New Hampshire Red

New Hampshire Red chicken standing in grass

In the early 1900s, breeders who were trying to create a faster growing chicken chose to focus on selecting for the trait using the Rhode Island Red. After years of work, a different breed emerged — the New Hampshire. This fast-growing breed produces large eggs, but is more known for its meat. The protein they provided was important during WWII. It’s classified as a heavy breed and has a single comb.

Color
Red
Skin Color
Yellow
Lifespan
About 5 to 8 years
Weight
6.5 to 8.5 pounds

Origin

The New Hampshire Red originated with breeders in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. It can be bossy or friendly and is sometimes broody.

Housing And Care

Housing for the New Hampshire is the same as all chickens need. A chicken coop or shed must provide safety, perches, nest boxes, room to move, be dry, and be ventilated but not drafty. It must contain accessories, such as water and food dispensers. Chickens also require an area for dust bathing, which could be in a run that is part of the coop, attached to the coop, or a fenced area adjacent to the coop.

Food is another basic necessity. Nutritious food is a must. Some chicken breeds also forage when given access to safe, fenced-in areas. Foraging is enjoyable and a fun activity for some breeds, but foraging can never take the place of nutritious chicken food. Supplements also help for different needs. We humbly suggest Booster Berries Enrich for egg laying support, Booster Berries Radiate for feather health, and Booster Berries Senior for older chickens.

Showing And Personality

The New Hampshire was recognized by the American Poultry Association in 1935. It is available in both bantam and large fowl sizes. The New Hampshire is listed as Threatened on the Conservation Priority List published by The Livestock Conservancy.

All chickens are individuals. Temperament, noise level, egg production, size, and other characteristics can vary. Chickens typically live 7 to 9 years. The information below is for the large fowl New Hampshire, not the smaller bantam.