Question 1

How can I tell a Barred Rock from a Dominique?

Accepted Answer

Barred Rocks have a single upright comb and sharp parallel black-white bars, while Dominiques have a flat rose comb and irregular "cuckoo" barring

Question 2

At what age do Barred Rocks start laying eggs?

Accepted Answer

Most start laying at 18-22 weeks, with some beginning as early as 16 weeks.

Question 3

How many eggs do Barred Rocks lay per year?

Accepted Answer

Expect 200-280 large brown eggs annually (4-5 per week), with heritage strains at 200-220 and production strains at 250-280.

Question 4

Are Barred Rock roosters aggressive?

Accepted Answer

Temperament varies by individual—some are protective but calm, others can be territorial, though hens are consistently friendly.

Question 5

Do Barred Rocks go broody?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the strain; some rarely go broody while others do 1-2 times yearly and make excellent mothers.

Question 6

Can Barred Rocks tolerate cold weather?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they're exceptionally cold-hardy with dense feathering and continue laying through winter with proper care.

Question 7

How long do Barred Rock chickens live?

Accepted Answer

Average lifespan is 6-8 years, with some reaching 10-12 years; productive laying continues for 3-5 years.

Question 8

What's the difference between Plymouth Rock and Barred Rock?

Accepted Answer

Plymouth Rock is the breed name, while Barred Rock is the most common color variety of that breed.

Question 9

Are Barred Rocks good for beginners?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they're consistently ranked in the top 5 beginner breeds due to their hardiness, predictability, and forgiving nature.

Question 10

How much space do Barred Rocks need?

Accepted Answer

Minimum 4-5 sq ft per bird in the coop and 8-10 sq ft in the run; more space is better for these large-bodied birds.

Question 11

What color eggs do Barred Rocks lay?

Accepted Answer

Light to medium brown eggs, sometimes described as pinkish-brown, with uniform color and no speckles.

Question 12

Are Barred Rocks noisy?

Accepted Answer

Moderate noise level with loud egg songs when laying; roosters crow frequently starting before dawn.

Question 13

Can Barred Rocks fly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they can fly 4-6 feet when motivated, so six-foot fencing reliably contains them.

Question 14

What should I feed Barred Rocks?

Accepted Answer

Adults need 16-18% protein layer feed (1/4-1/3 lb daily), chicks need 18-24% starter, plus free-choice oyster shell and fresh water.

Question 15

Are Barred Rocks good meat birds?

Accepted Answer

Decent dual-purpose with 5-7 lb dressed weight, but modern meat breeds outproduce them significantly.

Question 16

How do I sex Barred Rock chicks?

Accepted Answer

Males have large white head spots and lighter orange legs; females have smaller defined spots and charcoal grey legs (90-95% accuracy).

Question 17

Are Barred Rocks suitable for urban settings?

Accepted Answer

Hens work well in urban areas with moderate noise levels, but roosters are unsuitable due to frequent crowing.

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