The Plymouth Rock chicken is a noble species spread throughout America. Only by the year 1869 did they become known as a race of high definition by American breeders. Who were those who after persevering and continuous crossings, performing various genetic work to get it? For this, they made the crossing the Dominican races, the Caribbean Casablanca, the black Java, the Dorking and the Cochinchina. It is a breed that originated in the city of Plymouth, United States.
The varieties of Plymouth Rock were coming out as the poultry farmers made their improvements. This gave origin to the yellow Plymouth Rock, this variety enters within this species from 1892; The White in 1888, the Partridge in 1898, the Columbia in 1910 and the Blue in 1920. This shows how we worked in the United States by obtaining this new breed and varieties.
Characteristics of Plymouth Rock Chicken
Plymouth Rock chicken most known varieties are:
- The Plymouth Rock Barrada or “Bataraza”
- The White Plymouth Rock chicken.
The standard also recognizes the varieties:
- Leonada
- Columbia
- Perdiz
- Azul
- the White Tour
- the Silver Listed
All these varieties are perfectly equal in their characteristics. Both the weight, the color of earrings, cheeks, conformation are similar, less in the color of their plumage. The variety White was obtained by means of the pairing of white specimens, possibly of the variety Barreda or of barred little accentuated, with others of white plumage, possibly Leghorn. You May Also Like To Read Ancona Chicken.
The most widespread and best accepted at the moment are the Barrada (Bataraza) and the Blanca, for their great rusticity, precocity, resistance to diseases and easy fattening. It adapts perfectly to the regions of temperate and temperate climate. Their eggs are of good size, with a brown shell; Their chickens are perhaps the most delicious and yielding.
As for its plumage, this is of a Blancogrisaceo, each feather crossed by parallel bars of a dark color next to the positive black, that extends until the skin. Each pen should end in a dark stripe. The combination of overlapping feathers, gives the plumage a bluish appearance, uniform dye in all sections.
The total or partially black feathers do not constitute an indication of degeneration or impurity of the breed, unless they exist in great profusion, or that they are two or more primary or secondary. It is not the case with those specimens that have red or golden feathers, which should be discarded. You May Also Like To Read Kuroiler Chicken.
In the Plymouth Rock White variety, the color of the pen is pure white throughout its length and should be free of black spots, tan tint or cream tint, as well as white varieties of other breeds. The conformation of the body of this race is rather long, broad and deep, broad and well-rounded chest, medium tail and somewhat open.
Thighs and legs of medium-long, straight crest with five peaks, well seated on the head and of medium size in the male and small in the female; Eyes prominent, vigorous, reddish-brown. All these examples are of the simple ridge, have four fingers, and are devoid of feathers. The crest, face, Barbillos, and earrings, are reddish. The skin, beak, and legs are yellow, being a serious defect the presence of positive enamel in the ears.
Food
If the food is monitored, trying to eliminate grease as much as possible, providing them with ample parks that have good green. It is possible to take advantage of this race that in the United States consider it among the three best, for their mixed production and greater utility.
Usage
The Plymouth Rock chicken is one of the best dual-purpose races, although there were later lines only for posture. Furthermore, the white variety has much use in crosses to obtain birds destined for consumption. As its genetics gives a rapid development of muscle mass, added to a color that is ideal for broilers chickens because of its good posterior presentation.
In the case of forming plants with this variety, the mating is a male for four females; Hens must be young to have profitable posture rates. Well, when the chickens become adults, they gain a lot and do not put on. The barred variety is the favorite because the female’s posture is really outstanding. Young females of this species begin by laying large eggs, and their laying is very good throughout their life.
Special Feature
In Barred males, the black and white stripes of the feathers are of the same width. While in the females of this same variety the width of the white bars is half that of the black stripes. The roosters of this breed are destined for the formation of establishments. It is convenient to take into account the firmness of its coloring because in the Barrada. There are always some of the dyes lighter than others. Dye and barrel more harmonious, etc.
Another Characteristic that must take into account is the breeder to give the hens darker or clearer and that present more marked the Barredo. As a result, the Plymouth Rock chicken will compensate for the characteristics of their parents, obtaining the true uniform type of the breed. Perhaps this is one of the most difficult races to maintain in splendid color, which is why we must constantly renew the blood.
Chicken Profile
| Chicken name | Plymouth Rock chicken |
| Other Name | Any |
| Chicken Purpose | Meat production and eggs laying |
| Feather color | Leonada, Columbia, Partridge, Blue, White, Silver, and Black. |
| Weight | 2.5 to 3.5 Kg |
| Climate Tolerance | All climates |
| Egg Size | Big |
| Egg Productivity | High (200 eggs in the year). |
| Rarity | Normal |
| Country of Origin | United States |
FAQ
Are Plymouth Rock chickens good layers?
Yes, Plymouth Rock chickens are good layers. They are a dual-purpose breed, meaning they can be used for both meat and eggs. On average, Plymouth Rock hens will lay between four and five brown eggs per week. They are also known for being hardy birds that can withstand colder climates better than some other breeds. In addition to their egg laying abilities, Plymouth Rocks are also relatively docile and friendly birds, making them great family pets.
How many eggs does a Plymouth Rock chicken lay?
The Plymouth Rock chicken is a popular breed of chicken that is known for being an excellent egg-layer. They are capable of laying up to 200 eggs per year, which is significantly more than some other breeds. This makes them a great choice for those who want to have a steady supply of fresh eggs. The eggs are typically large and brown in color, making them highly sought after by many consumers.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed our guide to the Plymouth Rock chicken. If you’re looking for a dual-purpose breed, this may be one of your best options; it has been popular in America since the nineteenth century and is still widely available today. Have any questions about raising chickens? Let us know!
As a References: Wikipedia
