Plymouth Rock Chickens are docile chickens that in general are good egg producers and a good source of meat. There were, and still are, several varieties such as Barred, Blue, Buff, Columbian, Partridge, Silver Pencilled, and White. Some varieties are better at producing eggs, some are better for eating.
The birds lay brown eggs and have yellow skin. Males average 9 ½ pounds (4.3 kg); females average 7 ½ pounds (3.5 kg.)
They are relatively rare now in North America, and even rarer in the UK.
History Notes
Plymouth Rock Chickens originated in New England in the middle of 1800s. The breed was first put on show in 1869. It’s not certain who actually bred it, because there are many conflicting claims, though the bird’s heritage probably consists of Dominique, Black Java, and Cochiin chickens.
The very first breed was the “Barred”. The breed was very popular up until WW II. After that, it lost popularity in North America with the switch in consumer preference to white eggs.