Rhodebars are a rare and unique breed of autosexing chickens that originated in the UK in 1947 through careful breeding. Initially known as Redbars, they were later renamed Rhodebars to reflect their Rhode Island Red lineage.
These chickens boast a distinctive appearance, characterized by a full breast, deep, broad body, and a long back. Their plumage is a rich reddish hue with fine buff barring, creating a striking and attractive pattern. Sporting a single upright comb, rounded wattles, and a short beak, Rhodebars exhibit a classic chicken profile. Their legs and feet are typically yellow, and they possess four toes. Notably, their tails are small with a distinct black tip to the feathers.
One of the notable features of Rhodebars is their autosexing trait, which makes it relatively straightforward to determine the sex of day-old chicks. Male chicks typically have yellow coloring, while females display dark stripes or barring down their backs. As adults, Rhodebars closely resemble Rhode Island Reds in both shape and coloration, but they can be distinguished by the black tip on their tails.
Renowned for their unique appearance and autosexing characteristic, Rhodebars are prized among poultry enthusiasts for their striking beauty and practicality in breeding programs.
About Rhodebar Chickens
