The Barred Rock Chicken Breed Guide: Facts, Eggs, Color, Pictures, and more...
The Barred Rock is one of the top favorites when it comes to chicken.In the early 1800s, Rocks were cultivated in New England by crossing Black Javas and Domingues.
The barred is one of the oldest domesticated chicken breeds in the country.In 1849, the barred ancestors made an appearance at a breed show.It was gone for twenty years.The barred chicken breed reappeared in 1869.
Mr. Upham claims to have created the Barred Rock prototype by breeding Java hens and barred roosters.Some people claim to be responsible for creating the prototype but Upham is credited with being the forefather.
The Dominque chicken was a popular barred variety that was competing against Barred Rock at breed shows.There was overlap at the breed shows.
At that time, the comb could be single or rose, which made it possible for chickens to win both breed categories.
Chicken breeders were upset by this.Dominques and Barred Rocks must have a single comb according to the New York Poultry Society.The two chicken varieties were separated in the competition.
Even though more productive chickens had been developed, the Barred Rock chicken remained a staple in the industry.During the war, the Barred Rock provided meat and eggs to families.
The docile nature of these hens made them popular throughout the years.The Barred Rock chicken was a favorite of farmers in the 1930s.
Chicken strains evolved to increase meat and egg production.The chicken was almost wiped out.The heritage breed has made a resurgence and is now on the recovering list by the Livestock Conservancy.
The Barred Rock chicken is described as being clean and narrow.Barred are broad and long.They are bred for strength and power.When they hatch with white patches on their head and body, they are dark grey to black.
A Barred Rock chicken has no feathers on its legs.Their skin color is yellow.The comb and face of this bird will be red.
A Barred Rock hen is a large chicken with a slightly triangular shape.The black and white barred feathers define the feathers.
The Barred eyes will be alert.It will have a full breast and plenty of meat for those who want to raise them for the table.
The video explains how friendly, docile and sweet this chicken breed can be and why it's so popular with chicken raisers.It is suitable for the free-range.They can adapt to confinement when given enough space.
If you have children interested in raising chickens, this is a good choice.Chickens that are barred are known to be lap chickens.They like cuddling.
You don't need a high fence to keep them confined.You don't need to worry about chicken chatter disturbing your neighbors because they are not a noisy chicken.Barred Rocks whisper when they lay their eggs.
These birds are a great addition to any flock.They are easy to handle for care and maintenance.
The Barred Rock chicken will lay 4 eggs a week.They are respected for their large brown eggs.One hen will lay around 200 eggs a year.
For the first few years, barred will be productive.They will begin to decline in productivity around 3 years of age.They will continue laying until 10 years of age, but their egg production will be less prolific.
This is not a typical behavior.If you give them encouragement in the motherhood department, they can make good babysitters and great moms.
Around the 8 to 12 week age range, chick will begin to lay eggs.Eggs will be on the small side at the beginning.
The size of the eggs will increase as the hens grow.Broiling can be done by around 12 weeks.
When choosing Barred rock chick, be sure to find a high-quality hatchery so your baby doesn't spend a lot of time in the mail.To ensure you get the Barred Rock variety that you are expecting, make sure you deal with a qualified breeder.
These birds don't have a lot of health issues.They are hardy enough to be raised in northern climates.
They will thrive in any environment, but they will do best in a clean and roomy quarters with good food and clean water.
These chickens are mild-mannered and quite delicious, so they are prone to being attacked by animals.It is important to provide a secure area for roosting.They will strike at night.
Barred Rock is prone to parasites.They will find sandy areas to take dust baths and rid themselves of parasites if they are allowed to free-range.If you're in a free-range, be sure to do a parasite inspection every now and then.
When it comes to diet, grooming, and maintenance, the Barred is fairly standard.They are a great breed for all chicken keepers, from the backyard enthusiast to the happy homesteader.
This breed doesn't need any grooming other than checking for parasites.There is a breed grooming standard for Barred Rocks.
Extra calcium should be provided to your Barred Rock.You can give them oyster shells instead of egg-laying feed.
They will eat calcium on a daily basis.eggshells can be crushed into their food to give them an extra source of calcium.
If you give your birds special treats like mealworms or table scraps, they will love you more.When you arrive, you will be their best friend.It is possible to use treats to help with catching and grooming.
Plants from the nightshade family, onions and garlic are toxic to chickens and should not be eaten.
Provide a private box for your Barred.A roomy box is needed because of their egg-laying productivity.They prefer a decent perch because they are large.Make sure the house is well-ventilated.
If your chickens are raised in a climate that will have long exposure to temperatures below freezing, you should take precautions to protect their combs.When the temperature drops too low, you can coat the combs or install a heat lamp.
The calm roosters are different from other breeds.Like trimming talons, roosters have their own set of care needs.It's possible to do this with a pair of clippers.If you trim too close to the leg, you could cause injury or pain.
They don't need extra calcium for laying eggs and are more flexible on feed.You can feed them whatever you want for the girls.
There is a bottom line on Barred.Barred Rock is the best place to raise chicken.They can be used for meat or eggs.They do well in any climate.They are beautiful birds, healthy, and pleasant in nature.