New Hampshire
Gallus gallus domesticus
✨ Fun Fact
New Hampshires were one of the breeds used in the 'Chicken of Tomorrow' contest in 1948 — the USDA-sponsored competition that set the blueprint for the modern broiler industry and ultimately led to today's commercial meat chickens.
Developed in the state of New Hampshire from selected Rhode Island Red stock in the early 20th century, with breeders emphasising faster feathering, earlier maturity, and heavier body weight. New Hampshires are a warm chestnut-red — slightly lighter than Rhode Island Reds — and are productive layers of brown eggs that also reach table weight faster than most heritage breeds. Their rapid growth made them an important component of early broiler (meat chicken) industry development in the USA.
🏷️ Breed
New Hampshire
💭 Temperament
Active, confident, hardy, slightly more assertive than RIRs
📏 Size
Large (2.7-3.6 kg)
⏳ Lifespan
5-8 years
🎨 Colors
Chestnut-red with black tail; lighter and brighter than Rhode Island Red
🌍 Origin
USA — New Hampshire; developed 1910–1935 from Rhode Island Red
🏠 Habitat
Free-range or enclosed run; adaptable and cold-hardy
🍽️ Diet
Layer pellets; good forager on pasture
🎯 Purpose
Dual Purpose
🥚 Egg Colour
Brown
👑 Comb Type
Single
🏅 EE Class
Large Fowl