just a few differences in appearance.
Their feather color can range from a light, pale red to a dark mahogany.
Production Red chickens are a dual-purpose breed but can lay up to 300 eggs per year with the right conditions.
| Color: | Light red to dark red (varies) |
| Weight: | Hens: 6 lbs, Roosters: 8 lbs |
| Purpose: | Dual purpose |
| Egg Color: | Brown |
| Egg Production: | 250-300 per year (5-6 per year) |
11. Red Frizzle Cochin Bantam
Red Frizzle Cochin Bantams are a smaller version of the standard Cochin breed.
Frizzle chickens have fluffy feathers that curve outward instead of laying flat on their bodies.
Red Frizzle Cochin Bantam chickens are known for their fluffy, frizzled, red plumage that makes them a unique addition to any flock.
Although they aren’t very good egg layers, they make up for it with their sweet, docile personalities.
They are also great for families with children and make great lap chickens.
| Color: | Red |
| Weight: | Hens: 1-2 lbs, Roosters: 1.5-2 lbs |
| Purpose: | Ornamental |
| Egg Color: | Cream or white |
| Egg Production: | 100-150 eggs per year (2-3 per week) |
12. Buckeye
Buckeyes are an American breed that is known for their hardiness and excellent egg-laying abilities.
They have a beautiful, dark red plumage and can tolerate a wide range of different temperatures.
These birds are known to be fearless and will gladly follow you around your yard if allowed to free range.
They are curious and energetic and are even known to pursue and kill mice around the yard.
Buckeye chickens have amazing personalities, however, they can be slightly more difficult to find as they are now considered an endangered breed.
| Color: | Deep red |
| Weight: | Hens: 6.5 lbs, Roosters: 9 lbs |
| Purpose: | Dual purpose |
| Egg Color: | Brown |
| Egg Production: | 180-250 eggs per year (3-4 per week) |
13. Red Silkies
Red Silkies are a unique breed that is known for their fluffy, red plumage and friendly personalities.
Most other chicken breeds have four toes on each foot, but Silkies have five toes on each foot with unique blue earlobes and black skin and bones.
They are extremely sweet and docile, making them great for families with children and other pets.
They are also known for their excellent brooding abilities and make great mothers.
| Color: | Light red |
| Weight: | Hens: 1.5 lbs, Rooster: 2.5 lbs |
| Purpose: | Ornamental |
| Egg Color: | Cream or tinted white |
| Egg Production: | 100-120 per year (2-3 per week) |
14. Whiting True Green
Whiting True Greens are a hybrid breed that is neither white nor green.
However, they are a beautiful light reddish-chestnut color and are known to lay lots of beautiful green eggs each year.
A healthy Whiting True Green hen can lay upwards of 300 eggs per year.
They have very friendly personalities and are extremely easygoing, making them excellent additions to any backyard flock.
| Color: | Reddish-chestnut feathers |
| Weight: | 4 lbs, Roosters: 7 lbs |
| Purpose: | Eggs |
| Egg Color: | Olive green |
| Egg Production: | 250-300 per year (5-6 per week) |
15. Derbyshire Redcap
Derbyshire Redcaps are a British breed that is known for their unique appearance.
They have dark red plumage with brown or black feathers surrounding their chest and tail.
This is a dual-purpose breed, used for both meat and eggs, however, they are widely known for their excellent egg-laying abilities.
| Color: | Red and black feathers |
| Weight: | Hens: 6 lbs, Roosters: 7.5 lbs |
| Purpose: | Dual purpose |
| Egg Color: | White |
| Egg Production: | 150-200 per year (3-4 per week) |
Which Red Chicken Breed is Right for You?
Red chicken breeds are popular among poultry farmers and backyard chicken keepers for their beauty, hardiness, and egg-laying capabilities.
These breeds are characterized by their red, chestnut, cinnamon, soft sun-set, or deep mahogany plumage.
They come in different sizes, shapes, and temperaments, making them suitable for various purposes.
Red chicken breeds are also popular for meat production, with some breeds being specifically bred for this purpose.
In addition to their practical uses, red chicken breeds are also popular for their beauty and ornamental value.
Choosing the right chicken breed is crucial for successful chicken keeping and when it comes to red chicken breeds, there are several options to choose from.
Here are some factors to consider when deciding which red chicken breed is right for you:
Purpose
The first factor to consider is the purpose of your flock.
Are you planning on raising chickens for eggs, meat, or both?
If you are looking for a breed that lays a lot of eggs, then the Rhode Island Red, the New Hampshire Red, and the Red Star are good options.
If you are looking for a breed that is good for meat, then the Buckeye and the Welsummer are worth considering.
Climate
Different chicken breeds have different levels of cold and heat tolerance.
If you live in a cold climate, then you need a breed that can withstand the cold.
The Buckeye, the Rhode Island Red, and the New Hampshire Red are all good cold-hardy breeds.
If you live in a hot climate, then you need a breed that can handle the heat.
The Red Star and the Welsummer are both good options for hot climates.
Personality
Some chicken breeds are more friendly and docile than others.
If you are looking for a breed that is good with children and easy to handle, then the Rhode Island Red, the Nankin Bantam, and the Red Star are all good options.
If you are looking for a breed that is more independent and less likely to be handled, then the Buckeye and the Red Leghorn are better choices.
Appearance
Finally, appearance is a large factor to consider.
Red chicken breeds come in different shades of red, ranging from light to dark, chestnut to mahogany.
The Rhode Island Red and the New Hampshire Red have a deep mahogany color, while the Red Star has a lighter, more golden color.
The Buckeye has a unique dark red color, and the Welsummer has a reddish-brown color with black speckles.
Overall, the best red chicken breed for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.
By considering the purpose, climate, personality, and appearance of different breeds, you can make an informed decision and choose the right breed for your flock.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of chickens are red?
There are several breeds of chickens that have red feathers.
Some of the most popular red chicken breeds include Rhode Island Red, New Hampshire Red, and Production Red.
Other breeds that may have red feathers include Buckeye, Red Star, and ISA Brown.
What is the most common red chicken?
The Rhode Island Red is the most common red chicken breed.
It is a dual-purpose breed that is known for its hardiness, good egg-laying ability, and meat quality.
Rhode Island Reds have a dark red plumage and are a popular choice among backyard chicken keepers.
What chicken breed is red and lays brown eggs?
Welsummers, Rhode Island Reds, New Hampshire Reds, Red Stars, and ISA Browns are a few red chicken breeds that lay brown eggs.
Most of these breeds are known for their good egg-laying abilities and are all popular choices among backyard chicken keepers.
What is the difference between Production Red and Rhode Island Red chickens?
Production Red chickens are a hybrid breed that is created by crossing Rhode Island Reds with other breeds.
They are bred for their egg-laying ability and are known for producing a high volume of eggs.
Rhode Island Reds, on the other hand, are a pure breed that is known for their dual-purpose qualities.
They are good for both meat and egg production and are hardier than Production Reds.