Poultry Talk Ontario (pto.ca)

Although there are SO MANY breeds of chickens I would love to have I've realized how much the attitude and habits of my barred rock girls suit the home I provide and the interaction level I like to have with them. They're not flighty...they are great foragers but can handle some confinement provided it's not extensive...they're super friendly and calm around people and other pets and they are comical. I have my heart set on adding some "not hatchery" birds next year and I'm wondering if I can expect the same kind of temperament from the heritage lines. I'm also drooling over the pencilled rock and wondered if all Plymouth Rocks are generally the same.
Silver Pencilled Rock (pic from Google)

@precisionplymouthrocks
Is the person to talk to about silvers from what I have seen

Thanks @KyleS yes I've already been eying up his pics! Gorgeous birds.

Thank you for introducing me to the Pencil Rock. LOL. Barred Rocks have been one of my top favorites, along with the Rhode Island Red. I find these older heritage birds very versatile and hardy. I've never bought from a commercial hatchery only breeders with a stronger link to the heritage lines. I don't show but like to do my bit of promoting the older lines. Plus you just can't beat the glorious colours of a heritage line Rhode Island . I know, we are all biased. :). Can't help you on the diff between the Barred and the Pencil, only to encourage you to seek out the heritage breeders. Cheers....

Thank you @Epona I think I need some of each!