Why Rocks? Why Barred over White? Or is it this particular strain of Rock blood you'd be after?
Is there a difference in growth rates of one breed of rock over another? Egg laying capabilities?
Curiously,
Coley
I have found that solid colored rocks do mature faster than than the barred variety...perhaps the slow feathering gene associated with the barred pattern is responsible...unsure.
My personal choice for the ultimate homesteading chicken would be the New Hampshire....fast to feather, mature, dress out and lay plenty of eggs. I am not speaking of the pure german but of the german/american cross or straight american Good Shepherd NH's.