What kind of comb do they have? They have a single comb. Both their comb and wattles are bright red.
What purpose do they primarily serve? Growers prize them for their reliable egg production and hardiness in cold weather. This breed is friendly and great to keep as a backyard pet, but growers historically used them as a dual-purpose bird.
Where did this breed originate? This breed was developed in New England, one of the few chicken breeds originally from the United States. This has led to their cult-like status among chicken keepers, who regard this chicken as an American classic.
What’s the difference between Barred and Plymouth Rock chickens? Barred is simply a variety of the Plymouth Rock. There are various other
color varieties including blue, buff, silver penciled, and white, among others.
Are roosters of this breed a good addition to my flock? If socialized from a young age, they typically behave well and serve as good flock protectors. However, they tend to be on the noisier side.
Is this breed suitable for beginners? Yes, this is a great breed to start with if you are new to backyard poultry. They tend to sit in the middle of the pecking order, so they do well with other birds and mixed flocks.
What do baby chicks look like? Barred Rock chicks are mostly black with some white spots. They will develop their distinctive barred feather pattern as they grow.
Is this breed color sexable at hatch? Males usually have a larger, undefined white dot on their heads. In comparison, females often have a smaller, more sharply defined dot. This can help with early identification, although it is not a guaranteed method for sexing.
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