Plymouth Rock

The Plymouth rock is a very popular breed in the United Kingdom and the United States of America as an old, dual purpose breed. A friendly and hardy bird the Plymouth Rock was originally used to produced commercial broilers. This breed demonstrates great mothering skills. Producing on average 160-180 eggs per year the Plymouth is an ideal bird for beginners.

Plymouth Rocks are large, long-lived chickens. Some varieties are good layers while others are bred principally for meat. They possess a long, broad back; a moderately deep, full breast; and yellow skin and legs. The hens have a deep, full abdomen, which is a sign of a good layer. The face of a Plymouth Rock is red with red ear lobes, a bright yellow beak, bay-coloured eyes, and a single comb of moderate size. Their feathers are fairly loosely held but not so long as to easily tangle.

Generally, Plymouth Rocks are not aggressive, and tame quite easily. They are docile and may show broodiness. The hens usually make good mothers. However, some males and females are big and active enough to be quite a problem if they become aggressive.

Breeders should be aware of the standard weights and not select small or narrow birds for the breeding pen. Common faults include a shallow breast, high tails, narrow bodies and small size.

Classification

Soft feather – heavy

Appearance

Barred (white with bluish tinge), black, buff, Columbian(restricts black pigmentation to neck striping, wing markings and tail) and white.

Plymouth Rock Barred Male Images courtesy NEEPA

Plymouth Rock Barred Female

Average Weight

Cock	3.4 – 4.3 Kg
Hen	3.0 – 3.4 Kg
Cockerel	3. 65 Kg
Pullet	2.7 Kg

Bantam Variety Plymouth Rock

Rooster	1.4 Kg
Hen	1.2 Kg

Egg Colour

Brown & cream/tinted

 

Back to list of fancy chicken breeds

See Also

• List of poultry breeds
• Chicken
• Poultry

External links

• Wikipedia – Plymouth Rock