Plymouthrock chicken breed: description and characteristics of productivity, content features

When planning to raise chickens, many people wonder what kind to choose. Plymouthrock is considered a good breed of chickens, the description of which will give answers to all questions. Small chicks, with proper care, turn into adult birds with a strong physique. In a short period of time, a person will be provided with egg and meat products.

Historical background

For the first time, the type of chickens appeared in America, therefore it is often found under the name of the American Plymouthrock. The variety was obtained in the 19th century as a result of crossing many breeds. The breed was officially recognized in 1910.

General description and characteristics of the breed

Knowing this information, a person can easily recognize the breed without buying a fake.

Appearance

There is such a color:

white;
blue;
partridge;
fawn;
striped;
black.

Feathers of striped roosters have a lighter shade. As a rule, the strips end at the base of the feather. Plymouthrock's down is devoid of obvious pattern, but the lines are slightly visible.

A medium-sized head has a leaf-shaped crest. The number of teeth ranges from 4 to 6 pieces. The eyes are orange and the beak is yellow. The body is rectangular, elongated and wide. The neck is straight, the chest and abdomen are full. The tail has dense plumage. The wings are close to the body and set high.

Temperament

By nature, chickens are peaceful and curious. Plymouthrock does not attack other birds and does not act viciously towards them. Females are often attacked by other birds and are unable to defend themselves.

Productivity

The breed is considered egg-meat. Due to its versatility, the Plymouthrock breed is bred not only at home, but also in industrial settings. The weight of a rooster is 4 kg, females - 2.5, but some especially large ones reach the mark of 3 kg.

Young hens that have reached the age of 6 months begin to lay eggs. Moreover, the level of egg production remains high throughout the year. The shell is light brown in color.

Hatching instinct

The breed is characterized by a highly developed maternal instinct. Chickens incubate eggs, and with the advent of chickens, they protect them from other birds. Chickens practically do not leave eggs in the nest, which allows you to get a brood of young animals without using an incubator.

Types of Plymouth Rocks

There are many types of breed. However, the most common are striped Plymouth Rocks with a predominance of white. There are also crossbreeds.

Main advantages and disadvantages

A large number of positive aspects guarantees successful breeding of birds:

precocious puberty;
egg production above average;
good immune system;
rapid chick development and weight gain;
calm temperament;
activity;
beautiful feather color and general appearance.

Despite the good taste of meat and the large number of eggs that lay hens, Plymouthrock also has disadvantages:

demanding diet;
high cost of chicks;
long process of feathering chicks.

Before deciding whether or not to breed a breed, the advantages and disadvantages are carefully weighed.

Conditions of keeping the breed

Includes various points - arrangement of the chicken coop, walking area, food and care.

Chicken coop

The area for chickens should be spacious and not contain objects that can be hit and injured. Installation of partitions and high perches is required. The floor covering is covered with a layer of hay or straw. Peat is an alternative.

Place for walking

Plymouthrock needs sunshine and fresh air all year round. The area for walking should be fenced with material that the birds cannot be injured on. If necessary, the courtyard is covered with a net for greater security.

Drinkers and feeders

Food and water fixtures are bought or made by yourself. An excellent option for chicks is plastic feeders and drinkers with the possibility of dosage. For adult chickens, handmade wooden feeders are suitable.

How they endure the winter period

In severe frosts, Plymouth Rock should not be let out, even despite the strength of the immune system. A large number of feathers and physique help to survive the cold. But the comb and earrings are cold because there is no plumage.

Plymouthrock gets sick when the temperature drops to -5 degrees. In order for the chickens to safely endure the winter period, the owners teach them to do this starting from October.

Shelt and lay break

The loss of plumage is a natural process, so do not associate the phenomenon with the disease. Molting falls in November, begins with the onset of pre-winter cold weather. The period lasts an average of 2 to 3 months. During the molting period, Plymouth Rock stops laying eggs.

Planned herd replacement

Chickens of this breed are able to live for a long time. 3 years after birth, they carry much fewer eggs, and the taste of meat loses its qualities. Therefore, it is recommended to update the herd.

What to feed the bird

Food preferences differ between adult and young hens.

Chicks

During the growth of Plymouthrock, people should carefully monitor the diet. Starter feeding is divided into two types. In the first case, it is a grated boiled yolk. The second feed option is boiled corn grits. When choosing food, the second option is preferred. Cornmeal is highly digestible and does not harm Plymouthrock's digestive system.

From the second week of life, the bird is given a mixture of egg yolk and semolina. Upon reaching the age of one month, coarse grain and freshly cut grass are introduced into the diet of the bird.During the day, Plymouthrock is given fresh root vegetables and vegetables. This ensures that the body is saturated with additional trace elements and vitamins.

With reaching one and a half months of age, birds are given grain or balanced feed. Some individuals receive fermented milk products or other products that help restore the functionality of the immune system. As a rule, such chicks are lagging behind in growth and development.

Adults

The diet of adult chickens includes:

Wet mixes based on boiled vegetables, cereals and low-fat broth.
Whole grain.
In the warm season, fresh grass is added.
Combined feed - wheat, corn and barley.

When it gets cold, Plymouthrocks will be especially useful with a wet mash. Whole grains should always be available for consumption throughout the year. Combined feeds are given in small quantities, as additives play the role.

Increasing the amount of food by 10-15% in the cold season helps maintain body temperature.

Diseases of the breed

Thanks to its strong immune system, Plymouth Rock rarely gets sick. Sources of diseases are parasites, so they need to be urgently disposed of. All that is required of a person is to keep the chicken coop clean, feed the birds and regularly carry out preventive measures.