What is the difference between Red Sex Links, Black Sex Links, and Amberlink chickens? The main difference is the parent stock. Typically,
sex-link breeds all have Rhode Island Red rooster in their lineage, but for each breed a different kind of hen is used.
What does it mean that they do not "breed true?" These birds are a hybrid. The only way to create a sex-link breed is by using the same parent stock, which are purebred breeds. Mating two sex-link chickens together will not produce the same results.
Why does a hybrid breed produce so well, but their offspring doesn't? When you breed two purebred chickens together, their offspring inherits all of their positive traits, and generally even improves upon those features. However, it only lasts for one generation, so they will not pass those traits down. The phenomenon can be explained by a
process called heterosis.
What kind of comb do they have? They have a large single comb with sharply defined points.
Is this breed suitable for my backyard farm or homestead? Yes, sex-links are a versatile breed and are suitable for a variety of setups. They are generally friendly birds and produce an excellent amount of eggs per year.
What is a Red Sex Link chicken? Any "sex-link" chicken is a hybrid breed that can be visually sexed by the color of their down at hatch. Males are mostly pale buff with some red highlights, while females are a deep golden red all over.
When do Red Sex Links start laying? As a smaller breed, they tend to start laying on the earlier side, anywhere between 16-20 weeks (or about 5 months of age). This is highly dependent on the time of year, their nutrition, as well as their individual genetics.
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