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Black Sex Link chicken

Black sex-link (also called Black Stars) are a cross between a Rhode Island Red or New Hampshire...
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General Information

Breed Purpose
Dual Purpose
Comb
Single
Broodiness
Average
Climate Tolerance
Cold
Egg Productivity
Medium
Egg Size
Medium
Egg Color
Light brown
Breed Temperament
Docile, friendly
Breed Colors/Varieties
Black with Orange Penciling in the hackle
Breed Size
Large Fowl
APA/ABA Class
American
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Black sex-link (also called Black Stars) are a cross between a Rhode Island Red or New Hampshire rooster and a Barred Rock hen. Both sexes hatch out black, but the males have a white dot on their heads. Pullets feather out black with some red in neck feathers. Males feather out with the Barred Rock pattern along with a few red feathers. Black Sex-Links are often referred to as Rock Reds or Black Stars. They are planned crosses, which are hardier and more productive than their parents' respective breeds. The Sex Link Hybrid is the result of crossing two purebred standard breeds. This hybrid makes for very vigorous chicks, rugged brown egg laying hens and good cockerel fryers. These are extremely high in demand from our Asian community. Black Sex Links lay brown eggs.
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Latest reviews

B
Black Star/Black Sex-linked & Red Star/Red sex-linked are not good choices for backyard flocks.
Pros: Black Stars/Red Stars can generally, but not always, lay an excessive number of eggs annually which are generally med-large to large in size. This is due to their being gene-spliced (genetically modified) because they were bred for industrial purposes. Average temperament.. Can produce more eggs eating less feed than other breeds.
Cons: Because these birds are gene-spliced to produce 300+ eggs per year, this wears out their bodies and their lifespan is only to age 2-3 years old. The gene-splicing can create aggressiveness, poor health, and unusual moulting patterns throughout the year which affects their ability to lay consistently. I have not found that they are healthy birds. Vaginal and bladder prolapse are fairly common due to the excessive egg laying. Those organs were not meant to produce that many eggs. Also bones that break easily can occur due to the strain of producing so many eggs that robs the rest of the hen's body of calcium.
"Non-industrial" breeds of chickens should be chosen by the average person who wants to produce/raise their own eggs or meat.
Rhode Island Reds, Leghorns, Easter Eggers, New Hampshire Reds, Plymouth Rocks, plus other regular breeds are better choices for the hobbyist.
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Reactions: talkinboutchickens
ella2025
My friendliest chick so far
Pros: Beautiful, healthy chick
Very tolerant to being held
Great with kids
Auto sexing!
Cons: None
My black sex link hasnt started laying yet, but so far I am absolutely in love with her. Her personality is the best of all the 15 chickens I have.
Purchase Price
$6
Purchase Date
June
talkinboutchickens
very nice birds
Pros: chicken-oriented, forms bonds with other chickens
Cons: none really
my black sexlink is very food obsessed, she loves her crumble. She has a few BFFs in the flock, Vicky, who passed away, Flo, and Phyllis. She likes humans, but is more a chicken "person". She likes the older chickens more than the annoying young ones. She is not that picky about what she eats, which is good. She is not vocal at all.
Purchase Price
Around $4.00 from a local breeder
Purchase Date
March 2019
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Comments

Autumn D
I have a flock of entirely Black sex-link and they are just wonderful. they each have there own personality and love free-ranging, due to the huge predator problem we have, we only let them free range when someone is watching. it is true they they really don't like being handled but they love being petted. black sex-links are the best!
 
foulplay
can you use the roosters for meat. Like 6-7 lbs or would it be a waste of time?
 
Ellochicken
A roo killed your hen?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! I didn't know that they would do that! I am so sorry about your loss. I have two Black Sex-Link hens currently, and yes, they are stunning! I wish you luck in the future!
-Ellochicken
 
ducklingsweety
that is on pretty bird! my bsl were wierd we ended up getting one with both female and male organs it was both black and white and very preety
 
AmericaunaMama
Aww, thanks! She was a good girl and very missed. After she died the other girls wouldn't even go roost anymore ;( How odd about your BSL! Sounds pretty though!
 
darrylv50
I'm so happy to hear this. I got 10 chicks in March and 2 of them are Black Sex links. I wasn't sure about them but they are so cute. I am new to chicken raising but my chicks are in a box in the living room right now and I love them. I'm trying to make them tame so when they go outside they will come when I call them, etc. I think I'm going to love havaing chickens...and eggs.
 
Chicken Girls
My favorite breed of chicken are the sex links. I bought 10 Black Sex Link chicks and about 4 of them turned out to be Wynadotts. I live in Spokane Washington and we can have very hot summers and very cold winters. The weather does not seem to bother them. They will pant in the summer but they will find a nice cool bush and hang out. They are the most hearty hens I have ever had and they are the best laying hens I have ever had. They do not brood but I enjoy the large brown eggs! They are the best chicken ever!!!
 
GFamily
My black sex links hate to be held, but my red sex links are cuddle bugs. I read about so many people's bsl's that like to be held, but mine from day one didn't want to be held. The rsl's will come and hop right up on your leg or arm to be petted. Hrrm...
 
Jessie Jenkin
i agree they are great chickens i have 1 but she has not started laying yet
but she is such a little sweet heart
 

Item information

Category
Chicken Breeds
Added by
Reeses Peepers
Views
249,962
Watchers
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Comments
148
Reviews
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Last update
Rating
4.15 star(s) 100 ratings

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