Longer-lived black sexlink?

[CombNWattles]

Is it possible to recreate the black sexlink coloration without breeding production birds prone to reproductive issues?
I have only ever owned two, and they were beautiful birds but one of them died at barely a year old from what appeared to be reproductive illness.

Here is poor Caper right when she started to get lethargic:

And her sister Ladyfingers who was sadly taken by a bear not long after:

 

[nuthatched]

Yes, you just need birds the right colors. Sorry you lost your birds.

 

[CombNWattles]

Yes, you just need birds the right colors. Sorry you lost your birds.

Thank you. I’m a little rusty on the genetics; the cross is barred rock and RIR right? Which one is the hen and which one is the roo?

 

[paintedChix]

Thank you. I’m a little rusty on the genetics; the cross is barred rock and RIR right? Which one is the hen and which one is the roo?

 

[nuthatched]

Thank you. I’m a little rusty on the genetics; the cross is barred rock and RIR right? Which one is the hen and which one is the roo?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...rs-what-they-are-and-how-to-breed-them.65934/
I found this, I think you're right but I'd imagine any red bird would work.

 

[Amer]

Thank you. I’m a little rusty on the genetics; the cross is barred rock and RIR right? Which one is the hen and which one is the roo?

Barred Plymouth Rock hen, RIR male. Since they aren't bred for super high production they should have good health.
Anything barred plus red will do though.

 

[FrostRanger]

What you can do is make black sexlinks from the heritage versions of the breeds. You'll still have the colors you want and the birds should be healthier

 

[CombNWattles]

Thanks all for your answers! Maybe I will hatch some someday

 

[Sir Sacabambaspis]

Is it possible to recreate the black sexlink coloration without breeding production birds prone to reproductive issues?
I have only ever owned two, and they were beautiful birds but one of them died at barely a year old from what appeared to be reproductive illness.

Here is poor Caper right when she started to get lethargic:
View attachment 4022357

And her sister Ladyfingers who was sadly taken by a bear not long after:
View attachment 4022358

Poor gals, may Ladyfingers rest in peace!

I've been doing a bunch of research on the topic of this though and i think one thing you can do to achieve the beautiful coloration of the Blackstars (aka black sex links) is to cross a black rooster to a buff hen or the other way around! the resulting offspring won't be autosexing after hatching... but they'll still be absolutely stunning birds none the less!

Here's one of the photos I've collected while researching how to do this! The roosters always end up being far more orange and bright for some reason but the hens tend to look just like your hen Ladyfingers!

 

[CombNWattles]

Poor gals, may Ladyfingers rest in peace!

I've been doing a bunch of research on the topic of this though and i think one thing you can do to achieve the beautiful coloration of the Blackstars (aka black sex links) is to cross a black rooster to a buff hen or the other way around! the resulting offspring won't be autosexing after hatching... but they'll still be absolutely stunning birds none the less!

Here's one of the photos I've collected while researching how to do this! The roosters always end up being far more orange and bright for some reason but the hens tend to look just like your hen Ladyfingers!View attachment 4046373

Wow! They’re beautiful!!