- Rhode Island White
The Rhode Island White is a
breed ofchicken originating in theU.S. state ofRhode Island . Rhode Island Whites are a dual-purpose fowl suitable for both meat and egg production. Males weigh 8.5 pounds (3.9 kilos) and hens weigh 6.5 pounds (3 kilos). They have a single variety, with pure white plumage, redwattles and earlobes, and a medium size rose comb. Despite their very similar names and shared place of origin, the Rhode Island White is a distinct breed from theRhode Island Red . However, Rhode Island Reds and Whites can be bred together to create RedSex Link hybrid chickens, such as theISA Brown .History
Rhode Island Whites arose from the work of J. Alonzo Jocoy of
Peacedale, Rhode Island , which began in 1888. Developed through crosses of Partridge Cochins, White Wyandottes, and the rose comb type ofWhite Leghorn , it was solidified as a breed by 1903. It was first accepted in to the American Poultry Association'sStandard of Perfection in 1922. Moderately popular up until the 1960's, it is now a relatively rare fowl. It is listed on theAmerican Livestock Breeds Conservancy as a breed to watch, with less than 3,000 birds known to have existed circa 2003. Like most standard breeds, it also appears in a bantam variety.References
*
*External links
* [http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/CGP/Reds/BRKRIW.html RI Whites at feathersite]
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.