The Plymouth Rock is one of the most popular and best all-around chicken breeds.
Whether you’re looking for a new chicken to raise at home, or you just want to learn more about this breed - these interesting facts about Plymouth Rock chickens will bring you up to speed.
16 Interesting and Fun Facts About Plymouth Rock Chickens
- The Plymouth Rock originated in the U.S. in a town called Plymouth, as their name suggests.
- They were first seen in the 19th century when shown in Boston.
- It’s a dual-purpose bird, being one of the most popular table birds in the U.S. and a prolific layer of large brown eggs.
- The White Plymouth Rock is the variation that has been specifically bred for meat and egg production.
- Talking of prolific laying, a Plymouth Rock produces around 180-200 large eggs/year. Some strains can produce up to 250 eggs/year.
- They lay large brown eggs.
- Even by chicken standards, they are not flighty birds. Making them a good choice in urban settings with low fencing.
- The hens typically weigh around 7 lbs, and the roosters are around 8 lbs. Making them a medium-sized bird.
- The Plymouth Rock has a medium-sized single comb with five points. Their wattles and earlobes are bright red.
- Their feathers are loose compared to other chickens giving them a different feel when handled.
- In the U.S. the American Poultry Association recognizes seven color varieties; white, silver-penciled, partridge, Columbian, buff, blue, and barred.
- The barred plumage variety is probably the most well-known with its distinctive white and black markings.
- Their life expectancy is 6-8 years.
- They are very cold hardy, meaning they are fine in cold temperatures and will go about their foraging just the same in freezing temperatures.
- Plymouth Rocks are known for their sweet and sociable personalities, they love being petted and handled and make great pets.
- They have strong maternal instincts and will go broody if you let them lay a clutch of eggs.
Are Plymouth Rocks a Good Backyard Chicken?
Yes, in fact, they’re not just a good backyard chicken - they’re a great backyard chicken breed.
Don’t just take my word for it, Plymouth Rocks are one of the most popular choices among backyard flock owners and homesteaders.
This is mainly due to them being so easy to care for, not being any known illnesses or health issues, their cold-hardiness, and the fact that they lay so many tasty large brown eggs.
What more does anyone want from a chicken? Don’t get me wrong, there are other breeds that are equally as good, like Rhode Island Reds, or Red Stars.
In fact, there are so many excellent breeds it’s hard to settle on one. Which is the dilemma most chickens owners go through - and why we end up with ever-growing flocks!
The only real downside I can find with Plymouths is that they can be aggressive on occasion if they are stressed or something isn’t right in the coop and hierarchy.
It’s not a big issue though, and I’ve never heard of it being a big make-or-break problem for any owners.
Are Plymouth Rocks Right for You?
Plymouth Rock chickens fit right at home into busy and quiet households just the same.
They’re great with children and other pets due to having a friendly and calm temperament and have a fun and curious nature.
If you’re raising them for eggs, you won’t be disappointed. The fact that they’re easy to care for and low maintenance makes them a popular choice with beginners starting out.
So, what are you waiting for? If you’re looking for some friendly backyard chooks I recommend checking out the Plymouth Rock.
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