Columbian Rock

Columbian Rock Chicken

The Columbian Rock is a versatile and hardy dual-purpose chicken, popular among poultry enthusiasts for its balanced utility and visual appeal. Originating from a cross between the Barred Plymouth Rock and the White Wyandotte, this breed features stunning white plumage with distinctive black lacing around the neck and on the tail feathers, closely resembling the Light Sussex.

Hens are dependable layers, producing medium to large beige eggs consistently. Beyond their egg production, these birds are known for their calm and friendly disposition, making them ideal for backyard flocks and small-scale farming. Their occasional broodiness also adds to their value as a sustainable breed, capable of natural reproduction.

Recognized in 1910 by the American Poultry Association, the Columbian Rock is a proud member of the Plymouth Rock family, celebrated for its contribution to American agricultural heritage. Not only are they excellent layers, but they also offer good meat quality, making them a true dual-purpose breed. The Chicken Coop Company offers a rare and high-quality bloodline of this breed, which is not only a practical addition to any flock but also a show-worthy bird at poultry exhibitions.

Appearance

Feather Color:
Columbian Rock chickens display a clean, crisp white body accented by black feathers with a greenish sheen on the neck (hackles), tail, and wing tips. The black feathers are clearly outlined and sharply contrasted against the white, giving the bird a bold and attractive appearance.

Body Type:
Large, broad, and muscular frame with a deep, full breast. These birds are built for dual-purpose use, offering both ample meat and consistent egg production. The body is rectangular with a well-balanced, heavy build.

Head and Comb:
Medium-sized red single comb with 5 distinct points. Bright red wattles and earlobes. Beak is yellow and slightly curved. The face is expressive and alert.

Legs and Feet:
Clean, yellow legs without feathering. Sturdy and strong to support their large frame. Feet have four toes each, well-spaced for stability.

Size:
Roosters weigh around 8.5–9.5 pounds, and hens weigh 6.5–7.5 pounds. Bantam versions are also bred for exhibition and small flocks.

Temperament

Docile and Friendly:
Columbian Rocks are calm, easygoing birds. They are well-suited for families, beginners, and mixed flocks. Their laid-back nature makes them easy to manage and ideal for backyard coops.

Good with Children:
Tolerant and rarely aggressive. Can be easily handled if socialized early. Often seen interacting comfortably with humans and other chickens.

Cold Hardy:
Adapted to colder climates thanks to their dense feathering and single comb. They continue laying well into the cooler months.

Egg Production

Reliable Layers:
Hens produce approximately 200–250 large brown eggs per year. They are dependable layers across a range of seasons, especially in cooler weather.

Egg Quality:
Eggs are rich, nutritious, and uniform in size. Ideal for family use or small-scale egg production.

Broodiness:
Not overly broody, but some hens may sit on eggs. When they do go broody, they tend to make good mothers and care well for their chicks.

Health and Care

Robust and Hardy:
Columbian Rocks are healthy, vigorous birds with good resistance to disease when properly cared for. Thrive in a variety of climates and coop conditions.

Feeding:
Standard layer feed with occasional supplements (grit, oyster shell, greens). Benefit from foraging opportunities but also do well in confinement.

Maintenance:
Low-maintenance birds. Require routine care such as clean water, dry bedding, and protection from predators. Keep coop ventilated and clean to avoid respiratory issues.

Housing

Space Needs:
Do well in both confinement and free-range systems. Coop space of at least 4 square feet per bird and a run area of 8–10 square feet per bird is ideal.

Nesting and Roosting:
Comfortable in standard nesting boxes and roosts. Their weight makes lower roosts more practical to prevent leg injury.

Security:
Provide a predator-proof coop for nighttime safety and fencing for daytime roaming. These birds are not flighty, making them easy to contain.

Show and Ornamental Use

Show Quality Potential:
With their bold, clean color pattern and large frame, Columbian Rocks are popular in poultry exhibitions, particularly in the American class. Their symmetrical feathering and size make them visually impressive.

Heritage Breed Status:
The Columbian Rock is a recognized variety of the Plymouth Rock breed. It combines the classic dual-purpose qualities of Rocks with a unique color pattern, making it both functional and attractive.

Ornamental Appeal:
Their striking black-on-white contrast makes them a standout addition to any flock, especially in farmyards or homestead displays.

What color eggs do Columbian Rock chickens lay?
Columbian Rock chickens are known for laying high-quality brown eggs. They exhibit a calm and docile temperament, making them a great addition to any flock. With their striking color pattern, these birds are both productive and aesthetically pleasing. Weighing around 4 pounds, they are slightly heavier than hybrid breeds.

What is a Columbian Rock chicken?
The Columbian Rock is a robust, dual-purpose breed that has been around for nearly a century. Renowned for their hardiness, these chickens feature a distinctive color pattern. They are one of the more substantial dual-purpose breeds, known for their durability and excellent egg production.

What is a Columbian chicken breed?
Columbian Wyandottes are a heritage breed, with lineage dating back to the 1860s, post-Civil War era. This breed was developed by crossing two recognized APA breeds: the White Wyandotte and the Barred Plymouth Rock, resulting in a resilient and attractive bird.

What age do Colombian rocks start laying?
Columbian Rock hens typically begin laying eggs at around 6 to 8 months of age. As they mature, their egg production improves, often reaching a steady output of 4 to 5 eggs per week, ensuring a reliable supply of eggs for your household.

What does a Colombian chicken look like?
Columbian Wyandotte chickens are characterized by their docile nature and clean legs. Their plumage is predominantly white, accented with black feathers around the neck, tail, and wings. They have a distinctive rose comb and occasionally display brooding behavior, making them excellent mothers.

What is a Columbian rock cross?
A Columbian Rock Cross results from breeding a Columbian Rock rooster with a Rhode Island Red hen. This crossbreed is valued for its dual-purpose nature, excelling in both egg production and meat yield. They lay cream-colored eggs and have a calm, friendly disposition, making them ideal for family flocks.

Are Columbian Rock chickens friendly?
Columbian Rock chickens are known for their beautiful color pattern and gentle nature. They are excellent producers of quality brown eggs, and their quiet, docile temperament makes them a pleasure to have in both laying pens and free-range environments.

• Poultry Show Class: American Class
  
• Weights: Hen—–7  1/2 lbs
  
• Rooster——9  1/2 lbs
  
• Pullet—6 lbs
  
• Cockerel—-8 lbs
  
• Purpose and Type: Dual, egg laying and meat; Production and show
  
• Egg Shell Color: Brown
  
• Egg Production: 200 – 250 eggs per year (estimates only)
  
• Egg Size: Large
  
• Temperament: Docile
  
• Fertility Percentage: 40-55%
  
• Broody: Setter
  
• Mating Ratio: 9 Females to 1 Male
  
• Roost Height: 2 to 4 feet
  
• Country of Origin: United States
  
• APA: Yes, Recognized by the American Standard of Perfection in 1910
  
• TLC: Recovering Status, Considered a sustainable heritage chicken breed
  
• BREEDER FARM SOURCE: Poultry Breeding Farm has been developing our bloodline or strain of pure Columbian Plymouth Rock since 2010.