Barred Rocks...mixed or pure?

[Baumshell28]

So, I’m new to chickens. First time mom to 7 Barred Rocks & 5 Golden Comets since April 12. I don’t know that I’d call it “Research”, necessarily, but I’ve done lots of reading about these 2 types of chickens. I guess I thought both of these were hybrid or mixed breeds. I really don’t remember what I had come across that triggered the inquisitive part of my brain, but at some later point in time, out of nowhere it hit like a ninja torpedo... “Wait, are Barred Rocks a hybrid, or are they actually a pure breed/heritage breed?” Can someone help me out here? I feel like this “not so important” question has my brain falling apart! LoL!

 

[Northwest_Wannabe]

Plymouth Rocks are a pure recognized breed, I believe both APA and Heritage Breed If I remember correctly Gold Comets are a production hybrid/mix meant for laying eggs

 

[FuzzyCritters]

Barred rocks are pure bred with a breed standard. Golden comets are a production hybrid.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Second that opinion on the barred rocks. They were historically bred in the mid 1800s originally as meat bird I believe. Fortunately for them they were so friendly and slow growing that they’ve since become and beloved homesteading flock member

 

[Baumshell28]

Back in April while looking at TSC and the chicks available that day, I told the salesperson that I wanted hens/layers since I can’t have roosters in city limits. She pointed out their red sex links (RIR rooster x White Leghorn hen) and the Barred Rocks and told me those would be “gender safe” since they were sexable at hatch. I read about chicken breeds that were able to be sexed that way and that soon. Then I must’ve gone straight into reading about my Golden Comets, because now I have no idea how else it would’ve been planted in my head that Barred Rocks were a cross breed as well...?
Sorry to bother y’all, it’s just one of those random annoying thoughts that’s been rolling around in my head the last few days like coins in a clothes dryer!

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Back in April while looking at TSC and the chicks available that day, I told the salesperson that I wanted layers and I wanted hens since I can’t have roosters in city limits. She pointed out their red sex links (RIR rooster x White Leghorn hen) and the Barred Rocks and told me those would be “gender safe” since they were sexable at hatch. I read about chicken breeds that were able to be sexed that way and that soon. Then I must’ve gone straight into reading about my Golden Comets, because now I have no idea how else it would’ve been planted in my head that Barred Rocks were a cross breed as well...?
Sorry to bother y’all, it’s just one of those random annoying thoughts that’s been rolling around in my head the last few days like coins in a clothes dryer!

Asking questions is what BYC is for!!

 

[Northwest_Wannabe]

I wouldn't call them sexable at hatch but more as 'color sexable' or 'once feathered in you can tell' ;D red sex link roosters are white, barred Plymouth Rock boys are have much more white in their barring all hatchery birds have about a 80% ish chance to be pullets cause I believe most places vent sex at hatch?

 

[Baumshell28]

Asking questions is what BYC is for!!

Thanks! This place has really saved me since I joined. It feels way more like a warm, lovely neighbor, neighborhood type community as opposed to just any other online forum type community!

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Thanks! This place has really saved me since I joined. It feels way more like a warm, lovely neighbor, neighborhood type community as opposed to just any other online forum type community!

I mean we've had a few "family squabbles" but I agree. I can easily waste most of my phone time on BYC. Or my work time... as I am doing now