Mary Allen
The Rhodeland was once one of the most widespread chicken breeds and was also shown in hundreds at large poultry shows in Switzerland. Today, a small circle of enthusiasts ensures the continued existence of this original economic breed.
The Rhodeland was once one of the most widespread chicken breeds and was also shown in hundreds at large poultry shows in Switzerland. Today, a small circle of enthusiasts ensures the continued existence of this original economic breed.
The smallest state in the USA lies between Boston and New York. A little over a million people live in Rhode Island. The city on the coast was of great importance, especially during shipping times. This is how the ancestors of the Rhode Island Reds poultry breed got there. Even today, visitors can admire the monument from 1925, which draws attention to the powerful tusk.
In Switzerland, the chickens have always been called Rhode Island. However, with the introduction of the European standard, the name was changed to the Rhodeland, as they were always called in Germany. The first animals arose in 1860 from crosses between Red Malayan fighters and other breeds of Asian origin. The first single-combed Rhodeland horses were included in the American standard in 1904. Shortly thereafter followed the variant with the rose comb.
The breed quickly spread around the world. In 1901 the red chickens were introduced in Germany. And they were soon to be seen in Switzerland as well. More than 600 animals were shown at the National Poultry Show in 1932. Enthusiasts continued to increase until the breed was supplanted fifty years ago by the advent of hybrid chickens due to their lower economic viability. Even then, there were always dwarf Rhodeland horses at the exhibitions, which, like their big brothers, did not originate in the USA, but in Germany. In terms of breed characteristics, the dwarf breed resembles its large relative. The only difference is in body size.
A Hardy Breed
The Rhodelanders are considered climate-resistant chickens. The chicks grow quickly and are insensitive. Among lovers, they are considered trusting animals with lively facial expressions. It is best to give this breed plenty of exercises so that it can look for and use as much food as possible itself. The brooding trait was bred away so they lay as many eggs as possible. The laying performance should remain high for several years. With constant laying control, the laying activity can always be increased. According to the chronicle of the Swiss Rhode Island Club, the first animals are said to have laid more than 200 eggs per year as early as 1932. As determined at the time by the state-certified laying control station, there were hens that laid 247 eggs a year with an average weight of 63 grams.
At that time, the breeds were also tested for their mountain suitability and so Rhodelanders were kept on the highest commercial breed poultry house in Europe, at the mountain station of the Eiger Glacier, at over 2300 meters above sea level. The animals passed the test and laid eggs even in winter when it got down to minus 28 degrees. If you look at the animals from the side, they should show a brick shape that consists of five parts in length and three parts in height. The chest is carried low and the back is horizontal. This body shape provides enough space for the laying apparatus. With a bodyweight of three to four kilos, the rooster reaches an imposing body size, which for a two-hen also underlines its characteristics as a meat hen.
Dark Red, Glossy Feathers
In Switzerland, Rhodelanders have always been bred with a standing comb. If possible, it should show five even points, and the crest should follow the nape. The rose-comb variant was only recognized in Switzerland with the introduction of the European standard. A firmly attached comb without a furrow with a short thorn is desired with this comb variant. The Rhodelanders show orange-yellow legs with reddish-brown scales. Matching this, the plumage presents itself in an even dark red tint. A light red or spotted plumage will be penalized at exhibitions with a deduction of points. The poultry judge is delighted by the intensive shine of the plumage. The inner flag of the secondaries as well as the control and sickle feathers are black. The Rhodeland, on the other hand, was only ever bred in one color.
In Switzerland, there has been a special association for more than a hundred years that promotes the breed of chickens. In the club’s history, there were once even two clubs, but due to a large number of members, subgroups were still run so that the breeders in the different parts of the country could organize themselves individually. Today, the club still has around two dozen members who help newcomers with the sale of breeding stock and advice on Rhodeland keeping.