Rhode Island Red — Day-Old Chicks
Rhode Island Red — Day-Old Chicks
NPIP Certified Hatchery - License #51-770
- 200–300 Eggs/Year
- Large Brown Eggs
- 18–20 Weeks to Lay
🐣 Next Available Hatch· July 28 · 98 Remaining
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📦 Learn how we carefully pack and ship your chicks →
If there's one breed that defined American backyard poultry, it's the Rhode Island Red. Hardy, productive, and adaptable — the RIR has been the go-to laying hen for generations of farmers and backyard keepers alike. There's a reason it's still one of the most popular breeds in the country.
Why backyard keepers love them:
- 🥚 250–300 large brown eggs per year — one of the top-producing heritage breeds, consistently reliable season after season
- 🪶 Deep mahogany red plumage — a bold, classic look that's instantly recognizable
- ❄️ Extremely cold-hardy — built tough for all climates, from New England winters to Southern summers
- 🐓 Friendly and beginner-friendly — calm enough to handle easily, independent enough to thrive with minimal fuss
- 🌿 Dual-purpose heritage breed — excellent layers that also produce a quality table bird
What to expect from Chesapeake Hatchery chicks:
Our Rhode Island Reds are selected from production-focused heritage lines for consistent egg output, correct type, and hardy temperament. Chicks are vaccinated for Marek's Disease and backed by our live arrival guarantee. A proven breed for a reason — these birds simply work.
Weeks to first egg: 18–20 weeks
Egg size: Large
Egg color: Brown
America's favorite laying hen — reserve your Rhode Island Red chicks for the next hatch.
Breed specifications
Breed specifications
Chick care overview
Chick care overview
Brooder temperature: Start at 95°F for the first week, reducing by 5°F each week until fully feathered.
Food & water: Offer chick starter feed and fresh water immediately. Dip each chick's beak gently into the water on arrival to encourage drinking.
Hydration boost: We include hydration supplements in your shipment — add to water for the first 24–48 hours to help chicks recover from transit.
Space: Allow at least 0.5 sq ft per chick in the brooder for the first few weeks.
Watch for: Huddling under the heat source (too cold), panting or moving away from heat (too warm). Active, spread-out chicks are happy chicks.
For detailed care guides, visit our FAQs.
Shipping
Shipping
Your chicks ship in a USPS-approved live animal box designed specifically for safe poultry transport, complete with soft bedding, temperature control packing, and hydration supplements for the journey.
We take immeasurable care in every shipment — each box is packed with your flock's safe arrival as our top priority.
We ship USPS Priority Express only — the fastest available service, with live animal handling and typically overnight delivery.
Shipping Rates (flat rate, nationwide):
Up to 25 chicks — $57
Up to 50 chicks — $67
Up to 100 chicks — $77
Minimum order is 6 chicks for safe temperature regulation during transit.
Local Pickup — Wednesdays in Maryland
No shipping fee · No minimum order
Live Arrival Guarantee
We stand behind every shipment. In the rare event that any chicks do not survive transit, you will receive a full refund for those chicks — no questions asked.
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