The Plymouth Rock (commonly called Barred Rock in the barred variety) is a classic American dual-purpose breed developed in New England in the mid-19th century. The barred variety — with its distinctive black-and-white striped plumage — is the most widely kept. Plymouth Rocks are reliable layers of large brown eggs, calm and friendly in temperament, and excellent foragers, making them one of the most popular backyard chicken breeds in North America.
My Barred Rock flock is four years old now and still laying well — slightly fewer eggs than year one, as expected, but consistent and reliable. Their health has been excellent with no significant illness or injury. They free range in the afternoons and have been brilliant about returning to the coop…
Read full review →My children (aged 7 and 10) handle our Barred Rocks confidently and the hens tolerate it remarkably well. They don't love being picked up, but they accept it without panicking. The children collect eggs daily and have learned to interpret the hens' behaviours — crouch means don't approach, relaxed m…
Read full review →I chose Barred Plymouth Rocks for my first backyard flock on the advice of an experienced keeper and it was excellent guidance. They're forgiving of beginner mistakes in coop management, hardy enough to tolerate minor husbandry errors while you're learning, friendly enough that they become genuine p…
Read full review →The barred plumage of Plymouth Rocks is one of the most elegant and distinctive patterns in poultry. The precise black-and-white barring creates a wonderful optical effect in sunlight. In the garden against green grass they're a striking sight. My flock of five Barred Rocks gets more compliments fro…
Read full review →Barred Plymouth Rocks are my favourite backyard breed after trying many others. They hit every mark: friendly enough to be genuine pets, productive enough to supply my family with eggs, hardy enough to handle a New England winter, and beautiful enough that visitors admire them. The black-and-white b…
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