Red Shaver
Red Shavers are prolific brown egg layers with friendly temperaments, ideal for backyard flocks.
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Red Shavers have attractive reddish-brown plumage and a friendly disposition. They are known for their calm nature and sociability with both humans and other chickens. This breed is particularly valued for its high egg production, making them popular among backyard keepers. Their hardiness helps them adapt to various climates.
History
Developed in Canada in the 1980s, Red Shavers were bred for high egg production. They likely descend from hybrid stock prioritizing good laying traits. The breed has since spread to countries around the world, appreciated for its utility in small farms and homesteads.
Care tips
Red Shavers thrive in a spacious coop with plenty of ventilation and light. They require regular access to outdoor space for foraging. While not particularly broody, they are friendly and social, enjoying interaction with flock mates and caretakers. Ensure a balanced diet for optimal egg production.
Fun facts
- Red Shavers can lay over 300 eggs per year, making them prolific layers.
- Their friendly demeanor makes them suitable for families and novice keepers.
- These chickens adapt well to both free-range and confined environments.
- They are generally hardy, handling cold temperatures better than some breeds.
Red Shavers in a backyard flock
The Red Shaver is a commercial brown egg hybrid sold under the Shaver name. The Shaver line started in Canada and is now part of Hendrix Genetics, the same company that owns the ISA brand. Red Shaver hens are mostly red with some white in the tail and body. Like most modern brown layers, they are sex-linked, so pullets are easy to sort at hatch.
What day to day life is like
Red Shavers are known as friendly, calm and easygoing birds. They are curious and often happy to be handled, which makes them a good pick for families who also want lots of eggs. They are medium-sized and do not fly much. They are rarely broody, so they keep laying through spring and summer instead of taking weeks off.
Laying pattern
Expect a young hen to lay brown eggs nearly every day in her first year. Production stays strong in year two and then drops off. Winter and the molt slow them down like any hen, but hybrids often bounce back faster than heritage birds. Because so much goes into eggs, they need a proper layer feed and oyster shell. Soft or thin shells are a sign they need more calcium.
Health and lifespan
The same tradeoff that comes with all high-production hybrids applies. Older Red Shavers are more prone to reproductive problems, and many live shorter lives than heritage breeds. If a hen stops laying and looks hunched or swollen, see a vet.
How they compare
The ISA Brown and Red Sex Link are very similar birds. Most keepers would not notice a difference in temperament or laying. The main difference is who bred them and how they were crossed.
Common questions about Red Shavers
Are Red Shavers good layers?
Yes. They are among the best layers for a backyard flock, especially in their first two years.
Do Red Shavers go broody?
Rarely. Broodiness was bred out to keep them laying.
Are Red Shavers cold-hardy?
They handle cold fairly well with a dry, draft-free coop. Watch their combs in very cold weather.
