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The Plymouth Rocks are an American product, and are direct descendants of the two oldest breeds originated on this continent-the Dominique and the Black Java (AKA Black Cochin). They are themselves an old breed having first been shown in Worcester Massachusetts in 1869 and were listed in the first "Standard of Excellence", published at Buffalo New York on January 15, 1874. They are between the Brahma and a leghorn types in size, and are an upstanding fowl, with body of good length, breadth and depth.
Most of the Plymouth Rocks, sold by hatcheries today are somewhat smaller than Standard size. This may be due to out crossing to the Leghorns inorder to increase egg production.
The size at which birds of this breed are at their best has been carefully worked out. The cock should be nine and a half lbs. the hen seven and a half lbs. which is the weight set in the Standard of Perfection. This weight should be closely adhered to in the breeding pen of both exhibition and utility breeders.
In selecting the breeders care must also be taken to see that the shanks are proper length, not so long as to give a stilted appearance or a tendency to make the bird knock-kneed.
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Other points to observe are that the breast is full and well rounded and the body of good width, without any narrowing at the tail and a refined, cobby (short and strong) head. These last points will be easier to achieve if close attention is given to achieving the proper weight.
The Barred variety was the original Plymouth Rock. They were highly developed early in the last century as a dual purpose bird, and prior to the second World War and into the late nineteen forties and early nineteen fifties were the most popular of all the heavier breeds, having long since passed their progenitors in productiveness and popularity.
They were great favorites with the farmers, and for a good reason, for they are not only beautiful fowl (when bred close to Standard requirements) but are prolific layers of good-sized eggs, are excellent for table purposes and made the best capons.
Today the best specimens are to be found at almost any poultry exhibition in North America indicating that they are still very popular amongst poultry fanciers.
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