Help! Novice bredder!

[whiteleghorns]

Hi there, I am wondering what would be the best breeds to cross to produce a great egg layer? I lost a whole bunch of chickens, so I have a small flock of 10 (1 R.I.R. rooster, 5 R.I.R. hens, 1 Barred rock pullet, 1 R.I.R./White leghorn crossbreed cockerel,1 White leghorn hen, and 1 Brown leghorn hen). I want a docile chicken which would be a formidable layer. Any suggestions?



-Payton

 

[lightchick]

Welcome! You could create a Black sex link with your RIR roo and your Barred Plymouth rock hen.

 

[whiteleghorns]

ok, sounds like a good Idea! do you know any more "combinations" for a good, fertile egg layer?

 

[Michael OShay]

Lightchick has given you an excellent suggestion. If you cross your RIR rooster with your Barred Rock hen, they will have Black Sex Link offspring, which will likely have a better temperament than either parent breed and will certainly outlay either parent breed. In addition to being egg laying machines, you can sex the chicks at hatching (males will be black with a white spot on the top of their heads and females will be solid black). It will save you weeks of wondering what sex they are. I have had Black Sex Links for years (still have them) and they are terrific birds (my personal favorite).

 

[onionheadtg2014]

Honestly all of those combinations would be great egg layers..... just let them mingle.....

 

[lightchick]

ok, sounds like a good Idea! do you know any more "combinations" for a good, fertile egg layer?

You could also create a red sex link with your RIR roo and a white hen. I personally love Black sex links! Here's mine.

 

[Michael OShay]

You could also create a red sex link with your RIR roo and a white hen. I personally love Black sex links! Here's mine.

He wouldn't be able to do it with his White Leghorns, because they do not carry the silver gene that is necessary in hens for producing Red Sex Links.

 

[lightchick]

Quote: Yes, forgot! I have a Brown sex link that's a mix between a RIR roo and a White Plymouth rock hen.

 

[Michael OShay]

Yes, forgot! I have a Brown sex link that's a mix between a RIR roo and a White Plymouth rock hen.

Yes, White Rock hens carry the silver gene necessary to produce Red Sex Links in a cross with a red gene rooster. Rhode Island Whites, Delawares, and Light Sussex hens are also commonly used in producing Red Sex Links.

 

[whiteleghorns]

Thank y'all for your answers!!! Hopefully got about fifteen black sex links soon!