Poultrymad Black Rock

The only commercial brown egg laying hybrid proven for over 25 years to be genetically suitable for free range; Black Rocks originate from the Harco/Arbor Acres breeders of America. They are a true first-cross hybrid from especially selected strains of Rhode Island Red (male line) and a Barred Plymouth Rock (female line). Probably the most successful hybrid for modern free range.

It has dense feathering, a highly developed immune system and good body weight. Their thick 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 have heard of instances where hens of up to 10 years old are still going strong, with good egg production, (dependant on local conditions, feed, light, lack of predators etc).

Being very docile they are not easily stressed, e.g. by over flying "things" and as a result do not need de-beaking. This makes them an ideal bird to keep to organic standards.

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.

When developing a new breed or indeed an existing breed, there comes a stage where selecting for a specific trait results inevitably in the loss of other, often essential characteristics. With other Hybrids, where creating high egg production and also reducing feed consumption by reducing the overall size of the bird, has resulted in a loss of shell quality i.e. thin shells after only 9 to 10 months lay. The end result can be an actual lower production of Grade A eggs. Unlike the Black Rock, where shell quality and colour is persistently good throughout lay.