Want to Cross Barred Rocks with ?

[rachallyy]

Hi all new member here.
I have a flock of all Barred Rocks, hatchery quality. I have one roo about 7-8 months old, 13 hens about 10-11 months old and 1 pullet and 1 cockerel from a broody mama. This is my first flock. They free range and self roost in the coop at night. I raised the hens and got the roo after that by about 5 months.

soon I will be integrating the broody and babies back into the flock. They are 5 weeks old now so I figure 8-10 weeks hopefully.

1) Is it ok to keep the brother and sister? I have no way to separate them so genetically is it ok I should keep them. I would like a self-sustaining flock

2) I REALLY want to add some diversity to my flock but I just can’t decide so I’m hoping y’all can help. I’m ready for some COLOR lol. My thought is to buy some started pullet’s and integrate with my two when the time comes.

Any suggestions for a good breed to add? If I want some NOT barred, then I need to add a different roo breed right? What about crossing with another Plymouth Rock color?

An optimal breed would be one that is not aggressive, lays fairly well, and is heat tolerant as we are in Texas. I would love to see pics of crossed BRs as mature chickens!

 

[EmmaRainboe]

Ameraucanas are my absolute favorite. Though they can be hard to get your hands on.

Easter Eggers, (often does as Ameraucanas, Americanas, Ameracaunas, etc...) are mixes and a great alternative.

Though if you need something super heat tolerable perhaps something with a bigger comb would be better.

Perhaps Jersey Giant or something.

 

[rachallyy]

Thanks EmmaRainboe, those are two choices I’ve been considering.

 

[RoostersAreAwesome]

Personally, to get colorful chicks, I’d cross them with buff orpingtons.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...s-in-first-post-before-adding-content.629715/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/crossing-buff-orpingtons-with-barred-rocks.413047/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/buff-orpington-x-barred-rock-results-pics.229407/

 

[CNJ]

Hi all new member here.
I have a flock of all Barred Rocks, hatchery quality. I have one roo about 7-8 months old, 13 hens about 10-11 months old and 1 pullet and 1 cockerel from a broody mama. This is my first flock. They free range and self roost in the coop at night. I raised the hens and got the roo after that by about 5 months.

soon I will be integrating the broody and babies back into the flock. They are 5 weeks old now so I figure 8-10 weeks hopefully.

1) Is it ok to keep the brother and sister? I have no way to separate them so genetically is it ok I should keep them. I would like a self-sustaining flock

2) I REALLY want to add some diversity to my flock but I just can’t decide so I’m hoping y’all can help. I’m ready for some COLOR lol. My thought is to buy some started pullet’s and integrate with my two when the time comes.

Any suggestions for a good breed to add? If I want some NOT barred, then I need to add a different roo breed right? What about crossing with another Plymouth Rock color?

An optimal breed would be one that is not aggressive, lays fairly well, and is heat tolerant as we are in Texas. I would love to see pics of crossed BRs as mature chickens!

I'd cross it with Dark Cornish......

 

[JustAChickenLoverOverHere]

Ameraucanas are my absolute favorite. Though they can be hard to get your hands on.

Easter Eggers, (often does as Ameraucanas, Americanas, Ameracaunas, etc...) are mixes and a great alternative.

Though if you need something super heat tolerable perhaps something with a bigger comb would be better.

Perhaps Jersey Giant or something.

EXCUSE ME? Wasn't this your JOB? Ameraucanas are not mixes.

 

[EmmaRainboe]

EXCUSE ME? Wasn't this your JOB? Ameraucanas are not mixes.

Exactly. But EEs are often sold as Ameraucanas