sex link and climate?

[ebonykawai]

Does anyone have red or black sex link chickens in a northern climate? Are they pretty winter hardy? They seem smaller (4-5 pounds for hens) than the usual winter hardy birds, so I need to make sure they'll be OK before I order. Thanks!

 

[MS9325]

I had golden sex links for 2 years, and I live in eastern washington, they did great no problems with the cold or snow. Hope that helps.

 

[ebonykawai]

Thank you!

 

[Ang]

I have several black sexlinks that are about 6 months old and they are doing fine in the cold weather here in Illiniois.

 

[Chirpy]

This is only my first winter with chickens so I don't have years of experience.

BUT... my Red Sexlink is my best layer and we've had temps below zero with wind chill in the minus teens multiple times in the last two months. (Those are daytime temps - worse at night!!)

She's doing great and is my sweetest hen. She loves following me and being picked up. When I'm working on the people side of the hen house she is literally the first one in to chat with me while I work.

 

[Chickens-n-Vermont]

I just purchased nine Black Star sex-link chickens from a couple in Wells Vermont who has 50. Mine are about 3 1/2 month old, but the majority of theirs are over 2 years old and they absolutely love them . They are very hardy and love to lay in the winter (the wife told me).

Our temperature will be getting down to 5 below zero for the next 2 nights so we need hardy birds in this area. Hope this helps!!

 

[digitS']

My brother lives in northern Idaho near the Canadian line. He has had Red Sex Links for years and years.

They set a very high standard and he constantly tried to give me every other breed he acquired.

With the weird choices that he made

, I finally began to refuse until he gave up

!

Steve

 

[ebonykawai]

Wow, great news, thanks!

 

[patandchickens]

I have ISA Browns (which are a red sexlink) and a bunch of other people around here do too, and they do fine. Southern Canada.

Pat

 

[greyfields]

In Scotland, Black Sex Links are called "Black Rocks" and it is simply the bird of choice in that cold climate. They weigh about 1-1.5 pounds more than a Red Sex Link and are considered one of the most tolerant birds you can buy (or make yourself).