What exactly is a Sex-Link???

[4HillsSumatras]

We have breed and raised our Sumatras for 4 years now. 2 months ago I purchaced 6 Red Sex-links just for egg production. They are very tame and lay great Lg. Brown eggs. I cannot however can not find sexlinks in our books. As I read some of the posts here I think that these Sexlinks are mix-breeds. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[pixie74943]

yepp, mixed breeds

They are normally a white rooster over a red hen (i think its that way around) which produces chicks that are 2 different colours, Boys will be white, and girls will be red. Save time and energy (and money) wondering whether your raising boys or girls

Thats not the only kind of sex-links you can get, but its the basic idea.

 

[4HillsSumatras]

So if I put a LF roo on one of them will I still keep the egg production? Want to hatch some of them for more eggs.

 

[pixie74943]

not a clue , sorry

I think they will, but I'm pretty sure you cant use a sex-linked hen to hatch more sex-linked babies.. the linkedness only lasts one generation, I think

sorry, you've overtaxed my knowledge

 

[Krys109uk]

As I read some of the posts here I think that these Sexlinks are mix-breeds.

A sex link is a cross using genes on the Z sex chromosome. The dominant gene needs to be carried by the female & the male needs to have only the recessive gene. The females of sex linked crosses are visually discernable from the males at hatch.

Genes most often used for sex links are:
not barred/barred; such as RIR X Barred Rock

gold/silver; such as RIR X Light Sussex

rapid feathering/late feathering; such as white leghorn X Light Sussex​

 

[4HillsSumatras]

Quote:
A sex link is a cross using genes on the Z sex chromosome. The dominant gene needs to be carried by the female & the male needs to have only the recessive gene. The females of sex linked crosses are visually discernable from the males at hatch.

Genes most often used for sex links are:
not barred/barred; such as RIR X Barred Rock

gold/silver; such as RIR X Light Sussex

rapid feathering/late feathering; such as white leghorn X Light Sussex

So the Red sexlinks I have now are only good for egg production? Will I be able to raise more great egg layers if I but a RIR roo back on them? The sexing trait will not pass to there chicks?