That the sturdy Single Comb Rhode Island Red is easily the third most popular fowl in Australia there is no denying.The White Leghorn and Utility Black Orpington hold precedence,but among the real poultry breeders the average quality of the Reds is much better than either of the other two breeds mentioned.Of course , nearly every farmer's flock of "assorted' varieties has at least a few Red fowls. In many cases these birds are descendents of good stock, but have not been properly mated, and crossed with other breeds, so that they are now of no interest to we who are only interested in real Reds.It just goes to show that, as the good qualities of the breed become known,the owner purchases a few birds or settings, evidently with the idea of improving their flock of "mixed" mongrels, and then leaves it with the birds to work out the future themselves, and these people will still vouch for their laying and table qualities.
In Victoria and New South Wales there are more Reds than all the other states of Australia put together.Naturally the quality in these states is better also.It is hard to say which has the better birds,as we see excellent specimens in both states, but in Victoria the competition is keener at the big shows (1500 to 2000 entries) we see 20 in a class.
In South Australia there are some very fine Reds, and a few in Tasmania, but in Queensland and West Australia they are seldom seen with more than three or four entries, with fair specimens. The whole trouble with this vast continent (nearly the size of the U.S.A.)is,that good Reds are held by too few, and the Knowledge necessary to breed correctly is not known, except to these few.This of course could be remidied to every Red fancier joining the Rhode Island Red Club and sharing the great benefits for all.
The Reds favoured in Australia are somewhat smaller than the champions in the country of origin(U.S.A.), being shorter in shank and not so much bone. Now that a new book of Standards is being prepared by the Poultry Club. I trust that the American Standard will not be interfered with in respect to Reds anyway.
Judges also can do much o make or mar the breed and unfortunetly there are a few who will pass a splendid bird because it has a light eye, or give the award to a bird much less typical.
Good records have been put up here from time to time on the laying competitions. The best I can think of at present is the pullet, that at the Burnley Goot Test, two years ago, laid 319 for the year, beating all breeds.
The foundation stock of the principal Reds breeders here has been imported from some of America's leading Red men, and fresh blood is obtained from the same source as required. A few birds have been imported from England but they do not appear to be the quality of the others.
I am afraid not enough attention is being paid here to black markings and some breeders in there desire to eliminate black flecking in male's hackles will obtain a much greater defect, i.e.pumpkin neck.
Taken collectively, our Red breeders are "Bloomin Enthusiasts" and if they were only a little more generous in passing their knowledge and experience to beginners, it would be for the industry in general and this wonderful breed in particular.
Time and again a Red has won Best Bird in Show and in the last ten or twelve years, more often than any other breed.
Unfortunatley in this sparsley populated country (only one-twentieth of what the U.S.A. is, in comparison to size) the freight charges are heavy between breeder and purchaser.
When Reds become better known her, they must increase in popularity to the benefit of all concerned.
The Rose Comb Red is practically unknown her , and the few that are shown are very ordinary specimens. Here should be a great chance for someone.
