The Black Rocks Hybrid laying bird originate from the Harco/Arbor Acres breeders of America. They are a true first-cross hybrid from especially selected strains of Rhode Island Red cockeral (male line) and a Barred Plymouth Rock hen (female line). Probably the most successful hybrid for modern free range. It has dense feathering a highly developed immune system and good body weight. Peter Siddons of Muirfield Hatchery, Scotland, acquired the breeding stock in 1973 and has continued to improve them by careful selection without affecting their essential characteristics.

The Black Rock have not been bred for a few specific traits or fads, as has been the case with other hybrid chicken breeders. In breeding there comes a stage where selecting for a specific trait results inevitably in the loss of other, often essential characteristics.

As is the case with other Hybrid chickens, where creating even higher production while at the same time reducing feed consumption by reducing size, has resulted in a loss of shell quality i.e. Thin shells after only 9 to 10 months lay, resulting in an actual lower production of Grade A eggs, unlike the Black Rock hybrid laying hen, where shell quality and colour is persistently good throughout lay.

PERSISTENT EGG QUALITY The Black Rock will produce 280 + brown eggs in the first year and persistently good throughout lay.
Egg, shell quality and colour are continually good throughout life, which means more grade A eggs.

HARDINESS The Black Rock have rich plumage not only protects them from all weather conditions but they have been observed to be less susceptible to Red Mite. They love the outside, come rain, snow or shine. This together with their highly developed natural immune system means they have the potential to have a long productive life. We are often being contacted by customers with hens over 10 years old still going strong, with a good egg production, (dependant on local conditions, feed, light, lack of predators etc).

TEMPERAMENT Being very docile they are not easily stressed, therefore the Black Rock do not need de-beaking. This makes them an easy bird to keep to organic standards.

VACCINATIONS All chicks are vaccinated at 1 day old and for coccidiosis, mareks and I.B. with H120 but due to an influx of some very nasty continental strains of I.B. local conditions will determine the level of additional vaccinations necessary. Salmonella Vaccines in Black Rocks are out, there has been no recorded positive salmonella test anywhere in the country amongst Black Rocks. Their use is nothing more than a commercial due diligence exercise and causes nothing but suffering and cruelty.

WHERE TO BUY Black Rock are available from Country Fayre based in Andover, Hampshire please feel free to call us on 0845 0940 560 (Sales 24/7) or 07866 694 106 or 07855 394 891 anytime, appointments are strictly by arrangement so please phone before calling as we are often out at shows and events.