Best winter layers?

[aoxa]

I vote for barred Plymouth Rocks. The ones I have lay all winter. And they have a pretty good temperment too.

I would agree as well, but they are looking for lightweight breeds. My barred rocks are anything but lean

 

[bucky52]

my redstar sex link layed all winter.

 

[free burd]

norwegian jaerhon.
look no further.
the lightest weight layer 3.5# hen 5# boys - remarkable feed conversion.
can forage for their food 3 seasons.
vigorously cold hardy for their size.
lay and lay and lay = they outlay most peoples mixed flocks.
large size white/cream.
good lay longevity in terms of years of lay.
WINTER layers - outlay all but possibly sex-links but with better lay longevity
WITHOUT light or heat added.
reportedly lay through their molt
not broody at all
remarkably - sexable at birth
they have a bizarre immunity to inbreeding problems.

they are good FLIERS and good SURVIVORS of predation
but NOT skittish/panicked like hamburgs and some leghorns
they are derived from an ancient 'landrace' but do not act feral.
good personalities.

the slightest drawback = single comb frostbite if your not experienced with that.

http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/CGD/Jaer/BRKJaerhone.html

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/8796/norwegian-jaerhon
is the largest posting on byc MANY PHOTOS

they are only sold at 2 hatcheries or the people on the above byc link
alpinefarm on that link offers organically fed hatching eggs and birds

http://www.sandhillpreservation.com/catalog/chickens.html
also offers a one of a kind strain called 'flame' with a different feather pattern.
sold only straight run

https://secuservices.com/ideal/newideal/Products.aspx?Category=White Egg Layers
page down = sold sexed THAT LINK WONT COME OUT RIGHT - CUT-N-PASTE IT

ask me if you need any information - i have researched them over a year.
they are remarkably under recognized right now.
imported into the usa in the late 90's

hope it works for you.

robert braun [email protected]

 

[foulplay]

A RSL is very light weight by the way.

What about black sex links. I am getting some next spring as chicks any advice

 

[aoxa]

What about black sex links. I am getting some next spring as chicks any advice

It all depends on what breed the father was. They use a barred female in the BSL, and the females are all black. I would say they would be bigger then a RSL? I don't know for sure though...

I know my barred rocks are anything but lightweight. If a barred female was crossed to a light weight male, then maybe you could get a good lightweight layer.

 

[foulplay]

It all depends on what breed the father was. They use a barred female in the BSL, and the females are all black. I would say they would be bigger then a RSL? I don't know for sure though...
I know my barred rocks are anything but lightweight. If a barred female was crossed to a light weight male, then maybe you could get a good lightweight layer.

Awesome thanks, But do the red and black sex links really differ other than color?

 

[aoxa]

Awesome thanks, But do the red and black sex links really differ other than color? 

They have totally different breeds in their history. Barred rocks are not used in red sex links, where they are in black, so it definitely does differ.

That's like saying, is a RIR different besides colour from a Barred Rock.

What they have in common is they are sex linked by colour, and both lay brown eggs.

 

[foulplay]

thank you aoxa I am buying black sex links next year have never had them before. I have been raising chickens for about five years but never have had any other breeds but meat and RIR and barred rocks

 

[aoxa]

thank you aoxa I am buying black sex links next year have never had them before. I have been raising chickens for about five years but never have had any other breeds but meat and RIR and barred rocks

Looks from your pictures that your RIRs are actually Red Sex Links - just thought I'd mention that

I have never had black sex links, but if they are anything like their mothers (barred rocks) they should be great layers.

 

[foulplay]

I just bought 50 chickens off a lady and already had 30 before that and 50 plymouth chicks. I think the 50 I bought were RSL. Thanks for the help I will post more pictures next spring when I get the chicks.