History and Origin
- Origin: Developed in the United States, specifically in Rhode Island, around the early 20th century.
- Development: Created by crossing White Leghorns, White Wyandottes, and Partridge Cochins.
- Recognition: Recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA) in 1922.
Characteristics
- Appearance: As the name suggests, Rhode Island Whites have pure white feathers.
- Size: They are similar in size to Rhode Island Reds, with roosters weighing around 8.5 pounds (3.9 kg) and hens about 6.5 pounds (3 kg).
- Combs and Wattles: They typically have rose combs, which help reduce the risk of frostbite in colder climates. Their wattles are red and medium-sized.
Temperament
- Behavior: Known for being hardy and robust, Rhode Island Whites can adapt to various climates.
- Temperament: They are generally calm and friendly birds, making them suitable for backyard flocks.
Production
- Eggs: Rhode Island Whites are excellent layers, producing large brown eggs. Hens can lay around 200-250 eggs per year.
- Meat: They are also good meat birds, similar to Rhode Island Reds.
Uses
- Dual-Purpose: Rhode Island Whites are considered a dual-purpose breed, suitable for both egg and meat production.
- Backyard Flocks: They are popular among backyard chicken keepers and small farmers due to their productivity and calm nature.
Care
- Feeding: They require a balanced diet, including layer feed for hens in production.
- Housing: They need a secure coop to protect them from predators and adverse weather.
- Health: Generally healthy, but should be monitored for common poultry diseases and parasites.
Comparison with Rhode Island Red
- Color: The most obvious difference is the color of their plumage; Rhode Island Whites are pure white, while Rhode Island Reds are a deep red.
- Comb Type: Rhode Island Whites usually have rose combs, whereas Rhode Island Reds typically have single combs.
- Production: Both breeds are excellent layers and good for meat, but the Reds are slightly more renowned for their egg production.
The Rhode Island White, like the Rhode Island Red, is a versatile and valuable breed for poultry keepers, known for its excellent production qualities, hardiness, and ease of care.