Barred Rocks

[eilishp]

I kept chickens several years ago but after a neighbor's dog killed them all, I decided that with three very busy kids, it wasn't a good idea to get more. Now the kids are older and I'm not nearly as busy so I've decided to get chickens! I went to the local feed store yesterday and they had Barred Rock pullets. My past flock was Buff Orphingtons and I loved them. They were so sweet! Just wondering your thoughts on how the two breeds stack up. They are expecting some Orphingtons in May so I could just wait. But I've read that Barred Rocks are also sweet. Any thoughts or opinions?

 

[NonnasBabies]

I

my BR's. I have 18 hens!! Can't really compare them to the BO cause my BO's are only about 8 weeks old!! I get between 12-16 eggs a day!!

Missi

ETA:

 

[HEChicken]

I have 1 BR and 2 BO's. I far prefer the BR. She is sweet but also quiet. The BO's are dreadfully noisy. Just this morning as I listened to their racket for hours, I started looking forward to when I can 'retire' them. I'd get the BR's if I were you.

 

[b.hromada]

I have 2 Barred Rocks, and I love 'em! They have cute personalities, and are sweet birds!

They lay well also!

 

[lleighmay]

I have never had a BO so I can't compare but I do have 5 BRs in my flock. They were my initial choice for chicken since they have always been my favorite (no known reason other than the way they look) but since having them I am nothing but pleased. All of my hens have great temperaments (they're not nuts), very inquisitive and opinionated, they lay wonderful eggs, and they really dress up my yard in a pop-art kind of way. I've now got 52 birds all told and I like to try out new varieties on occasion (BYC's fault) but I will never have a flock without BRs as long as I have a flock.

 

[eilishp]

Alrighty then! Off to the feed store to get my Barred Rocks! I'll keep you updated. Thanks for such quick replies.

 

[krazycow6]

I have 2 BR & 2 BO I love them both they lay very well, but the BO make better mommies in my opinion. It may be that my Buff's are a little older

GOOD LUCK and take pics please

 

[tammyd57]

I have 3 Buff Orpington hens from hatchery stock that I am not that happy with. They are very noisy and have never accepted me handling them at all, even though I handled them a lot since they were just 2 days old. They DO lay very well, even through winter.
I think for that breed you should buy from a breeder who has quality stock.
I have had Barred Rocks from hatchery stock and from a breeder and both strains were very docile and quiet. They lay very well also. I think their eggs are larger too.

 

[ggrap]

I like the look of the BO better, but they have a strong tendency to go broody and stay that way. Which really cuts into the number of eggs you get per year.

Barred Rocks seem to be friendlier and smarter. When I have them with other breeds, they are the most curious. They are always the first to fly out of the brooder or to approach a situation to check things out.