New member - Barred Rock question

[jquesenberry75]

Hi All

I'm Jennifer. I have been raising chickens (mostly RR and Red sex linx) for awhile now. Starting to get different breeds. I got what was supposed to be 3 barred rock hen chicks.

One of them (I think is a rooster) has already gotten his spots in and has all the markings of a rooster. The other two are still solid black with maybe one or two white spots. I'm concerned that these are not actual barred rocks.

Can any of you ease my mind and confirmed this is how barred rocks change color?

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

The black birds look like Black Australorps. Barred Rocks start barring as soon as chicks start to lose baby fuzz. Nice birds!

 

[jquesenberry75]

Thanks, this is what I am afraid of. I really like the barred rocks so was looking forward to all three of them. Still hoping the change but it doesn't look like it. They are very beautiful either way.

 

[TwoCrows]

Thanks, this is what I am afraid of. I really like the barred rocks so was looking forward to all three of them. Still hoping the change but it doesn't look like it. They are very beautiful either way.

Barred Rocks are super pretty birds! Black Australorps are fun docile birds too.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi Jennifer and welcome to BYC. Chat with other BYC members nearby using the links in my signature, below (turn your phone to landscape to see them).

Make yourself at home and enjoy the forums.

Best wishes

Pork Pie

 

[Isaac 0]

Hello, and Welcome to BYC!

 

[jquesenberry75]

Dont know much on the Black Australorps - are they flighty birds?

 

[TwoCrows]

Dont know much on the Black Australorps - are they flighty birds?

When you only keep a couple of them, they can be shy and lower in the pecking order. If you keep a flock of them, they tend to be more friendly and out going but docile. They are very hardy in health and longevity and can lay into their 6th year.

 

[N F C]

Hi Jennifer, @TwoCrows has given you some great info on BA's...hope you enjoy yours!

 

[Baumshell28]

I only see one Barred Rock...I’m assuming chick in pic #2 is the same one at bottom right of pic #1. I don’t know what the other black ones are. I’m pretty new to chickens and only have 2 breeds of hens; 7 Barred Rocks & 5 Red Sex Links. All my Barred Rocks were “barred” as soon as their first feathers came in. I’ve never heard of the hens being black and getting “spotted” later, all their feathers come in originally with the black & white barring (*as far as I know*). Here are some reference pics of mine as they grew: