Barred Plymouth Rock Chicken Breed | Complete Guide (with Pictures)
The Barred Plymouth Rock chicken breed is one I personally raise and have for many years. These birds have a long history and are a heritage breed. They are still very popular due to their egg laying capabilities, gentle disposition, and hardiness in extreme weather conditions.
History
Plymouth rocks are a composite of several different blood lines, the first and most prominent of which were the Black Cochin and Dominique.
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The original variety, the Barred Plymouth Rock, then called Plymouth Rock, was first exhibited in 1869 at Worcester, Massachusetts.
It has distinctive parallel, sharply defined, light and dark bars on each feather.
The Barred Plymouth Rock was the sole member of the Plymouth Rock family until 1888, when White Plymouth Rock was recognized. Now there are six varieties of Plymouth Rock that are identical, except in color. Other varieties of the Plymouth Rock breed include Buff, Silver-Penciled, Partridge, and Columbian.
This article will focus specifically on the Barred Plymouth Rock Breed.
Barred Plymouth Rock Characteristics and Appearance
Average size
- Cock (Male fowl over 1 year old) 9 1/2 lbs
- Cockerel (Male fowl under 1 year of age) 8 lbs
- Hen (Female fowl over 1 year old) 7 ½ lbs
- Pullet (Female fowl less than 1 year old) 6 lbs
Color of male and female birds
Beak: Yellow.
Eyes: Reddish-Brown
Comb, Face, Wattles and Ear-Lobes: Bright red
Shanks and Toes: Yellow.
Plumage: Grayish-white, each feather crossed by regular, narrow, parallel, sharply defined, dark bars that stop short of completely black. The light and dark bars are usually of equal width. There is no brownish tinge or metallic sheen to the feathers.
Comb Type
Single Comb
Breed Type
Dual Purpose, Heritage Breed. They are excellent egg layers and also large enough for meat production.
Temperament
- Faithful sitters
- Good mothers
- Quiet, gentle disposition
- Good Foragers
Coop and Housing Requirements
Plymouth Rocks have rugged constitutions and don’t require a particularly warm coop. However, they must be well protected from the elements. Additionally, they need fresh air and sunlight.
Another positive attribute is they can withstand extreme temperatures when healthy. But it should be noted that they will use a significant amount of energy in cold weather to stay warm. This results in low egg production and less meat if raised as a broiler.
Therefore, it’s best to keep the chickens at a comfortable temperature if possible.
Egg Color
The eggs are moderately large and tannish brown.
Egg Size
In terms of size, eggs are slightly larger than average, weighing in at 28 ounces or more per dozen eggs. And individually, they are just over 2 ounces per egg.
Egg Production
Plymouth Rock pullets begin to lay eggs on average at around 5 months of age.
Once laying, the number of eggs laid per year averages from 190 to 280 eggs per year. Barred Plymouth Rocks are considered one of the best egg laying chickens.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of a chicken is 7-8 years.
The source for this information is the Plymouth Rock Standard Breed Book published by the American Poultry Association.
Conclusion
Harvey Ussery, author of The Small Scale Poultry Flock calls the Barred Plymouth Rock a “quintessential rock-solid American farm breed…among the best dual-purpose breeds.” I wholeheartedly agree!
This breed was the first I ever raised and perfect for a beginner. They are beautiful, easy to care for, calm, and excellent egg layers. As a result, they are a great breed to add to a backyard flock.
One last note! An alternative that we also love is the Welsummer chicken breed. They aren’t as friendly but lay lots eggs that are a beautiful dark reddish brown dark with speckles.
