Barred Rock Chickens: Complete Breed Guide

The Barred Plymouth Rock, usually just called the Barred Rock, is one of America's classic backyard chickens. With bold black and white striped feathers, a calm personality and a steady supply of brown eggs, it has been a favorite on family farms for well over a century. It's also one of the best breeds for beginners.

This guide covers the Barred Rock's history, eggs, temperament and care, with tips for raising them in the Mid-Atlantic.

Quick facts

Egg color	Brown
Egg size	Large
Eggs per year	About 200
First eggs	About 16–20 weeks
Adult hen weight	About 7.5 lbs
Temperament	Calm, friendly, curious
Cold hardy	Yes, very
Heat tolerance	Good with shade and water
Broodiness	Occasionally
Purpose	Dual purpose: eggs and meat
Comb	Single

History of the Barred Plymouth Rock

The Plymouth Rock was developed in New England in the mid-1800s and was first shown in Massachusetts in 1869. The barred variety came first and was accepted into the American Poultry Association's first Standard of Perfection in 1874. By the early 1900s it was the most common chicken on American farms, prized for its eggs, meat and hardiness.

Eggs and laying

Barred Rock hens lay about 200 large brown eggs a year, among the most of any dual-purpose breed. They're also one of the earlier layers in our lineup, with most hens starting at about 16–20 weeks. They keep laying fairly well into cooler weather, with the usual slowdown in late fall, winter and molt.

What Barred Rock chicks look like

Day-old Barred Rock chicks are easy to spot. They have fuzzy black down with a white or light spot on top of the head and pale bellies. As they feather out, the black and white barring comes in, giving them the classic striped look.

Temperament

Barred Rocks are calm, friendly and curious. They're not usually flighty, and many enjoy following you around while you do chores. They get along well in mixed flocks and are confident without being aggressive, which makes them a good middle-of-the-pecking-order bird. Families and first-time keepers love them.

Raising Barred Rocks in the Mid-Atlantic

Barred Rocks are built for variable weather like ours. Their dense feathering handles cold, wet Eastern Shore winters well, and they cope with summer heat better than very fluffy breeds as long as they have shade, airflow and cool water. Large single combs can get frostbite in a hard freeze, so keep the coop dry and well ventilated, and avoid sealing it up tight. A heated waterer helps on frozen mornings.

For a full look at climate-friendly breeds, see the best chicken breeds for Maryland, Virginia and Delaware weather.

Free range and foraging

Barred Rocks are good foragers. They'll spend the day scratching for bugs, seeds and greens, which can trim your feed bill. Their barred pattern also gives them some camouflage from hawks. Whether you free range or keep a run, give them room to explore and somewhere to dust bathe.

Care basics

• Brooder: warm, draft-free and clean, with chick starter and fresh water. See our brooder setup guide.
• Space: at least 4 square feet per bird in the coop and about 10 square feet per bird in the run.
• Feed: starter, then grower at about 8 weeks, then layer feed with oyster shell once laying starts.
• Nests: one nest box for every four or five hens.
• Lifespan: with good care, Barred Rocks often live 6–8 years or more.

Barred Rock vs Rhode Island Red

Both are hardy, productive brown egg layers and great for beginners. Barred Rocks are usually a bit calmer and friendlier, while Rhode Island Reds are known for slightly higher production and a bolder attitude. Many keepers raise both for a classic American flock. Compare more options in the best beginner-friendly chicken breeds.

Frequently asked questions

Are Barred Rocks good for beginners?

Yes. They're calm, friendly, hardy and productive, which is why they've been a backyard favorite for more than a century.

How many eggs does a Barred Rock lay?

About 200 large brown eggs a year.

When do Barred Rocks start laying?

Usually at about 16–20 weeks, one of the earliest of our breeds.

Is a Barred Rock the same as a Plymouth Rock?

The Barred Rock is the barred color variety of the Plymouth Rock breed. Other varieties include White Rocks and Buff Rocks.

Are Barred Rocks noisy?

They're moderately quiet. Hens sing after laying but are generally calm.

Can I buy Barred Rock hatching eggs or started pullets?

Yes. We offer Barred Rock hatching eggs and Barred Rock started pullets as well as day-old chicks.

Ordering Barred Rock chicks from Chesapeake

All chick orders are pre-orders by hatch date. Shipped chicks travel by USPS Priority Mail to your local post office for pickup, and the post office calls when they arrive. Most breeds have a 6-chick minimum for shipping, and you can mix breeds that share a hatch date. Live near Maryland's Eastern Shore? Choose Free local pickup in Preston, with no minimum order. Marek's vaccination is optional and can be added in your cart, and every order is backed by our live arrival guarantee.

See chick shipping rates and times and free local pickup details, or read when to order baby chicks for the best spring dates.

Shop Barred Rock chicks