TYPES OF RHODE ISLAND REDS

There are two main types of Rhode Island Reds and depending on one’s preference,
the quality of the bird always depends on colors.  The original exhibition type and
production type which is broken into sub-categories. As mentioned, there is no US
or UK type. There is only one source and that is America but there are several
quality types based on color and conservation. 

A. Exhibition or Show Type

According to Cackle Hatchery, exhibition type RIR is extremely rare in the US.
Cackle Hatchery, one of the leading hatcheries for heritage breeds in the US has
been doing business since 1936 but it was only since last year (2019) that they
started breeding the original exhibition type RIR due to the shortage of parent
stocks. The exhibition type is the pure heritage Rhode Island Red.

It’s former website before the September 2020 update says:

“Production Type Rhode Island Reds soon became the norm, while the show type
grew increasingly rare. In 2019, Cackle Hatchery® began breeding the original
exhibition type. We acquired our start from Rhode Island Red breeder Ruth Lee
Caron. Her strain came from Grand Master Exhibitor Lloyd Flanagan of Texas.
Flanagan has worked with his bloodline for more than 30 years and was inducted
into the Rhode Island Red Club Hall of Fame in 2001. His bloodline maintains the
original rich color, brick shape, docile nature, and broodiness. Exhibition Rhode
Island Reds are popular in showrooms and often appear on Champion Row.”
The original exhibition type has a dark and shiny mahogany plumage
and is a bit smaller compared to the hatchery or production type. 

Is the so-called show/exhibition type RIR sold in the Philippines legit?

Well, it depends on how you scrutinize the bird. There might be some legit but
there are also fake. We’ve seen several birds sold online claiming to be show type
but upon taking a closer look, some have white legs and shanks, some are mixed of
RIR and Black Australorp giving the chicken very dark plumage. 

The photo below is an example of a standard show type RIR. Show type RIR’s
plumage can be darker than this but not too dark.  If you are offered a show-type
RIR, you may refer to this photo as a reference.