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The New Hampshire breed of Chicken originated in the state of New Hampshire in the United States . Poultry farmers, starting with Rhode Island Red s and performing generation after generation of Selective Breeding , intensified the characteristics of early maturity, rapid full Feather ing, and production of large brown Eggs . One New Hampshire breeder described his birds as being especially endowed with "spizzerinktum"; they were unusually handsome and vigorous. The mature birds are a rich chestnut red, of a somewhat lighter and more even shade than the Rhode Island Reds. The baby chicks are also a lighter red. ;Standard weights : 5-1/2 pounds. ;Skin Color Yellow ;Egg Shell Color Brown ;Use A dual purpose chicken, selected more for meat production than egg production. Medium heavy in weight, it dresses a nice, plump carcass as either a broiler or a roaster. ;Origin New Hampshires are a relatively new breed, having been admitted to the Standard in 1935. They represent a specialized selection out of the Rhode Island Red breed. By intensive selection for rapid growth, fast feathering, early maturity and vigor, a different breed gradually emerged. This took place in the New England states, chiefly in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, from which it takes its name. ;Characteristics They possess a deep, broad body, grow feathers very rapidly, are prone to go broody and make good mothers. Most Pin Feathers are a reddish buff in color and, therefore, do not detract from the carcass appearance very much. The color is a medium to light red and often fades in the sunshine. The Comb is single and medium to large in size; in the females it often lops over a bit. These good, medium-sized meat chickens have fair egg-laying ability. Some strains lay eggs of a dark brown shell color. New Hampshires are competitive and aggressive. They were initially used in the Chicken Of Tomorrow contests, which led the way for the modern Broiler industry. REFERENCES
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