Rhode Island Red Club of America • Education
Build your eye.
Breed with purpose.
Practical study for people who want to understand Standardbred Rhode Island Reds.
Promoting Standardbred Rhode Island Reds Since 1898
Featured web reading edition • By Carey Blackmon
Breeding Rhode Island Reds to Standard
A beautiful red chicken isn’t necessarily a Rhode Island Red bred to Standard. Learn what separates ordinary birds from exceptional Reds—and how generations of breeders got it right.
Fifteen illustrated chapters take you from Carey's first hard lesson with Rip Stalvey to body type, plumage, shank color, mating plans, records, and the people who preserved the Reds. Historical photographs are credited and read in their original context.
Find your starting point
Study. Observe. Apply.
Learn to see the bird
Study overall body, width, balance, feather color, and details before making a selection.
Body and type →Understand inheritance
Separate pigment biology, visible appearance, and the evidence a mating can actually provide.
Shank color and genetics →Plan the next generation
Build mating records and evaluate family results with practical worked examples.
Mating and selection →Use the current American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection and applicable corrections for official requirements. This original field book offers practical interpretation, historical context, and exercises; it does not replace the Standard.
Read on the website. No downloadable manuscript PDF is offered. Illustration credits and source notes appear at the end of the book.