Breed Profile
Barred Rock Bantam
APA 1940Breed History and Origin
The Barred Rock Bantam Chicken is the miniature version of the Barred Plymouth Rock Standard breed. This bantam variety has made strong progress in recent decades thanks to dedicated poultry breeders across the United States.
The Barred Rock Bantam was recognized by the American Standard of Perfection in 1940 within the Single Comb Clean Legged Bantam class. As a smaller version of one of America’s most recognized heritage chicken breeds, it offers a practical mix of production ability, backyard appeal, and exhibition value.
Cackle Hatchery® Poultry Breeding Farm has been developing its own bloodline of Barred Rock Bantam chickens since 1982, with attention to consistent barring, proper bantam type, temperament, and overall quality.
Appearance and Breed Characteristics
Barred Rock Bantam chickens display the classic black and white barred feather pattern that mirrors the standard-sized Barred Plymouth Rock. Their clean, evenly marked barring gives them a traditional look that stands out in both backyard flocks and exhibition settings.
They have a balanced body shape, single comb, and clean legs. Mature hens typically weigh about 32 ounces, while mature roosters average around 36 ounces. Pullets generally weigh about 28 ounces, and cockerels average around 32 ounces.
Their uniform feather pattern, clean-legged body type, and classic American appearance make them a strong choice for poultry keepers who want a bantam with both usefulness and show appeal.
Egg Production and Performance
Barred Rock Bantam hens lay small brown bantam-sized eggs. Their egg production is considered good for a bantam breed, making them useful for customers who want a small backyard bird that can still contribute to the egg basket.
While they are not large-production layers like standard-size utility breeds, they offer a nice balance of light egg production, manageable size, and ornamental value.
Temperament and Flock Suitability
Barred Rock Bantams are known for their docile and calm disposition. They are active, but they remain manageable and adaptable in typical backyard flock settings.
This breed is a great choice for backyard flocks, families, poultry hobbyists, and exhibitors who want a bantam that is both attractive and easy to work with. Hens are known setters and may go broody, making them useful for keepers who enjoy natural hatching.
Fertility percentages generally range between 40–55%, with a recommended mating ratio of approximately eight females to one male. Barred Rock Bantams generally prefer roost heights between 2 to 4 feet.
Backyard and Exhibition Use
Barred Rock Bantam chickens are valued as a dual-purpose bantam, serving well as a show bird, pet, and bantam egg layer. Their consistent barred coloring, calm temperament, and traditional appearance make them popular with both backyard poultry keepers and exhibition breeders.
They are a good fit for customers who want:
Backyard bantam chickens
Small brown eggs
A docile family-friendly bird
A classic black and white barred feather pattern
A bantam with exhibition appeal
A manageable smaller version of the Barred Rock Chicken
A broody hen that may help hatch eggs
Customers interested in the larger version of this breed may also like the Barred Rock Chicken.
We also offer the show-quality Barred Plymouth Rock Exhibition Type, Barred Rock Started Pullets, and, at limited times of the year, Barred Rock Fertile Hatching Eggs.
To learn how to tell the difference between a Barred Rock and a Dominique Chicken, see our blog: Barred Rock vs Dominique Chicken.
Barred Rock Bantam Chicken FAQs
What color eggs do Barred Rock Bantams lay?
Barred Rock Bantams lay small brown bantam-sized eggs.
Are Barred Rock Bantams good egg layers?
Yes. They are considered good layers for a bantam breed.
Are Barred Rock Bantams good for backyard flocks?
Yes. Barred Rock Bantams are docile, calm, adaptable, and make excellent backyard chickens.
Do Barred Rock Bantams go broody?
Yes. Hens are known setters and may go broody to hatch eggs.
How much do Barred Rock Bantams weigh?
Mature hens typically weigh about 32 ounces, while mature roosters average around 36 ounces.
Are Barred Rock Bantams good for showing?
Yes. Their uniform barring, traditional type, and calm nature make them a good exhibition bantam.
What class are Barred Rock Bantams in?
They are recognized in the Single Comb Clean Legged Bantam class.
When were Barred Rock Bantams recognized by the American Standard of Perfection?
The Barred Rock Bantam was recognized in 1940.
Are Barred Rock Bantams the same as Barred Rock Chickens?
They are the bantam version of the Barred Plymouth Rock Standard breed. They share the classic barred pattern but are much smaller.
What roost height is best for Barred Rock Bantams?
They generally prefer roost heights between 2 to 4 feet.
