Breed Profile: New Hampshire

Photo of Kassandra Smith

Kassandra Smith

Senior Editor • Backyard Chicken Coops

Last Updated: 18 July 2020

New Hampshire Red chicken

The New Hampshire, named after its place of origin, New Hampshire State in the New England region of USA is a dual purpose, family friendly chicken.  The hens are placid, good mothers and easy to tame which makes the New Hampshire chicken a great breed for families with children of all ages. 

HISTORY

  • Class: New Hampshire state in the New England region of  USA
  • Size: 2.9 - 3.9kg
  • Rarity: Rare
  • Purpose: Dual Purpose chicken, selected more for meat production than egg production.

EGG FACTS

  • Some strains lay eggs of a dark brown shell color
  • 120 Eggs Annually

FEATURES

They possess a deep, broad body, grow feathers very rapidly, are prone to go broody and make good mothers. Most pinfeathers are reddish buff in color and, therefore, do not detract from the carcass appearance very much. The color is a medium to light red and often fades in the sunshine. The comb is single and medium to large in size; in the females it often lops over a bit.

BACKYARD BEHAVIOUR

  • Hardy in Winter: Yes
  • Especially Docile: Yes
  • Setter/Broody:
  • Personality:  The hens lay well and are placid and friendly and are therefore easy to tame. They thrive in a run or wandering free and as they are not good fliers, they do not need particularly high fencing. They are not aggressive towards each other and are tolerant creatures
  • Family Friendly Rating: 4/5
  • Other Chicken Breeds with a high Family Friendly Rating: Orpington, Rhode Island Red, ISA Brown, Polish & Barred Plymouth Rock

Want to know more? Have a sticky beak at our 5 reasons to love New Hampshire Reds here! 

Whether you love the New Hampshire Reds or are impressed by the Leghorns, there are so many brilliant breeds to consider before making the final decision for your fab flock. It can be eggstremely overwhelming to find the perfect breed for your family. From looks, to traits to egg-laying talents - where should you begin?

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Sources and further reading