Plymouth Rocks or Buff Orpingtons

[SandRun]

Buff Orpingtons - 5
Barred Plymouth Rocks -2

So far the Buff Orpingtons are "running away with it". I have to say that BOs were initially my first choice, I've only recently thought about Barred Rocks. Just seems no one talks much about their laying ability all that much. Thanks for the info everyone, I may just switch my allegiance.....

 

[jossanne]

I don't know who has been my better layers, as I've always kept a variety of hens. No BOs right now, though, and I'm sure my BRs are laying nearly every day.

 

[mksenoj]

bo for sure

 

[WA23]

Well, everyone has an opinion. Mine is the BR. Larger eggs, dependable layers, and nicer lookiing.

 

[walkswithdog]

Rocks!!!

I have BOs that ignore me and Rocks that leap or fly into my arms to be held.

Rocks lay the bigger eggs.

 

[Country Guy John]

I have 2 sets of barred rock and they are very gentle. Both sets started laying when they were 20 weeks old. Even though the weather has gotten cooler, they are still laying. I have some that turned 20 weeks old this week and just started laying. I got 18 eggs yesterday and 15 the day before.

I vote for the Barred Rock!!!

 

[Griffox]

I have both BO and Barred rock chicks right now that will be right around laying age in the spring. If you think you will be interested I could meet you in Florence or Newport. Pm me if you are

 

[snowydiamonds]

I love the color of my BO's and most everything about them and their roo, however, they eat the most, they are insatiable...lil piggies!

 

[SandRun]

It would appear I've spoken too soon. The last batch of votes went 2 to 1 to the Barred Rocks. That brings the totals to......

Buff Orpington - 7
Barred Plymouth Rocks - 6

Griffox I appreciate the offer, but I'd like to start with chicks I think sometime in February maybe. Keep me posted if you have chicks at around that time. Besides that I don't know how to operate that fancy schmancy PM stuff.

Thanks again everyone for your votes, and if anyone comes yp with a different total than I did, let me know (if its that important to you)

Chris

 

[elcunni75]

Well here's my $.02.. if the vote is still on going!

I have both PR & BO... !!!

Now my PR (14) are a 18mo old and were our first chickens! Like you, we wanted only one kind when we started.. but that has clearly changed!! Little variety never hurt anyone! hahaha! They lay bigger eggs and I get the "rock star" treatment when I open my back door - even if I just go out to hang laundry!! hahahaha! I don't have a BR roo, but have seen some real nice pics of them! Been considering, but have too many roos already - too nice lookin to be rid of!
My BO (3 - 2F & 1M) are very sweet and puffy, or fluffy puffs if you were to ask my 4yo! hahaha! They are 6mo and the girls have been laying for a month now! They do lay a smaller egg. From what I have read, they may lay less eggs per week than a PR (PR 'bout 4 per wk & BO is 3 per wk), but they are more consistent thru out the winter do to their fluff (keeps them warmer, so they are less affected by the cold). I can EASILY pick up all 3 of my BO.. I have 1 (PollyPocket) who comes to her name and if I put my arm out, she jumps up and sits for a bit w/ me!

Whichever you'd like really! They both have their good qualities! I believe someone else here mentioned Australorps. Now, they lay 'bout 5 eggs a week! I think RIR are about the same. I don't have either of these chickens (neighbor has RIR, though - they're lovely color and disposition too!). But a variety of colors running a muck out back is definitely more pleasing to our eyes! Easier to keep track of the names too (if you have kids, that is.. they will eventually name despite what you say!)

Well, I believe that was probably more than $.02.. sorry!

Do keep us posted as to your pick! Good luck!