Quick facts
| Adult hen weight | About 7½ lb |
|---|---|
| Comb | Single |
| Eggs per year | ~250 |
| Shell color | Brown |
| Temperament | Gentle, steady |
| Cold hardiness | Excellent |
| Heat tolerance | Good |
About the Barred Plymouth Rock
Crisp black-and-white barring, an unflappable temperament, and steady laying well into winter. Probably the best first chicken there is — big enough not to be bullied, gentle enough for small children, and almost impossible to upset.
Cold and heat tolerance
Barred Rocks are among the best breeds for cold. A heavy body and thick plumage carry them through winters in the Upper Midwest, New England and the Mountain West, and they lay steadily when many breeds stop. Their single comb is medium sized, so keep the coop dry and ventilated to avoid frostbite.
They are fine in warm climates too, though not a desert bird. In the South, plan for shade, airflow and extra water when it climbs past 90 °F. Barring is not dark enough to cause the heat problems that solid black feathers do.
Eggs and laying
A Barred Rock lays roughly 200–250 large brown eggs a year, starting around 20 weeks. She is a dependable winter layer, and her eggs tend to be on the large side. Occasional broodiness can pause laying, and a hen sitting on an empty nest is worth breaking gently if you do not want chicks.
Temperament and care
This is the classic first chicken. Barred Rocks are calm, curious and unflappable, big enough not to be bullied and gentle with children. They tolerate confinement and free-ranging equally. They are slow to mature compared with Leghorns, so be patient for the first egg.
Who they're for
the classic brown-egg backyard bird, an egg machine — output is the whole point, great with kids and visitors who want to pet something. Every flock is a sitcom cast — the Barred Plymouth Rock is the striped sweetheart.
Barred Plymouth Rock FAQ
Are Barred Plymouth Rocks good for beginners?
Yes. They are calm, hardy and forgiving, and they are among the most recommended breeds for a first flock.
How many eggs do Barred Rocks lay?
Expect about 200–250 large brown eggs a year, with steady laying into winter.
Do Barred Rocks tolerate cold?
Very well. Their size and plumage make them one of the best cold-weather breeds, provided the coop is dry and ventilated.