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BLACK
ROCK
(sex-link)
The only commercial brown egg hybrid proven
for over 25 years to be
genetically suitable for free range
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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. Peter Siddons
(link to P.Siddons page) of Muirfield Hatchery,
Scotland, acquired
the breeding stock in 1973 and has continued to improve
them by careful selection without affecting their
essential characteristics. |
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They have not been
bred for a few specific traits or fads, as has been the
case with other hybrid breeders. In breeding there comes a
stage where selecting for a specific trait results
inevitably in the loss of other, often essential
characteristics.
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As is the case
with other Hybrids, where creating even higher production
while at the same time reducing feed consumption by
reducing size, has resulted in a loss of shell quality
i.e. Thin shells after only 9 to 10 months lay, resulting
in an actual lower production of Grade A eggs, unlike the Black Rock,
where shell quality and colour is persistently good throughout lay. |
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