Black vs. Red Sexlink

[TillinWithMyPeeps]

I am planning on getting a sexlink in my spring chick order, and, I would like to know more information on them.

Has anyone had experience with them? Is there a difference in egg laying habits, egg size or color, personality?

What breeds typically go into a red or black sexlink?


Thanks!

 

[speckledhen]

I dont have any red or black sexlinks, but this little tidbit on Feathersite will tell you all you want to know about the breeds that go into making them.
http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/CGP/Sex-links/BRKSexLink.html

 

[susanhai]

We had 1 red and 2 black. The red started laying at 14 1/2 wks, the 1st black hen started at 17 wks and the other black one brought up the rear at 20 wks. For us, the red one was a much more regular layer and seemed friendlier (although my son held her more as a chick). I would definitely get them again!

Just an after thought, Our last laying black one consistently laid eggs that were too large to fit in the container. The others were always nice sized!

 

[LoneCowboy]

Well I'm an expert on this subject

I have 12 black sexlinks and 13 red (was 16) This is what I've learned:

The red sexlinks (from Murray McMurry) start laying at about 17 weeks and lay nearly everyday. Their eggs get very large very fast. I think I'm getting jumbo eggs now.

The Black Sexlinks (from MMH) don't lay as early, they don't lay quite as often and it takes quite a while for their eggs to get large compared to the Reds.

So, from now on, when I get replacement chickens for the girls I have, I'll be getting only red sexlinks. Of course I might have a black in my eye candy coop though.

 

[TurtleChick]

i don't have any blacks, so i'm no good for comparison - BUT we do have 2 reds (from mypetchicken) and LOVE them. very sweet, very tame - and excellent layers... one started laying at 15weeks, the other the following week. that was in january, and between the two of them and our rir we've pretty much had 3 brown eggs every day.

 

[TillinWithMyPeeps]

Thanks everyone, It sounds like the Reds lay really good, I'll definitely have to get one of those.