Rhodebars
Rhodebars are an autosexing breed that were first created in the 1930's. In an effort to produce a fowl that was capable of laying well, and with the added advantage of being sexable at hatching, a number of breeds had the barring gene "added" to them. Thus, there came about breeds such as Rhodebars (barred Rhode Island Reds), Wybars (barred Silver Laced Wyandottes), Welbars (barred Welsumers), Legbars (barred Leghorns) and the list goes on. They are considered to be a purebreed of poultry as they breed true - each generation looks like the former. Standards exist in the UK for many of the Autosexing breeds, where they are still reasonably popular. The autosexing breeds almost died out with the introduction of the commercial hybrids which became the industry standard for egg production.
I have been developing my own line of Rhodebars for 5 years, starting with a utility line of Rhode Island Reds and some Dark Barred Plymouth Rock hens. I currently have purebred Rhodebar pullets and cockerels. (The cockerels require 2 copies of the barring gene to be purebred). I'm hoping that this years chicks will be at least 80% sexable by 1 week of age. Fingers crossed!
They are attractive copper coloured birds, becoming friendly with handling. They lay well and the cockerels are meaty enough for the table. They are not an overly broody breed, but some will go clucky, and will easily brood and rear a large clutch of chicks.
They are still in the development stage but are coming along well. The cockerel pictured below is impure for the barring gene.
I have been developing my own line of Rhodebars for 5 years, starting with a utility line of Rhode Island Reds and some Dark Barred Plymouth Rock hens. I currently have purebred Rhodebar pullets and cockerels. (The cockerels require 2 copies of the barring gene to be purebred). I'm hoping that this years chicks will be at least 80% sexable by 1 week of age. Fingers crossed!
They are attractive copper coloured birds, becoming friendly with handling. They lay well and the cockerels are meaty enough for the table. They are not an overly broody breed, but some will go clucky, and will easily brood and rear a large clutch of chicks.
They are still in the development stage but are coming along well. The cockerel pictured below is impure for the barring gene.