Barred Rock

I knew nothing about them when I first got them. They are great.
My husband who really wants nothing to with the chickens had a Barred Rock that followed him everywhere he went on our property. He told me, "That spotted one keeps following me. She's always clucking and talking up a storm." He ended up naming her "Spot". And where he was, so was she.

These are my favorite type of chicken, so maybe I'm a little partial. Any how we love ours and plan to more!

This is my favorite chicken breed, despite my love of the "cute" breeds with fluffy butts and poofy heads. The barred rock isn't unattractive, but is plain in a world of fancy chicken options. However, I've had this breed in all of my flocks over the years and it more than makes up for its plain appearance. This breed tames itself. I am not the type to put much effort into taming chickens. I don't often give treats, I don't sit out with my birds or talk to them much, which means the majority of my flock, even breeds like silkies (known for their pet qualities) are skittish. But not the barred rocks, ever. These birds can be pet, picked up, held, brought into the house, hand fed by children, anything really, on a whim- WITHOUT having to get them used to handling. It's truly like they tame themselves. Add that to the fact that this year not only did we have a record breakingly cold winter, and a scorching summer, but due to personal issues the flock had to live on kitchen scraps for a few weeks... and the barred rock is no worse for wear for any of it... superbly hardy birds. They can't be beat, every flock should have at least one.

In our mixed flock, I would have to say our Barred Rock is one of my favorites. She was the only one who faithfully laid eggs through winter, only taking a break when the temperatures were at the coldest (teens and below). She will often come when called by name.

Love my barred rock, every time I go in the coop she walks right up to me to see what I am doing. No problem in letting me pick her up and hold her either.

I have six Barred Rocks in my flock and I love them. They lay big, round gorgeous and delicious brown (varying shades) eggs. They love exploring around the yard and are very sweet to my daughter and myself. Their salt and pepper look is one of my favorites of all breeds. I constantly remark they they look like they are wearing peppered bloomers as they strut around the yard.
They can have conflicts with the other birds from time to time but all in all are wonderful additions to my flock.
I would suggest that you keep them away from your smaller varieties as they can be brutes when it comes to the pecking order.

We had a barred rock for about two years before a predator got her.

She was talkative and social with humans, and bonded with a red sex link. She took a few months to warm to us, but when she did, she was the shoulder bird every land-bound pirate didn't know they needed. Bottom of the pecking order.



We have a mixed cockerel who looks to be part barred rock - we don't know if he'll take a similar path, but he is bottom of the pecking order. Like her, he is LOUD and fairly talkative.

We've found our barnyard mixes have had far better health than the purebreds and hatchery lines. That said, I'd recommend birds with this heritage if you're looking for a friendly companion who lays through the winter.

My favorite bird when it come to looks. I have a pair of sister's, they are inseparable! Great layers! #All around great addition for your flock!

I have one she is loud and skittish, but her worst trait is she pulls tail feathers from the others and pecks them till she draws blood. she has been put in isolation so the others can heal. She is smart though loves bird toys and entertains herself quite well. But when she wants something she rings the bell till you come.

I give her a 4 because of her intelligence, but the pecking and blood drawing is not something I expected of her. It's almost like a game to her, she just runs up grabs the feathers and pulls them out, attacks again to draw blood, not sure what her problem is. she is still young so hope to break her of this issue.

I just love this beautiful breed!

Love them! They are some of the sweetest chickens I have!

We have three barred rocks .
They were 6 months older than our 20 rode islands
So they showed the young birds how to range
and get around . Would definitely get more when the time comes.

The barred rock are always to first to explore uncharted territory and changes made to their enviroment. The other chicks would follow their lead. My barred rooster is the best a flock keeper could ask for. He knows his place and is obedient. He will put himself in harms way to protect the girls when threatened. When he finds something good to eat he will call the girls over and offer it to one of them before he indulges. He also fights off the other roosters if they give me a hard time. He stops other flock members from bullying each other and he is always keeping an eye out. I feel like Somebody Up There gave me a great gift. They are a great breed for families, the novice or expert flock keeper.

I absolutely love our Barred Rock.
She is such a sweetheart! She's extremely friendly (also a little sassy) and she'll come right up to you. Lots of personality. Also, she acts protective of the flock. She's very bossy, but she usually doesn't bother our other chickens. I love this breed