The diversity of animals that have been under the process of domestication are not few, different groups have been used and, unfortunately, overexploited throughout history. Within the different types of animals that have been domesticated, we find birds and especially chickens, from which a large number of varieties or breeds have originated in different regions of the world. One of these is the plymouth rock hen, which we will talk about in this tab on our site.
Due to its particular coloration, this breed is also known as barred hen. Read on to find out the characteristics of the barred or plymouth rock hen, their eating habits and many more curiosities.
Origin of the plymouth rock hen
Although there are data that are not fully known, it is known that this breed of hen originated in the United States, exhibiting for the first time in the city of Boston in 1849. However, the plymouth rock hen was not seen again for two decades, so it reappeared in the same state of Massachusetts in 1869, being formally recognized as a breed in 1874.
The plymouth rock hen is product of crossing several types of hens and, although there has been some controversy about which breeds were gave rise to this, a study [1] indicates that the American breed known as "Dominique", very old, was used mainly to obtain Plymouth Rock. Additionally, it is disclosed that, on the maternal side, the black java and cochin hens also contributed to the crosses, while, on the paternal side, it was the black java, cochin, langshan, light brahma and black, minorca roosters, which which undoubtedly generated an important genetic mixture. The same study also indicates that certain historical records are consistent with the origin of this hen. Currently, it is a breed that enjoys significant recognition by specialists in the area of breeding these birds.
Characteristics of the plymouth rock hen
The traits that characterize the plymouth rock hen are:
- Females weigh from 3 to 3.5 kg, while males from 3.5 to just over 4 kg.
- It is an animal of strong and wide appearance.
- It is a bird that has an early plumage development.
- The crest has five points, shaped like a uniform saw, the middle points being longer than the ends.
- Both the crest, the beards, and the earlobes are intense red.
- Legs are featherless and bright yellow.
- The eggs are creamy in color and weigh about 55g.
- Feathers are short and relatively loose.
Plymouth Rock Chicken Colors
Although those mentioned are particular features, without a doubt what most characterizes the Plymouth Rock is its peculiar coloration. Thus, the most representative and common coloration of the breed is known as barrada, which consists of a black coloration with spots in the form of parallel white bars in each pen. In the male the white coloration is more evident. This barred type is due to a sex-linked dominant gene.
Although the barred hen is the most popular, other lesser known varieties of the breed are: white rock, pencil partridge, silver partridge, mesh partridge, lace blue, beige and black, among others. Depending on the country, particular varieties may be recognized.
Plymouth rock hen habitat
Talking about the habitat of a domesticated animal is usually an aspect that is not precisely established, since these are developed in the spaces that are enabled for them. In the case of chickens, moreover, as they are animals distributed all over the world, they have developed the ability to adapt to different environmental conditions Therefore, in the wild they can be present in meadows and varied forests.
Plymouth Rock Chicken Character
Both males and females of this breed have a docile character. In addition, this is a breed of hen very calm. On the other hand, the females are characterized by being good mothers, in fact, they like to hatch their eggs.
Due to its temperament, it is considered a good companion animal, even for children as long as they know how to interact with chickens and they enjoy wide natural spaces to carry out their customs and habits. The Plymouth Rock also gets along well with other pets.
Care and feeding of the plymouth rock hen
It is resistant to temperature variations, which makes it a strong animal in this sense, however, in summer it is recommended that it be kept in rather cool spaces. Regarding food, it requires a balanced source of nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, fats and minerals In this sense, you can consume various sources of food from animal (including marine) and vegetable origin, as well as minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and selenium. Although the use of commercial feed is generally recommended when natural areas are not available, if it is done in an adequate and varied way, the natural diet is the most appropriate and beneficial for this and all hens. For this reason, it is very important that the plymouth rock can enjoy ample terrain made up of green areas, sand, etc.
Among the natural options that can be considered, although the opinion of a specialist is always important, we have: ground soybean hulls, rape or canola bran and ground flaxseed hulls. Pea seeds, oats and worms are also good, as they can provide good nutrients. In addition, it is essential that they have constant access to clean water for hydration. Don't miss this other post about Chicken Feeding.
Plymouth Rock Chicken He alth
As it happens with any domesticated animal, the plymouth rock breed requires adequate nutrition, such as the one mentioned above, cool areas in summer, water and hygiene in the space in which it is found. By taking care of these aspects their he alth should not deteriorate, as even is a long-lived breedHowever, we encourage you to consult this other article on the most common diseases in chickens to learn how to identify their symptoms.
Plymouth rock hen breeding
At 21 weeks both males and females become sexually mature. For reproduction, the male performs a courtship which consists of a dance around the hen, then she bends over and the rooster proceeds to mount her, holding her by the neck to start the sexual act. The males can be with different hens of the group, in fact, with all the ones that accept it.
Curiosities of the plymouth rock hen
The plymouth rock hen was the subject of some scientific research related to oncogenesis. The American doctor Francis Peyton Rous discovered an oncovirus called Roys sarcoma virus, which causes neoplasia particularly in this breed. The study earned this scientist the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1966.
