Barred Rock / Rhode Island Red Cross

[JandS Flock]

Hello All,

I am new to this site and very new to raising chickens. Started out as my wife's idea but I have slowly (to the point of building my first coop) come to the realization that we are going to have our own small flock. I have someone local that has some of these that should be ready to lay soon. I would like to get 4 of them to start out with. Can anyone tell me if these birds can handle cold weather? I live in the South West part of Ohio and I want to make sure they will be ok. Is there any certain type of feed that I should begin with? Apologize for all of the questions but want to make sure I get it right.

Thanks,

John

 

[Isaac 0]

Barred rocks are Cold Hardy but Rhode Island reds aren't so you might just have one in between.Get them some corn.It gives them some nice fat for the winter and also warms there body up

 

[spoikey]

I live in Northern Michigan. Have had Rhode Island Reds. They did fine in the winter. Just make sure they get plenty of feed and water. I always put plenty of straw or pine shavings on the floor of the coop.

 

[Isaac 0]

My bad there actually really cold hardy i thought i saw some where that they weren't

 

[JandS Flock]

Thanks for all of the replies. Will make sure I have corn as well. Can anyone tell me about their behaviors? I have 2 Grandsons and want to make sure they are ok around them.

Thanks Again

 

[Isaac 0]

Barred rocks are pretty calm as for Rhode island reds some are mean.Hens wont hurt you or children if you guys let them know that your the boss

 

[JandS Flock]

Ok, very good. Thanks again for the information.

 

[spoikey]

None of my reds were ever aggressive with my kids when they were little, including the roo. I did have a very aggressive Buff Orpington though. Any breed of rooster can be aggressive, just depends on the individual bird.