Heritage Breeds Can Be the Best Egg Laying Chickens

Today, the Rhode Island White is trying to regain its popularity and position itself in the backyard chicken movement. The breed is known to lay more than 240 large to extra-large, brown eggs per year. The Rhode Island White also has a reputation as a dual-purpose breed, making it a great option for a meat bird as well. Males average 8 1/2 pounds and females average 6 1/2 pounds. Rhode Island Whites are said to have a mellow disposition, and they don’t tend to go broody. They are a hardy, productive breed that also is an excellent layer of winter eggs. The Rhode Island White is making its comeback, but it needs quality stewards to ensure its future in agriculture.  

Carolina born and raised, Jennifer Kendall resides in Raleigh, North Carolina, and dreams of one day owning some of these heritage breeds. 

About ALBC

The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy is a nonprofit membership organization working to protect more than 180 breeds of livestock and poultry from extinction. Founded in 1977, ALBC is the pioneer organization in the United States working to conserve historic breeds and genetic diversity in livestock. ALBC’s mission is to ensure the future of agriculture through genetic conservation and the promotion of endangered breeds of livestock and poultry.

Membership in the organization is $35 per year. For more information or to join, call 919-542-5704 or visit The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.