Barred Plymouth Rock — steady eggs with a docile nature

Barred Plymouth Rocks lay 200-280 large brown eggs per year and are prized for their calm, friendly temperament. They are cold-hardy dual-purpose birds with distinctive black-and-white barred plumage and a reputation as excellent family-friendly chickens.

Why It Works

Plymouth Rocks are one of the oldest American breeds, developed in the 1860s for both egg and meat production. Their docile nature makes them easy to handle, and they tolerate confinement well while also being good foragers when free-ranged.

Tips

• One of the best breeds for families with children due to their gentle disposition
• Cold-hardy with small combs that resist frostbite
• Hens occasionally go broody, which interrupts egg production but is useful if you want to hatch chicks naturally