Black sex link thread!!! Pics and info!

[lightchick]

They all came from the same mom

So pretty!

 

[Mosey2003]

Does anyone know why the commercial Black Star is a NH rooster in particular?

As in, is there some reason why they use NH and not Rhode Island Red?

Obviously, I know you can produce sex linked markings with any solid non-white rooster over barred hens. I did some Buff Orp x Barred Rocks this year. But I sold my Buff rooster and at some point want to try with a red one, and am wondering if the NH adds anything to the finished bird that a RI wouldn't. Does it maybe make the cockerels a little meatier? Is it a trade secret or some sort of mystery? Hmmmm.

 

[junebuggena]

There is very little difference between hatchery RIR and hatchery New Hampshires, other than the shade of red. Makes no difference which you use.

 

[Mosey2003]

There is very little difference between hatchery RIR and hatchery New Hampshires, other than the shade of red. Makes no difference which you use.

What if I'm using heritage birds?

 

[junebuggena]

Then the Mahogany gene of the RIR will produce more red in the pullets and the males will likely be heftier than if using a New Hampshire.

 

[Mosey2003]

Thanks!

 

[Ducksforlife]

I have a question how can I get my BLS chicks to get attached to me?

 

[lightchick]

I have a question how can I get my BLS chicks to get attached to me?

How old are they? Both of the BSL chickens I had were relatively friendly already, but I usually try and sit by/in their brooder and talk to them every day. Also offer lots of treats.
I also try not to pick my chicks up a lot...If I do then I come from the side ( not from above). Usually though I just hold my hand in the brooder with treats in it and they soon learn to just jump up on my hand.
Also having the brooder with a window so they can see out and keeping it in a place where you send the most time is really effective. Hope I helped!

 

[yeye5]

How old are they? Both of the BSL chickens I had were relatively friendly already, but I usually try and sit by/in their brooder and talk to them every day. Also offer lots of treats.
I also try not to pick my chicks up a lot...If I do then I come from the side ( not from above). Usually though I just hold my hand in the brooder with treats in it and they soon learn to just jump up on my hand.
Also having the brooder with a window so they can see out and keeping it in a place where you send the most time is really effective. Hope I helped!

Why is it that you avoid picking the chicks up? Does their instinct "perceive" you (or your hand) as a potential predator?
I've picked mine up (these chicks and also chicks of any other breed). There's a bunch of screeching in the lifting up part, but once I cup them against my chest, they calm down right away.
I'm not saying, at all, that I'm doing it properly...I'm just always looking to learn new things, especially from ppl at BYC! Thanks!

I also was about to post a couple of other questions when I got done reading the posts I missed while running errands earlier:
? Is there a difference between BSL's and Black Stars? or are they synonymous?
? What is the difference between sex links and autosexers?
? What other colors are there of sex links? and of autosexers?

And, sorry I forgot the username of the person with the BSL names Hera, but I have a pullet that looks exactly--from what I can see in the pics--like Hera! I'll take pics tomorrow and post them to see everyone's opinions...are there other breeds with not only the color of course, but the same body type etc? I adopted Sparkle from a couple who got her from TS last year; they didn't mention if they'd been told her breed. With my very little knowledge I thought she might be an Australorp.
I guess pics will be better than my attempt at verbal description.
Thanks all!

 

[lightchick]

Quote: I did hatch a Australorp/Gold Star roo and he ended up with BSL coloring, but I don't think any breed has that coloring.