Barred Rocks (often called Barred Rock chickens or Plymouth Barred Rocks) are one of the most popular backyard breeds in the world—and for good reason. They’re friendly, hardy in different climates, and known for dependable egg production. If you’re researching when do barred rocks start laying or wondering what color eggs do barred rock chickens lay.
Barred Rocks are a variety of Plymouth Rock chickens with a distinctive black-and-white barred pattern. They’re commonly kept for:
Consistent egg production
Calm temperament
Strong cold-weather hardiness
Easy flock integration
Because they’re reliable layers and easy to manage, they’re often recommended for beginners.
A top question is when do barred rocks start laying. In most backyard setups, Barred Rocks typically begin laying their first eggs around:
18 to 24 weeks old (about 4.5 to 6 months)
So, if you’re asking when do barred rocks start laying eggs, the most common answer is: around 5 to 6 months, depending on conditions.
Even within the same breed, the exact timing depends on:
Daylight hours: Hens lay best with about 14 hours of light daily.
Nutrition: A quality grower feed, then a layer feed at the right time, supports healthy development.
Stress levels: Moving, predators, overcrowding, or frequent changes can delay laying.
Health and parasites: Mites, lice, or illness can slow growth and egg production.
Season: Pullets raised into fall/winter may start later due to shorter days.
If you’re waiting and wondering “is it soon?”, look for these signs:
A pullet’s comb and wattles usually become larger and brighter red as she gets close to laying.
Many hens “squat” when you approach—this can indicate maturity and readiness.
You may notice your Barred Rock checking out nest boxes, scratching inside, or spending time in the coop.
As laying approaches, hens often begin a more predictable routine—especially in the morning.
Another common question is what color eggs do barred rock chickens lay. Barred Rocks are known for laying:
Brown eggs (usually light to medium brown)
So if you’re typing variations like:
what color eggs to barred rocks lay
… the answer stays the same: Barred Rocks lay brown eggs.
Yes, the shade can vary slightly due to:
Individual genetics
Hen age (older hens may lay lighter eggs sometimes)
Nutrition and overall health
But Barred Rocks are not a “blue egg” or “white egg” breed—brown is the standard.
While exact totals vary, Barred Rocks are generally considered strong layers and may produce around:
4 to 5 eggs per week in peak laying season
Production can slow during:
Molting
Very hot weather
Winter (unless supplemental light is used responsibly)
If your pullets are nearing the age and you want to support healthy laying:
Use grower feed until close to laying age
Transition to a layer feed when you expect eggs soon
Offer oyster shell as a calcium supplement (free-choice)
One nest box for every 3–4 hens
Soft bedding (pine shavings or straw)
Dark, quiet placement inside the coop
Egg production is closely tied to routine. Fresh water, stable flock dynamics, and a safe coop make a big difference.
They may start later because shorter daylight reduces laying hormones. Many hens wait until days lengthen.
Barred Rocks lay brown eggs, similar to Rhode Island Reds and many other dual-purpose breeds.
Double-check:
Daylight hours
Nutrition
Stress/predators
Parasites or illness
Some hens also mature later—especially if they experienced changes or poor conditions earlier.
Barred Rocks are an excellent choice if you want a calm, hardy chicken with reliable egg production. In most cases, when do barred rocks start laying is answered with 18–24 weeks, and what color eggs do barred rock chickens lay is clearly brown.
Experience farm-fresh poultry like never before. Contact The Hens House Hatchery Farm Ltd. today to place your order and enjoy premium-quality chicken products!
At The Hens House Hatchery Farm Ltd., we provide top-quality chicken products to meet your needs.
The Hens House Hatchery Farm Ltd © 2025. All rights reserved.
