Description
Columbian Rock Chicken
Breed History and Origin
The Columbian Rock chicken was recognized as a distinct breed and admitted to the American Standard of Perfection in 1910. This variety is a member of the well-known Plymouth Rock family and represents a classic American poultry heritage breed that many farms and homesteads once kept regularly. Columbian Rocks are valued for both their productivity and their attractive appearance, making them suitable for backyard flocks as well as exhibition. Cackle Hatchery® has been developing its bloodline of pure Columbian Plymouth Rock chickens since 2010 with an emphasis on maintaining both production ability and proper breed characteristics.
Appearance and Breed Characteristics
Columbian Rock chickens display the classic Columbian color pattern with clean white plumage accented by black neck hackles and black tail feathers. They have the sturdy body shape typical of the Plymouth Rock family along with a calm and docile temperament. Mature hens typically weigh around 7½ pounds, while roosters average about 9½ pounds. Pullets weigh approximately 6 pounds and cockerels around 8 pounds, making them a substantial dual-purpose breed that performs well in both egg production and meat utility.
Egg Production and Performance
Columbian Rock hens lay large brown eggs and generally produce 200 to 250 eggs per year depending on flock management and environmental conditions. Because of their steady egg production and solid body size, this breed works well for small farms, homesteads, and backyard flocks looking for a traditional dual-purpose chicken.
Temperament and Flock Suitability
This breed is known for its docile and manageable temperament, making it a good choice for families and backyard poultry keepers. Columbian Rocks adapt well to typical backyard housing systems and prefer roost heights between two and four feet. Fertility percentages generally range between 40–55%, with a recommended mating ratio of nine females to one male. Hens may occasionally go broody, as they are known setters.
Exhibition and Availability
Because this color variety is less common than other Plymouth Rock varieties, the Columbian Rock can be harder to find and often attracts attention in poultry exhibitions. Our bloodline has been maintained with the goal of producing birds that perform well in both production and show settings.
Customers interested in this variety may also like the miniature version of the breed, the Columbian Rock Bantam Chicken
Columbian Rock Chicken FAQs
What color eggs do Columbian Rock chickens lay? Columbian Rock hens lay large brown eggs.
How many eggs do Columbian Rock chickens lay per year? They typically produce 200–250 eggs annually depending on flock management.
Are Columbian Rock chickens good backyard chickens? Yes, they are docile birds that adapt well to backyard flocks and small farms.
Are Columbian Rock chickens good for meat and eggs? Yes. They are considered a classic dual-purpose breed, providing both steady egg production and useful meat qualities.
Availability
Available Low Availability Unavailable
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Gatlin Bunton –
The whole flock is doing well at 6 months. We ordered 20 straight run and were given 22. All were very healthy. We had a 50/50 mix of hens to roosters. We haven’t lost a single one to disease or illness. Last week we started getting our first eggs. They are so inquisitive and friendly. Several like being pet and love to be around us when cleaning the coop. The roosters are all very nice and are good protectors of the ladies already. Such beautiful birds!
audra oldham –
They are really beautiful. We didn’t lose any in the 25 straight run we ordered this year. All are healthy and thriving. The number of hens in the SR was impressive actually. I think we maybe have 8 roosters out of 25 SR. So that was a win. The Columbian pattern is super pretty. In addition to that they are the sweetest chickens I’ve raised in a long time. I have some of the hens that come up to me to get in my lap and just chirp when i pick them up. In comparison to the other Rocks I’ve raised they are super chill. I think we will keep this breed for some time.
Lorenza Carter –
These birds art stunning. the black penciling in the neck and body feathering just makes them pop in a mixed flock. They are very friendly and calm, keeping their heads when the Anconas are going nuts. Their medium to large light brown eggs are a welcome addition to the basket. They also produce some very nice sex linked chicks when crossed with New Hampshire Reds. These, along with the Light Sussex, should be a part of every backyard flock.
Rodney, NW Illinois –
Colombian Rocks are Stunning!
“My Colombian Rocks have all the traits of the Plymouth Rock breed, they are calm,docile and inquisitive. Mine started laying at 30-32 weeks. Their beautiful feathering make them a disgusted group among my chickens as they have adapted well with other breeds in my established flock. I enjoy them much!”
TC in CT –
Very Happy with the Columbian Rocks
Hatched 3/12/2019. The Cackle shipment was packed well and all the chicks survived. I am very happy with these Columbian Rocks. Gentle rooster and the hens are laying most everyday. They started laying in August. They also look like they would make a nice table birds.
RainStorm –
Great Chickens
I’ve had great success with this breed and I love them. The chicks were healthy and they seemed to grow a lot faster than my other breeds. Strangely enough they were laying eggs by the time they were 3 to 4 months old, which is great. I’m looking forward to getting more.
Good chickens –
Medium energy, lay good
Good chickens, something different than regular Plymouth rocks, the reason four stars because they are only sold as straight run so I ordered 14 chicks and ended up 7 roosters .. and couple hens where not as good quality as the rest they where smaller and not as good layers as their sisters..
Lady L –
Beautiful Chickens
I love these Columbian Plymouth Rocks. They are all healthy and are growing beautifully. Thank you Cackle Hatchery.
Mosen –
Healthy Chicks
I received my chicks today all alive and healthy, the shipping date was delayed due to bad hatch. I never got my surprise chick which I was more excited about to know which breed and gender it’s gonna be and the same thing happen to me in my previous order..
John, Texas July 2010 –
Thanks!
Our chicks made it yesterday. They all like and act in great shape after a short drink they went right to eating and running around.