Description Barred Rock Chicken Recognized by the American Standard of Perfection in 1874, the Barred Plymouth Rock Chicken—commonly called the Barred Rock—is one of America’s oldest and most cherished heritage breeds. Often remembered as the kind of chicken “Grandma used to raise,” this breed is famous for being dependable, gentle, and excellent for both egg and meat production. As part of the Plymouth Rock chicken family, the Barred Rock belongs to the American Class of poultry. It was developed in the United States as a true dual-purpose breed, valued for its consistent laying and table quality. Hens typically weigh about 7½ pounds, while roosters reach around 9½ pounds. Pullets average 6 pounds and cockerels about 8 pounds. Barred Rocks are reliable large brown egg layers, producing an estimated 200 to 220 eggs per year (see FAQ for details). These chickens are known for their active but calm temperament, making them one of the most kid-friendly breeds for backyard flocks. They are naturally hardy and adaptable to all climates—excellent winter and summer brown egg layers—and prefer a roost height between two and four feet. Barred Rocks have a tendency to set and brood their own chicks, and their fertility rates generally range from 65–80%, with gender accuracy between 85–90%. The ideal mating ratio is ten females per one male, ensuring strong hatch results and balanced flock behavior. Visually, Barred Rocks are stunning. Their black-and-white barred feathers create a neat, even pattern that distinguishes them from the similar Dominique chicken, which has a rose comb and a softer, v-shaped barring. The Barred Rock, by contrast, has a single straight comb and a crisp, uniform barring pattern across its plumage. Cackle Hatchery® has been developing its pure Barred Plymouth Rock bloodline since 1936, maintaining the breed’s true heritage qualities and steady production type. Non-industrial strains like ours are bred for vigor, productivity, and traditional appearance rather than commercial hybrid traits. At Cackle Hatchery®, we offer Barred Rock baby chicks for sale online along with a variety of other breeds. We also provide the Barred Rock Bantam Chicken for those who love a smaller version of this classic bird, the Barred Plymouth Rock Exhibition Type for show breeders, Barred Rock Started Pullets for those who prefer ready-to-lay hens, and Barred Rock Fertile Hatching Eggs at select times of the year. To learn more about how to tell the difference between a Barred Rock and a Dominique Chicken, please check out our blog here. Barred Rock Chicken FAQs What is a Barred Rock Chicken? The Barred Rock, or Barred Plymouth Rock, is a heritage American chicken breed recognized by the APA in 1874. It’s a dual-purpose bird used for both egg and meat production and is known for its striking barred black-and-white plumage, gentle nature, and steady brown egg laying. How do you pronounce Barred Rock Chicken? “Barred Rock” is pronounced just as it looks: bärd rock (rhymes with “hard rock”). It refers to the barred pattern of its feathers and its name as part of the Plymouth Rock breed family. How long do Barred Rock Chickens live? With proper care, Barred Rocks can live between 6 to 8 years, and sometimes longer in well-managed backyard environments. Their strong constitution and friendly nature make them one of the most enduring and dependable breeds to keep over time. How big are Barred Rock Chicken eggs? Barred Rocks lay large brown eggs, known for their size and quality. A healthy hen will typically produce between 200 and 220 eggs per year, depending on nutrition, environment, and seasonal conditions.
