Info on barrded rock hen

[Alex208]

Hi can you guys give me all the info I need on barrded rocks especially on them egg laying.

 

[sylviethecochin]

Good layers--the Production Reds were better, but not by a huge amount. Definitely not as good at production as leghorns, but few hens are. I've only ever had one go broody, but mine were hatchery quality, and hatcheries tend to breed that trait out. They lay a pale brown egg of medium size.

If you google "docile chickens" they'll show up in almost every list, but those lists are wrong. Barred rocks are friendly and a lot more cuddly than leghorns. That's because they're bold enough to come up to you, not because they're docile. They tend to be at or near the top of the pecking order. They're also relatively intelligent.

The roosters are supposed to be aggressive. I've never had a problem, but I raise mine in a mixed flock, so they tend to be dominated by older roosters and hens. That suppresses testosterone and makes for a much more genteel rooster in the long run. I would not pick one as my first rooster if you do plan on getting a rooster.

I think they're alright, but they're not my favorite hens. That award goes to Production Red hens. I'm by far in the minority (a lot of people on here hate production reds), so take that as an indicator of how good my opinion is.

 

[lazy gardener]

Check Henderson's chicken breeds chart. I got my first PBR last spring and have been pleasantly surprised by them. I find them to be gentle natured, excellent layers of extra large eggs of good shell color and quality. They are also pleasing to the eye, and when crossed with the right rooster will produce a wonderful back yard flock Black Sex link.

 

[lilapot]

I have only ever had 1 Barred Rock, so I'm not an expert. I loved the hen I had. She was a good layer. Their eggs are medium sized. The one I had was very friendly and liked to come up to you and cuddle, even with strangers sometimes. I would reccomend them.