If you live in an area with cold winters, you need a breed that can handle the cold. One of the breeds that are often recommended for cold climates is the Plymouth Rocks, also known as the Barred Rock. But is the Plymouth Rock really a cold-hardy breed?
In total, the Plymouth Rock is a cold-hardy breed that is well-suited to cold climates. They have a thick, fluffy plumage and a pea comb that helps to protect them against the cold. They are also hardy and adaptable, which makes them a good choice for cooler environments.
In this article, we will go through the origin of the Plymouth Rock, why they are a great choice for a cold environment, and how to assist your Plymouth Rocks in staying warm throughout winter. After that, we will discuss a breed that might not be so suitable for cold weather!
Where did Plymouth Rocks Come From?
The Plymouth Rock is a breed of chicken that originated in the United States in the mid-19th century. The exact origins of the breed are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have been developed in Massachusetts, specifically in the town of Plymouth, which is how it got its name.
The Plymouth Rock was developed as a dual-purpose breed, which means it was bred to be good for both meat and egg production. The breed was created by crossing several different breeds, including the Dominique, Black Java, Cochin, and Brahma.
The original Plymouth Rock was the Barred variety, which has distinctive black and white stripes. However, over time, other varieties were developed, including White, Buff, Silver Penciled, Partridge, and Columbian.
The Plymouth Rock quickly became a popular breed among American farmers, thanks to its hardiness, adaptability, and good temperament. It was particularly well-suited to the small family farms that were common in the United States at the time, where farmers needed a breed that could produce both meat and eggs and could also handle a range of weather conditions.
Today, the Plymouth Rock remains a popular breed among chicken keepers around the world. It is known for being a good layer of brown eggs, as well as for its friendly and docile nature. It is also a popular breed for exhibition, and can often be seen at poultry shows and fairs.
Are Plymouth Rocks Good for Cold Environments?
Plymouth Rocks are one of the best chickens for cold environments. They have a thick, heavy plumage that helps keep them warm in cold weather, and they are also known for being quite active and robust, which helps them generate body heat. They also have a pea comb, which is less prone to frostbite than the single comb found on some other breeds. In fact, Plymouth Rocks are known to continue laying eggs even in the winter months, when many other breeds slow down or stop laying altogether. I’ve raised Plymouth Rocks for about 20 years and have seen them do just fine in temperatures well below zero degrees Fahrenheit. Of the chicken breeds, while they may not be the absolute best choice, I’d say they are definitely in the top 5! If you would like to see who else made the list, check out the article I wrote about which breeds of chickens are best for cold environments!
How to Keep Plymouth Rocks Warm in Winter
There are quite a few ways you can keep your Plymouth Rocks warm in winter. I will not go into great detail here but instead will keep it a short list. If you’d like to see the full article on how to keep your chickens warm in winter, I’ve got you covered!
- Provide a Draft-Free Coop
- Use Deep Bedding
- Provide Roosts
- Use a Heat Lamp
- Prevent Frostbite
- Provide Plenty of Food and Water (Provide Suitable Feed for Winter, and break your water)
- Consider a Chicken Sweater (Yes Really!!)
Are Plymouth Rocks Good Layers?
Yes, Plymouth Rock chickens are known for being good layers. They are a dual-purpose breed, which means they were originally developed for both meat and egg production. While they are still a popular breed for meat production, they are perhaps best known for their egg-laying abilities.
Plymouth Rocks are known to be consistent and reliable layers, with hens laying an average of 200-280 brown eggs per year. They typically begin laying eggs at around 5-6 months of age and continue laying throughout their lives, with peak egg production occurring in their first year.
The wrong chicken breed for cold environments
Another one of my favorite chickens to raise, primarily due to the fact my grandpa raised these for many years is the White Leghorn. He considered them to be the best egg-laying chicken breed in existence. I have a whole article based on white leghorns and their ability to thrive in cold weather. Spoiler alert, they aren’t the ideal chicken for cold environments! However, my grandpa was correct about the egg-laying capabilities, check out the complete white leghorn guide article if you have time!
Plymouth Rocks – Final Verdict
While no chicken breed is completely immune to the effects of cold weather Plymouth Rocks are an excellent cold hardy breed that can thrive in colder climates and keep laying all the while! With a little extra care and attention, you can help ensure that your Plymouth Rocks stay healthy and happy all winter long.