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Pebbles

Barred Plymouth Rock

11 months old

Barred Plymouth Rock

“Reliable, rock-solid, occasionally broody.”

Egg Production

Peak Production4–5/wk

Best egg production years

First egg

Slowing

Retired

10mo

Not laying
Peak
Good
Declining

Egg Color

Brown

Fun Facts

✦The barred gene is sex-linked: male chicks have a larger white head spot at hatch, allowing early sexing
✦Known to live 10–12 years, well beyond average flock lifespan
✦Broody hens make attentive mothers and were historically used to hatch other breeds' eggs
✦The barring pattern creates an optical illusion — hens appear slightly darker than roosters due to feather structure.
✦Developed in New England in the 1840s, one of America's oldest chicken breeds.

About

A beloved American dual-purpose breed with distinctive alternating black-and-white barred plumage and a calm, docile temperament.

First exhibited at a Boston poultry show in 1869, the Plymouth Rock became the most widely kept farm chicken in the United States by the early 20th century. The barred variety (the original) was developed by crossing Dominiques with Black Java birds. The breed's popularity declined after World War II as commercial production shifted to specialized breeds.

Care Considerations

Cold-hardy and adaptable to confinement or free range. Single comb can frost in extreme cold — protect in very cold climates. Generally gentle and easy to handle; one of the best breeds for children. May go broody in spring, temporarily reducing egg production.

Details

Species

chicken

Sex

female

Hatch Date

2025-05-30

Status

Living

Processing Weight

—

Size

Large Fowl

Egg Quantity

~4 / week

Egg Color

Brown

Heat Tolerance

Moderate

Cold Tolerance

Hardy

Personality

Docile & friendly

Journal

Feb 14, 2026

Pebbles let me pick her up without fussing for the first time. Big milestone!

Jan 31, 2026

She's been broody all week — staying in the nest box most of the day.

Jan 17, 2026

Noticed a small scratch on her comb. Keeping an eye on it.