Rhode Island Reds, are a dark maroon colored American Heritage Breed of chickens. They were created in the state of Rhode Island, in the mid 1840's. 

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They lay a medium to large, brown egg. They are raised for meat and their egg laying abilities. They can lay anywhere between 150 to 200 eggs per year, and for this purpose, they are one of the most popular breeds of chickens to raise.

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Roosters are 8.5lbs with a dark, rich, maroon color that borders on the color black, and have a single comb. Hens are 6.5lbs and are slightly lighter color than the roos.

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In 1904, they were recognized into the Standard of Perfection. They are listed as recovering by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.

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RIR's were used to create several other breeds of chickens, such as the New Hampshire Reds.