Sil-go Link Question - what breed would they be though?

[Writingbug]

Hey all, I'm still new here and figuring this out. When I bought my chicks, we were told that they were sil-go link - which I figure after scouring online that this is a silver - gold sex link. Right? I was curious though - all of the chicks look different - ie one is dark brown/black, 2 are brownish (one lighter than the other) and one is yellow. As they grow will there be any way to figure out what they are? Will their types affect egg laying?

 

[Fred's Hens]

The name Sil Go is short for Silver Gold. That is how one makes Red Sex Links. A hybrid layer. Put a Gold rooster over silver hens. Ta Da Red Sex Links. Just one of the gabillion names for this hybrid mix.

It is not a breed at all. It is an intentional cross/mix/hybrid.

This cross only works in the first generation, ie, producing chicks that can be sexed at hatch based on color. If you breed these birds again, you'll not get sex links. You get white, black streaked, yellows, red streaked, etc. No way to know the sex until about 6 weeks of age when the cockerels will sprout combs and wattles.

Where did you buy the chicks?

 

[Writingbug]

I bought them from a backyard farm here in Idaho. I didn't think to ask because I was just looking around (at this time) for healthy hens. She said that they were supposed to be all female, however, would trade back with me and swap out for hens if any of them were not female. This is our first batch and we are sort of getting our bearings straight Thank you for your patience with my questions.. I've only asked 2 so far but that's a preemptive thank you as I am sure I'll have a million more, lol

 

[Fred's Hens]

I suspect they are bred again Red Sex Links or Sil Go parents. The chicks, if this is true, can be a variety of colors.

Nothing wrong with such birds, as they make very good layers the second time around, LOL. It is just that sexing is impossible at hatch. However, at 5-6 weeks, the cockerels will sprout their pink/red wattles and combs. The pullets? Nada. Zip. Their's will remain yellow.

So, while you cannot sex them now, you will be able to very soon. Then, if you do not want all the cockerels, you can take the farmer up on the offer of trading back for pullets. Trade back for 6 week old chicks so you can sex them yourself.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Ignore the color of these chicks. Look at those cockerels in the center!!! LOL
It is soooo easy to spot the cockerels once they sprout their stuff. Notice the pullets? Nothing.
Click on the photos to enlarge.