Sexlink question

[yakitori]

Can sexlink chicks have sexlink parents? or are the parents always two different breeds?

Thanks in advance for answering my curiosity!

photo of my sexlink pullet that elicited said curiosity

 

[Aquira]

If I recall correctly, if you have an F2 of sex links, they no longer 'work' - in that the colorations no longer are accurate in sexing the young.

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Yes, sex links are a one generation bird. A sex link is a cross between two different purebreds that enable the chicks to be color sexed at birth. The sex-link qualities (color difference between male and female) will not breed true. The second generation also won’t be as prolific egg layers but still right up there with the best of them! The idea of breeding the two together besides the easy identification between male and female is to have what is called “hybrid vigor“ and better egg production. This is why they are often used in egg production large scale. I have a second generation sex link that is the product of two red sex links that is all white and a pullet. Sweetest bird!

 

[yakitori]

I have a second generation sex link that is the product of two red sex links that is all white and a pullet. Sweetest bird!

Mine is a sweetie too! and such soft feathers, I can't help but want to cuddle her all the time I'm a little sad that they're generally short lived though...

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Mine is a sweetie too! and such soft feathers, I can't help but want to cuddle her all the time I'm a little sad that they're generally short lived though...

Well not necessarily! In a production factory situation yes, they usually switch them out evey 2 years. They are bred to lay early and crank out an egg every day. But in a loving home with great care I expect they live longer. Maybe not as long as a silkie (up to 10 years) but a friend of mine has one that is 6 years old and still lays an egg now and then!
My Frankie is my favorite chicken! Even among all the fancier breeds I have!

 

[yakitori]

Well not necessarily! In a production factory situation yes, they usually switch them out evey 2 years. They are bred to lay early and crank out an egg every day. But in a loving home with great care I expect they live longer. Maybe not as long as a silkie (up to 10 years) but a friend of mine has one that is 6 years old and still lays an egg now and then!
My Frankie is my favorite chicken! Even among all the fancier breeds I have!

Well I hope she can live super long! She's the head bird for now. It's cute to see her trying to be all tough when she's normally such a sweet bird <3