Pullet or Cockerel? Black Sex Link

[Michael OShay]

I agree with the consensus except as a geneticist I'm not keen about calling such a cross a Black Sex Link. Sex linkage is not a type of bird but this is more correctly a Black Star - a designation and not a breed. Again, keep in mind that sex linkage of any type is a genetic condition and NOT a breed. I know that I'm fighting an uphill battle as this misnomer unfortunately is established among the industry from producers to barn yard folks. For example, in humans hemophilia is a sex linked genetic condition. If so afflicted would you care to be called a Sex Link or hemophiliac rather than the human being that you are? Please think about it. Ignorance is a terrific condition to combat.
Sincerely,
Neal, the Zooman

I understand what you're saying and agree that the term is flawed, but as you said, Black Sex Link has become the label that has been attached to this particular cross by the majority of the hatcheries and owners, so for practicality and by necessity we use the term. Actually the only really accurate designation for it is a RIR rooster X BR hen hybrid, but that is rather a mouth full. )

 

[Michael OShay]

I understand what you're saying and agree that the term is flawed, but as you said, Black Sex Link has become the label that has been attached to this particular cross by the majority of the hatcheries and owners, so for practicality and by necessity we use the term. Actually the only really accurate designation for it is a RIR rooster X BR hen hybrid, but that is rather a mouth full. )

Taking this a step further, the best designation for it is Bovans Nera, the designation used for the RIR x BR cross by the first commercial breeders, and by a few of the hatcheries.

 

[bigmrg74]

When do Black Sex Link hens normally start laying eggs? I got 3 of them from TSC back on April 15th, and they should have started laying by now I thought. The other three hens I got that day are laying now, giving me about 3 eggs a day. Some of the BSL's have been squatting, and they just recently started to have their combs really grow out on them. I'm just wondering about it because I would really like to start having more eggs soon.

 

[Michael OShay]

When do Black Sex Link hens normally start laying eggs? I got 3 of them from TSC back on April 15th, and they should have started laying by now I thought.

Black Sex Links typically start laying between 5 and 6 months. If you got them on April 15, they should be laying by mid-October, probably somewhat before that. I expect based on their ages, and your physical description of them, you will start getting eggs at any time, and once they start, you will get loads of them. They are egg laying machines, frequently laying over 300 eggs a year.

 

[QueenBubbles]

Thanks for the question and the answer! I won't start looking for eggs until November
Is there a recommended time to start feeding layer food?

 

[bigmrg74]

Black Sex Links typically start laying between 5 and 6 months. If you got them on April 15, they should be laying by mid-October, probably somewhat before that. I expect based on their ages, and your physical description of them, you will start getting eggs at any time, and once they start, you will get loads of them. They are egg laying machines, frequently laying over 300 eggs a year.

Thanks! I was going to give them until my birthday, October 5th to start laying or else, but maybe I'll extend that deadline out to Halloween now.

 

[Michael OShay]

Thanks for the question and the answer! I won't start looking for eggs until November

Is there a recommended time to start feeding layer food?

I'd start feeding them layer food at 18 weeks.

 

[bigmrg74]

Looks like I'm getting 4 eggs a day right now, might have gotten 5 on sunday, too many people doing egg checks to be sure. Either way, looks like at least one of my BSL's is laying now.

 

[Michael OShay]

Looks like I'm getting 4 eggs a day right now, might have gotten 5 on sunday, too many people doing egg checks to be sure. Either way, looks like at least one of my BSL's is laying now.

Congratulations! It's always exciting getting those first eggs, and with those ladies, you're going to get loads more. )

 

[QueenBubbles]

Looks like I'm getting 4 eggs a day right now, might have gotten 5 on sunday,  too many people doing egg checks to be sure.  Either way, looks like at least one of my BSL's is laying now.  

Yay eggs!! How old are your BSLs that are laying?