Thursday, April 7, 2011

Barred Plymouth Rocks


The Plymouth Rock, often called simply Rocks or Barred Rocks (after their most popular color), is a chicken breed that originated in the United States. The Plymouth Rock is a dual-purpose, cold-hardy bird and therefore makes a great breed for the small farm or backyard flock owner. These chickens are often called Plymouth Rocks, but this title correctly belongs to the entire breed, not just the Barred variety. There are seven varieties of Plymouth Rock chickens: barred, blue, buff, Columbian, partridge, silver-penciled and white.

BPR #1

Plymouth Rocks are large, long-lived chickens. Some varieties are good layers while others are bred principally for meat. They possess a long, broad back; a moderately deep, full breast; and yellow skin and legs. The hens have a deep, full abdomen, which is a sign of a good layer. The face of a Plymouth Rock is red with red ear lobes, a bright yellow beak, bay-colored eyes, and a single comb of moderate size. Their feathers are fairly loosely held but not so long as to easily tangle.
~Varieties~
The varieties of Plymouth Rocks refer to differences in feather markings.
    
  • Barred
  • White
  • 
    BPR #2
    
  • Buff
  • Partridge
  • Silver Penciled
  • Blue
  • Columbian
  • Black
Plymouth Rocks lay a large egg that varies in color from light to medium brown with a touch of pink. The birds continue laying all through the winter with decreased production. The amount of eggs laid are dependent on the strains that your birds are from.
The standard weights for Plymouth Rocks, as established by the American Poultry Association, are as follows: cock - 9-1/2 pounds; hen - 7-1/2 pounds; cockerel - 8 pounds; and pullet - 5-6 pounds.

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