4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[chris170284]

hi im planning getting some rhode red x plymouth barred rock known as black rock,black rhode,rhode black and bovan neras does anyone own this breed and do they make good garden birds thanks

[taffeta]

Hi,

I have a black rock called Matilda. She's a wonderful layer and has done very well coping with the horrible weather and cold winters here on the west coast of Scotland. She's certainly a great hybrid to start off with but she recently had a WIR built for her as she and her 2 friends gradually reduced my garden to something like the Somme! Lovely hen though.

[Redwing]

Black Rocks are different to the other birds you list although they all look very similar

 

Black Rocks are only produced by one hatchery in Scotland and sold through approved suppliers, they are the 'ultimate' hybrid IMHO, less prone to problems that commonly inflict other hybrids, a really strong sturdy bird coming from years of exacting breeding. If you can get a genuine Black Rock then thats brilliant

 

The others are all fine, nice hybrids and make good garden birds, you often see them listed as Black Rocks but they arent the same thing

 

In general this type of bird is usually a placid one, I dont think you can beat a Warren for friendliness though

 

Official Black Rock webpage: http://www.blackrockhens.co.uk/

[TooLilac]

we've got two black rocks and they are quite hardy and docile. They are great layers, and friendly enough - but they are not the cleverest birds in our WIR !! we recently changed our coop set up so that it is raised, and they "forget" where the coop is (clue: look up you silly chickens!)

We also have two cream legbars (also very nice) and the difference in temperament is marked. Although the legbars are pleasant, they are much more skittish and flighty than the BRs. The also seem a bit brighter and are MUCH more vocal. Am glad we got two of each, as BRs are a good beginners bird for novices, and friendly if you have children. The legbars are more like the cats of the chicken world. They look after themselves and only tolerate humans if they think there is food in it for them !!!

[keyhole kate]

I lost my true black rock Mabel last week aged 5 she was a hardy hefty girl with beetle black feathers who once got used to being handled loved nothing more than a cuddle I have missed her so much If I could find a supplier within reasonable travel distance I would definately have more

[Redwing]

I lost my true black rock Mabel last week aged 5 she was a hardy hefty girl with beetle black feathers who once got used to being handled loved nothing more than a cuddle I have missed her so much If I could find a supplier within reasonable travel distance I would definately have more

 

I know of a supplier close to you. pm me if you ever decide to go ahead and get some

[keyhole kate]

Thanks Redwing

I definately will PM you once I have the chicks intro'd in with the main flock as they are in my spare accomodation