Looking to bring some personality to your coop? Barred Rock chicks are a popular choice for backyard farmers, thanks to their friendly nature and reliable egg output.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to order and brood your new flock. We’ll cover raising these dual-purpose birds from day one through egg laying and beyond.
Breed Benefits Overview
Barred Rock chicks come with a long history and plenty of farming perks.
- Friendly and calm temperament keeps your flock drama free (Strong Animals).
- Reliable brown egg layers, with up to 280 eggs per year (The Seasonal Homestead).
- Hardy in cold and heat, thriving in many climates (Whitney Out West).
Order Barred Rock Chicks
You can find baby Barred Rocks in several formats, including straight run chicks and sexed pullets. Many hatcheries offer vaccinated chicks with low minimums on orders. Check our day-old chicks for sale page to browse current availability.
Brooder Setup Tips
A cozy brooder sets your chicks up for success right from the start.
Essential Supplies
Grab these basics before your chicks arrive:
- A secure brooder box or plastic tub
- A heat source like a heat lamp or plate
- Shallow feeder and chick waterer
- One to two inches of pine shaving bedding
- A thermometer to monitor temperature
Temperature and Bedding
A consistent temperature and clean bedding keep chicks healthy.
| Age (Weeks) | Temperature (°F) |
|---|---|
| 0 to 1 | 95 |
| 2 | 90 |
| 3 | 85 |
| 4 | 80 |
| 5 | 75 |
| 6+ | 70 |
Refresh bedding weekly and remove wet spots daily.
Growth and Development Stages
Barred Rocks grow fast, hitting key milestones by 20 weeks or so.
- 0 to 6 weeks: chick stage with rapid feather growth
- 6 to 18 weeks: pullet stage, birds gain weight and learn to forage
- 18 to 22 weeks: near full size and close to first lay (Backyard Chickens)
Most pullets start laying eggs around five months of age (The Seasonal Homestead).
Flock Integration Guide
Ever wonder how to introduce chicks safely? Proper planning helps new Barred Rocks settle in smoothly.
Introduce to Flock
Keep new chicks separate for at least two weeks. This helps prevent disease spread among your flock. After quarantine, let chicks see older hens through a fence for a few days. Supervised free-ranging sessions help everyone get used to each other.
Managing Pecking Order
Young birds may face some pecking as they find their place.
- Offer extra feed stations to reduce competition
- Provide hiding spots like low shelters
- Step in if pecking gets too rough
Dual-Purpose Potential Guide
Barred Rocks earn the dual-purpose title by offering both good egg output and solid meat.
Egg Production
Expect around 200 to 280 large brown eggs from a healthy hen each year (The Seasonal Homestead).
Meat Quality
Roosters can reach 9 to 10 pounds and hens 7 to 8 pounds at full size (Strong Animals). If you wait too long, the meat gets firm, so consider slow cooking or a pressure cooker for the best texture. You can find these birds in our dual-purpose chickens for sale category.
Care for Adult Birds
Once your chicks mature, proper feeding and health checks become key.
Feeding and Nutrition
Offer a balanced layer feed once hens hit about 18 weeks. Supplement with kitchen scraps and foraged treats. Provide fresh grit and oyster shell for strong egg shells. Keep clean water available at all times.
Health Watch
Barred Rocks are hardy but watch for mites, lice, and egg binding.
- Inspect feathers regularly for parasites
- Clean coop floors and nesting boxes each week
- Offer a warm, dry nest to prevent egg binding
Next Steps and Tips
Barred Rock chicks bring personality, perks, and productivity to any flock.
- Friendly, docile temperament keeps drama low
- Easy egg layers with up to 280 eggs yearly
- Dual-purpose size offers quality meat
- Thrives in cold and hot climates
- Simple brooding and integration process
Ready to start? Head over to our day-old chicks for sale page. Or drop your questions in the comments below.