I have 8 red sexlinks (McMurray calls them Red Stars). We get 7 or 8 eggs per day. Rarely 6 & never less. As far as the plumage differences goes, they are a cross and as such will not be as consistent as a standard breed. They were bred for production and that they do well. When I was starting out in chickens I did alot of online research and decided I wanted sexlikk birds fro the beginning. I have not been sorry. Enjoy your girls, I know I do.