Partridge Rocks? PICS of my pullet added

[Birch Run Farm]

How come this type of rock isn't very popular? I have one pullet, she's probably utility/hatchery grade. She was a freebe chick which I was told to be an EE and clearly isn't. She is gorgeous and a good layer. The partridge color is really lovely.

 

[TimG]

Where's your picture of this lovely bird?

 

[lone cedar farm]

I have a PR roo and did have five PR hens untill two stray dogs killed them. You're right they are one of the most beautiful breed there is and lay good also.

 

[cybercat]

Unfortunatly when people think of Rocks they think only of the Barred or White plymouth rocks. The other colors are very rare as there are very few breeders of them anymore. Even though the hatchiers sell them they are all production type birds and need to be bred up to meet the SOP. Some of us are getting started in them and are trying to breed the up again to heritage standards.

The good thing is like the Barred and Whites all the other colors have a simular personality which is very friendly and good producers. One just need to be carefull of what hatchery one buys from for I know MM has a line that is aggressive and ideals are a bit far off the mark when it comes to the SOP having white in them. Many of the other hatcheries seem to have better quality production birds. White in this color is a major fault so should be breed out.

Another good thing for those wishing to work with the rare colors of the Plymouth Rocks you can download the standard that dates from 1917. That way you can match the older heritage type of Plymouth Rocks. It has changed a bit since then but not too much.

I personally picked the partridge color because I plan on free ranging my birds. I wanted a single comb because of the hotter summer where I live. My next color to work with will be the Buff rocks as I hear they are really something to see when breed right. But they are even more rare than the Partridge it seems some times. It is too bad more people do not get into breeding the other colors more for they are great chickens to work with and as you say produce well.

 

[Opa]

I agree that the partridge rock is a pretty bird and I really like the looks of the Columbian Rocks. Never cared much for the looks of barred rocks though.

 

[Lorettawyandotte]

I have one PR hen and she is one of my favs...very pretty girl...she is currently sitting on three goose eggs...I would like to see the expression on her face when they hatch and be a fly on the wall when she tries to 'splain them to roo Walter...

 

[WestKnollAmy]

I have 8 Partridge Rock hens.
Three are broody right now.

I don't care for the egg color and when broody they are not easy to move to another location. I have a broody hen house and my Cochins, Silkies and Jersey Giants are moveable but those Partridge Rocks refuse to stay put. My Barred Rocks have not gone broody at all.

We have several really sweet Partridge Rocks and they are great pets but still not my favorite bird. Once these are gone, I won't get any more.

 

[peachdawg78]

I myself have been trying to find some quality heritage/show quality Partridge Rocks and have had little luck. I have eggs incubating from 3 different sources, one of which is a nationally know exhibitor. I hope that from these 3 batches I can get a good start. I plan to cull ruthlessly and maybe have a respectable breeding program in the next year. I am also probably going to get some blue rock eggs later this year and try to keep that variety going. I would be happy to try and see some pics of quality partridges and possibly swap with others seeking the same goals.

 

[egggreenthumb]

Please, post a picture of a Partridge Rock Hen. I never see one.
Thanks.

 

[lockedhearts]

I have a young Trio. I will offer eggs once they are laying.
Any of the "Rocks" generally lay well. I love my Barreds but the Partridge color is very nice.