@nicalandia
Apologies if you've already posted such an answer - I'm not through the thread yet; you're a popular fellow ;)
I thought I'd just go ahead and ask for your expertise seeing as I still have the question -
When I originally bought my foundation stock of Blue Plymouth Rocks, I'm...
I would love to see pictures of this! I have done a blue Plymouth Rock/buff Orpington cross, and those were two-toned blue and yellow, very pretty. I would imagine the pure Orpington cross would turn out somewhat similar.
Light barred rocks are very often roosters. However, I believe there are both dark and light varieties of barred Plymouth Rocks...?
Somebody who is well-versed in this, please pick this up!
Sometimes you can tell by the feathers, too.
Generally, a hen should have a round-ish feather shape; a rooster's will be more pointed. He may also have feathers that appear shiny; those seem to develop into his draping hackle and saddle feathers.