How do you tell the difference between a BSL and a Barred Rock cockerel??

[Alethea1125]

Ok, I’ve looked everything up and I cannot seem to find a good answer to this question. So let’s say I have 5 week old Black sex link cockerels and 5 week old barred rock cockerels. How do you tell the difference?? Thank you!

 

[BlueTheBrahma]

Ok, I’ve looked everything up and I cannot seem to find a good answer to this question. So let’s say I have 5 week old Black sex link cockerels and 5 week old barred rock cockerels. How do you tell the difference?? Thank you!

Pure barred rocks have two copies of the barring allele. They have a bigger head spot as chicks and are lighter as adults. The sex link is also way more likely to have red or yellow patches in the hackles or shoulder.

If you have a photo I can give you my best guess.

 

[Alethea1125]

Pure barred rocks have two copies of the barring allele. They have a bigger head spot as chicks and are lighter as adults. The sex link is also way more likely to have red or yellow patches in the hackles or shoulder.

If you have a photo I can give you my best guess.

I do! Everyone I’ve asked says BR but since I have both I kinda want to know. lol had I known it was going to be so hard to tell I would’ve separated them originally.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

 

[Yardmom]

When you put them side by side your pure Barred Rock cockerels will appear whiter than Black sex link cockerels.

 

[Alethea1125]

When you put them side by side your pure Barred Rock cockerels will appear whiter than Black sex link cockerels.

Ok that definitely helps! Thank you!

 

[BlueTheBrahma]

I do! Everyone I’ve asked says BR but since I have both I kinda want to know. lol had I known it was going to be so hard to tell I would’ve separated them originally.

Yes I’d say that’s a barred rock. The bright yellow legs and strong barring shows a well bred BPR.

 

[Alethea1125]

Yes I’d say that’s a barred rock. The bright yellow legs and strong barring shows a well bred BPR.

Ok!!! Thank you so much!

 

[AinaWGSD]

Yes I’d say that’s a barred rock. The bright yellow legs and strong barring shows a well bred BPR.

I think it looks too dark for double barring, personally. But take that with a grain of salt, as i have limited personal experience with barring.

The chick in the front is double barred, like BR cockerels should be. The chick in the back is single barred, which is what black sexlink cockerels will be.

 

[BlueTheBrahma]

I think it looks too dark for double barring, personally. But take that with a grain of salt, as i have limited personal experience with barring.View attachment 4142469The chick in the front is double barred, like BR cockerels should be. The chick in the back is single barred, which is what black sexlink cockerels will be.

I actually agree. I am used to dark cuckoo marans as my standard for barring, so this guy looked double barred to me. Seeing your picture I am leaning single barred. However, I would still say he is a barred rock, based on those yellow legs, just a single barred one (or darker looking double barred). Black sex links usually have grey legs (though sometimes yellow) and more red leakage.