The Plymouth Rock Breeders thread

[aoxa]

I'm sure it's in reference to purebred birds.

I can see how it is wanted for sure. It's more attractive and it helps their entire type to have nice big heads. Just didn't know it indicated any real laying benefit is all

 

[Fred's Hens]

Here's one of F1 pullets. She came from a late summer test mating. She was hatched September 5th.

She didn't make the cut so won't be going into the breeding pen. But, her personality is so endearing and she's going to be a terrific layer. She'll stay right here with for a very long time. If she's got what it takes, she'll be my trainer hen and my general all around pet hen.

As John Milton, the English poet said, "They also serve who only stand and wait".

 

[Silver Rock]

A couple pictures to help show the good from the bad in head type.

Below is a good example of a Standard Plymouth Rock head.

Below is a picture showing undesirable head type.

 

[Yard full o' rocks]

Here's one of F1 pullets. She came from a late summer test mating. She was hatched September 5th.

She didn't make the cut so won't be going into the breeding pen. But, her personality is so endearing and she's going to be a terrific layer. She'll stay right here with for a very long time. If she's got what it takes, she'll be my trainer hen and my general all around pet hen.

As John Milton, the English poet said, "They also serve who only stand and wait".

Fred, she may not make the breeding pen, but "shazzam", she has a freak big/wide head!!!! Look at the width between those eyes!!

 

[Silver Rock]

I ordered 12 Silver Penciled Plymouth Rock chicks from Mr Horstman April of last year. I was very happy to see how healthy and very active they were upon arrival. I would highly recommend Dick Horstman to anyone interested in the Silver Penciled Plymouth Rocks. My Silver Penciled Plymouth Rocks are now 9 1/2 months old and I am still very happy with them today.

Dick Horstman is a member here on BYC and advertise eggs and chicks for sale.
dickhorstman - https://www.backyardchickens.com/u/45515/dickhorstman

Clayton Grace "Silver Rock"

 

[Yard full o' rocks]

Since this is the "breeders" thread, designed for those of us serious about breeding to the SOP, I'll make my comments here, but not on the general Plymouth Rock thread as some of those folks may just be interested in nice backyard birds and that is perfectly fine.

The Silver Penciled Rocks (in LF), just like my Columbians, like the Blues and the Partridge are in need of serious breeders and in need of much help. No one breeder has stock that will get an SPR onto Champion Row, let alone even BB. An occasional BV is seen due to the limited number of SPRs entered in shows. The Whites are going to be tough to contend with although the Barred breeders are making up a lot of ground....and if I can brag a little, a bird from my 2013 breedings took BB at the Sunshine classic against some top notch Whites, so some of the "goofy" things I've tried is beginning to pay dividends.

Unfortunately the variety has been allowed to deteriorate to such a level that most flocks seen in the US come from the same basic line of birds and have the same underlying issues. In order for this variety to move forward, it is my opinion that an outcross to other lines (perhaps those located in Canada) is going to be needed to resolve the issues with TYPE in the variety. Color will come with the appropriate pressure in the proper areas....but, in the infamous words of Bob Blosl (God rest his soul), "you gotta build the barn first before you can paint it".

I am certainly not slamming SPRs, nor am I making derogatory comments regarding any one persons flock. Simply making a statement of fact regarding the underlying and consistent issues with the SPRs seen in the US

 

[BGMatt]

Since this is the "breeders" thread, designed for those of us serious about breeding to the SOP, I'll make my comments here, but not on the general Plymouth Rock thread as some of those folks may just be interested in nice backyard birds and that is perfectly fine.

The Silver Penciled Rocks (in LF), just like my Columbians, like the Blues and the Partridge are in need of serious breeders and in need of much help. No one breeder has stock that will get an SPR onto Champion Row, let alone even BB. An occasional BV is seen due to the limited number of SPRs entered in shows. The Whites are going to be tough to contend with although the Barred breeders are making up a lot of ground....and if I can brag a little, a bird from my 2013 breedings took BB at the Sunshine classic against some top notch Whites, so some of the "goofy" things I've tried is beginning to pay dividends.

Unfortunately the variety has been allowed to deteriorate to such a level that most flocks seen in the US come from the same basic line of birds and have the same underlying issues. In order for this variety to move forward, it is my opinion that an outcross to other lines (perhaps those located in Canada) is going to be needed to resolve the issues with TYPE in the variety. Color will come with the appropriate pressure in the proper areas....but, in the infamous words of Bob Blosl (God rest his soul), "you gotta build the barn first before you can paint it".

I am certainly not slamming SPRs, nor am I making derogatory comments regarding any one persons flock. Simply making a statement of fact regarding the underlying and consistent issues with the SPRs seen in the US

Couldn't have said it better myself. You're absolutely on point here. There's a lot of work that needs to be done before the less common varieties are competitive in the showroom. You deserve huge props for bringing your Columbians up, hope some of these other varieties find champions that can do the same for them.

 

[Fred's Hens]

I love this old etching from a century ago. These are the Royal Puritans, a famous line of Barred Rocks.

This is a little pullet raised and owned by Anne. So, how do you think they compare?

 

[normanack]

I love this old etching from a century ago. These are the Royal Puritans, a famous line of Barred Rocks. This is a little pullet raised and owned by Anne. So, how do you think they compare?

I think the hen second from the right is her great-great-great-grandma. You bred this pullet, Fred. I just feed her and give her a place to live.

 

[lefty26]

That is one beautiful bird.