The Complete Guide to Barred Rock Chickens: Hens, Roosters & Chicks
If you’re looking for a reliable, family-friendly, and productive chicken breed, the Barred Rock chickens deserves your attention. Known for their beautiful striped plumage, dependable egg production, and easygoing nature, Barred Rocks have become a staple in both backyard coops and small farms across America.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything about this iconic bird — including the barred rock chicken rooster, barred rock chicken eggs, and how to tell the difference between a barred rock hen vs rooster and a barred rock chick male vs female.
And if you’re ready to start or grow your flock, you can buy healthy Barred Rock chickens, chicks, hens, and roosters directly from KingsPoultryFarms.com — your trusted source for high-quality poultry.
What Is a Barred Rock Chicken?
The Barred Rock chicken, also known as the Barred Plymouth Rock, is one of America’s oldest and most popular heritage breeds. Originating in New England in the mid-1800s, it quickly became prized for its ability to produce both high-quality meat and a steady supply of large brown eggs.
Key Traits:
Feather Pattern: Distinct black and white “barred” stripes.
Size: Hens average 6–7 lbs; roosters reach 8–9 lbs.
Temperament: Calm, curious, and people-friendly.
Purpose: Dual-purpose — both eggs and meat.
Lifespan: 6–8 years on average with good care.
Barred Rocks are hardy and adapt well to both hot summers and cold winters, making them one of the best choices for beginners and experienced poultry keepers alike.
Barred Rock Chicken Eggs
If you’re after dependable egg production, look no further than barred rock chicken eggs.
Egg Facts:
Egg Color: Light to rich brown.
Egg Size: Medium to large.
Average Production: 200–280 eggs per year.
Start Laying: Around 18–20 weeks of age.
Temperament While Laying: Calm and consistent.
These hens are reliable year-round layers, with many continuing to produce eggs even during the colder months when other breeds slow down.
For families, homesteaders, and small farms, this means a regular supply of fresh brown eggs — one of the biggest reasons customers buy from KingsPoultryFarms.com, where Barred Rock hens are raised for strong health and maximum productivity.
Barred Rock Hen vs Rooster
Being able to tell the difference between a barred rock hen and a barred rock chicken rooster helps you plan your flock better — especially if you want to balance egg production with breeding potential.
Barred Rock Hen Characteristics:
Smaller Body: Around 6–7 lbs.
Darker Plumage: Narrow white bars make hens appear darker overall.
Comb & Wattles: Smaller, softer red color.
Personality: Gentle, friendly, and steady layers.
Purpose: Primarily egg production.
Barred Rock Rooster Characteristics:
Larger Build: Typically 8–9 lbs with a broader chest.
Lighter Coloration: Wider white bars create a lighter appearance.
Comb & Wattles: Larger and brighter red.
Behavior: Confident, protective, and often vocal.
Purpose: Breeding and flock protection.
| Trait | Barred Rock Hen | Barred Rock Rooster |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 6–7 lbs | 8–9 lbs |
| Feather Color | Darker | Lighter |
| Egg Laying | 200–280/year | None |
| Personality | Calm, social | Protective, dominant |
| Best For | Egg production | Breeding & protection |
If you’re focused on egg collection, you’ll want more hens than roosters. But if you want fertile eggs for hatching or need a flock guardian, adding one barred rock chicken rooster can be a great choice.
To get both, simply visit KingsPoultryFarms.com and choose from their healthy selection of hens, roosters, and sexed chicks.
Barred Rock Chick Male vs Female
One of the most common questions new chicken owners ask is: How can I tell if my Barred Rock chick is male or female?
Differences Between Male and Female Chicks
Color at Hatch: Female chicks are darker; males are lighter with larger white head spots.
Feather Growth: Females feather out slower and darker, while males grow lighter feathers quickly.
Comb Development: Male chicks develop larger, redder combs earlier.
Behavior: Males tend to be bolder and more active even at a few days old.
These differences become easier to spot after a week or two, but even day-old chicks often show slight variations in color and head marking.
At KingsPoultryFarms.com, you can order sexed Barred Rock chicks if you want guaranteed pullets (females) or straight-run (unsexed) groups for variety. Clear labeling and professional service make it easy for you to build the perfect flock.
Why Barred Rocks Are the Perfect Backyard Breed
There are plenty of chicken breeds out there, but few match the all-around value of the Barred Rock. Here’s why customers and homesteaders love them:
1. Dual-Purpose Excellence
Barred Rocks are ideal for both egg and meat production — offering great return on investment for small farms and backyard coops alike.
2. Reliable Egg Layers
Their consistent output of large brown eggs keeps your basket full nearly year-round.
3. Hardy and Adaptable
They handle all climates well, from snowy winters to humid summers.
4. Friendly and Easygoing
Barred Rocks are calm, social birds that enjoy human interaction — perfect for families and beginners.
5. Beautiful Appearance
Their black-and-white barred feathers make them one of the most visually striking breeds on any property.
All of these advantages make the Barred Rock hen one of the best investments you can make for sustainable, small-scale egg production.
Caring for Your Barred Rock Chickens
Good care ensures your chickens thrive and continue to produce well. Here are a few essentials to follow once your birds arrive from KingsPoultryFarms.com.
Housing
Provide 4 square feet per bird inside the coop.
Offer 10 square feet per bird in outdoor runs or pasture.
Keep bedding clean and dry, replacing weekly to reduce ammonia.
Feeding
Use 16–18% protein feed for layers.
Add crushed oyster shell for calcium to strengthen eggshells.
Offer grit for digestion and occasional treats like greens or grains.
Lighting
Barred Rocks need 14 hours of light per day for peak egg production. Supplemental light during winter can help maintain steady laying.
Health Maintenance
Keep dust baths available to prevent mites.
Monitor for respiratory issues or frostbite in winter.
Maintain clean nesting boxes to keep eggs sanitary.
Flock Ratios
If keeping both sexes, maintain a ratio of 1 rooster per 8–12 hens. This balance helps reduce aggression and ensures peaceful flock dynamics.
Common Questions About Barred Rock Chickens
When do Barred Rock hens start laying?
Around 18–20 weeks of age, depending on diet and daylight hours.
How many eggs do they lay per year?
On average, between 200 and 280 large brown eggs.
Can I keep a Barred Rock rooster in a backyard flock?
Yes, but check local noise regulations. Roosters are excellent protectors and breeders.
How do I tell a barred rock chick male vs female?
Males are lighter with larger white head spots; females are darker and more uniform in color.
Are Barred Rocks good with other breeds?
Absolutely — their calm, friendly nature makes them excellent companions in mixed flocks.
Where can I buy Barred Rock chickens online?
The best place to buy Barred Rock hens, roosters, and chicks is KingsPoultryFarms.com — offering healthy, vaccinated birds and nationwide shipping.
Why Buy Barred Rock Chicken From KingsPoultryFarms.com ?
When it comes to buying poultry online, not all sources are equal. Here’s why Kings Poultry Farms is trusted by chicken keepers across the country:
Top Breeding Standards: Only healthy, well-developed Barred Rocks are sold.
Variety Available: Choose from roosters, hens, pullets, or day-old chicks.
Sexed or Straight-Run: Flexible purchasing options for your goals.
Nationwide Shipping: Safe, humane delivery of live birds.
Expert Guidance: Support materials and care tips available after purchase.
At KingsPoultryFarms.com, you can shop confidently knowing that your Barred Rock chickens come from a reputable farm dedicated to quality, care, and customer satisfaction.
Marketing Tips for Sellers or Resellers
If you’re promoting Barred Rock chickens, use the following SEO keywords naturally in your website content and ads:
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Include these in headings, image alt text, product titles, and descriptions. Pair them with strong CTAs like “Order Your Barred Rock Hens Today at KingsPoultryFarms.com” to increase conversions.
Conclusion
The Barred Rock chickens is one of the most beloved and productive breeds in America — prized for its beauty, friendliness, and egg-laying ability. Whether you’re looking for a barred rock hen for daily eggs, a barred rock chicken rooster for breeding, or want to raise your own flock from chicks, this breed won’t disappoint.
Knowing the differences between barred rock hen vs rooster and barred rock chick male vs female helps you make informed choices when building your flock.
And the best place to buy them? That’s easy — KingsPoultryFarms.com.
With healthy stock, expert care, and nationwide shipping, Kings Poultry Farms makes it simple to bring these classic American chickens to your coop.
Start your flock today — visit KingsPoultryFarms.com to order your Barred Rock chickens and enjoy years of dependable eggs, friendly personalities, and timeless beauty in your backyard.





