It appears I have a Columbia Rock . . .

[KatyTheChickenLady]

Chick came with my last order of Black Australorps. I knew it was different but couldn't identify until now. Any one have these? What can you tell me about personalities and egg laying capabilites?

 

[nzpouter]

not light sussex..?

 

[chickenbike]

Do you have a photo?

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

I will get a photo today, but I am certain he/she is a Colombia Rock. The local hatchery sells them, but not light sussex. It just got mixed in with my order for Balack Australorps by mistake. I was just wondering about the breed charateristics. I never hear anyone talking about them.

 

[walkswithdog]

Columbian's are not a common Rock variety. As hatchery birds it will be slightly smaller than Barreds and Whites which have been more routinely bred for size and home production. Rocks are in general calm, easy to manage and gentle. When they are not, they should be soup - it's inheritable. Mine lay an egg a day, most of the year or all of it. Mine are Partridge Rocks and Barreds, and I'm hatching Blue/Black/Splash eggs now.

Most people with Columbians have show birds, those are different than hatchery stock in size, type and fertility. They're very pretty but haven't been raised for home production. Pretty and big took a backseat to laying, fertility and broodiness.

Rocks are good birds - good luck.