There is a slight difference in breeding as well where the hens are concerned. Both Red and Black Sex Links use red gene roosters (RIR, NH, or Production Red) in the breeding, but the Black Sex Links use a barred gene hen (normally a Barred Rock), whereas the Red Sex Links use a silver gene hen (RIW, WPR, SLW, Delaware, LS, etc.). I've raised both sex links for many years and they are both egg laying machines. According to Murray McMurray, there is no difference in the lay rate of the two sex links, but I have found that my Blacks actually lay slightly better in really cold winter weather, and tend to have a little longer rate of lay than my Reds. Also, my Black Sex Links have generally been the friendlier of the two sex link varieties (perhaps due to the Barred Rock bred into them).
and Welcome To BYC!
. You should go to the social forums, where am I / where are you? And search for the NC thread.
