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
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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:
- 🥚 200–300 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. Marek's Disease vaccination is optional and is not included in the chick price. Select the vaccination add-on when ordering if you would like your chicks vaccinated. Chicks are 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
Production
Hens lay approximately 200–300 large brown eggs per year. Actual output varies.
Maturity
Typically begins laying at 18–20 weeks. Timing varies by individual bird and growing conditions.
Temperament
Friendly and independent; individual temperament varies.
Appearance
Deep mahogany-red plumage.
Adaptability
Hardy and adaptable with suitable shelter.
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.
LIVE CHICK SHIPPING
6–14 chicks — $44.95
15–25 chicks — $39.95 — BEST VALUE
26–50 chicks — $79.95
51–100 chicks — $99.95
Minimum shipped order: 6 chicks • Mix & match breeds
Order 15–25 chicks and receive our lowest live-chick shipping rate.
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.
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