What is a Black Sex Link Chicken? The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide

Black Sex Link chickens are a popular backyard chicken breed, known for their high egg production, hardiness, and ability to sex chicks at hatching If you’re new to raising chickens, Black Sex Links can be a great option to start your flock. This ultimate beginner’s guide covers everything you need to know about this dual-purpose breed

What is a Black Sex Link Chicken?

A Black Sex Link is a hybrid chicken breed, created by crossing a Rhode Island Red rooster and Barred Plymouth Rock hen. They are called “sex links” because their gender can be identified as soon as they hatch, based on their feather color.

Black Sex Link hens have pure black down when they hatch while the males have a distinctive white spot on their heads. This makes chick sexing incredibly easy with this breed.

Black Sex Links are known for being

• High egg producers (280+ eggs per year)
• Cold hardy and heat tolerant
• Docile temperament
• Fast growing
• Able to sex chicks at hatching

They are a popular dual-purpose breed, raised for both eggs and meat.

Origins of the Black Sex Link

The exact origins of Black Sex Links are unclear, but they emerged in the late 19th to early 20th century.

As a hybrid breed, they were created by crossing specific heritage breeds to maximize egg production and create the sex-linking traits.

While there are many sex link varieties, the Black Sex Link is the most common, along with the Red Sex Link.

Appearance of Black Sex Links

Black Sex Links have a mix of physical traits from their parent breeds, the Rhode Island Red and Barred Plymouth Rock.

Some key features include:

• Black or dark gray feathers
• Single comb, often bright red
• Red wattles and earlobes
• Yellow beak and legs
• Males have a white dot on their heads at hatching

They are a medium to large bird, with hens weighing 6-7 lbs and roosters 8-9 lbs.

Egg Laying Ability

The high egg production of Black Sex Links is one of their most prized qualities.

Hens start laying around 20 weeks old and can produce 5 or more eggs per week in their first year. An average annual yield is 280 eggs.

Egg production does decline as the hens age, but they are persistent layers compared to heritage breeds. The eggs are brown with occasional green or blue eggs possible.

Temperament of Black Sex Links

Black Sex Links are known for having a calm, docile temperament. The hens tend to be friendly and rarely aggressive.

The roosters can be assertive at times, especially in flocks with too many roosters. But they are generally less aggressive than other breeds.

This friendly disposition makes them a good fit for children and beginners. They are not easily spooked.

Hardiness of Black Sex Links

A major advantage of Black Sex Links is their tolerance for both hot and cold climates.

Their large combs and wattles help them stay cool in heat. Extra shade, ventilation, and cool water can further help in extreme heat.

Cold hardy features like small combs and thicker feathers allow them to withstand colder temperatures. They may need extra insulation in extreme cold.

Overall, they adapt well and have good health and disease resistance. This makes them ideal for small farms with varying seasons and temperatures.

Uses of Black Sex Link Chickens

Black Sex Links are dual-purpose chickens, suitable for both egg laying and meat production.

• Eggs – The high annual egg yield makes them excellent layers. The eggs are a good size for eating.

• Meat – Their fast growth allows them to reach a good market weight quickly. The meat is flavorful.

• Pets – With their friendly personality and hardiness, they can make good backyard pets. The sex linking makes it easy to identify hens and roosters.

• 4-H/Exhibition – Youth can exhibit Black Sex Links, although they may not meet breed standards as a hybrid.

Tips for Raising Black Sex Links

Here are some top tips for successfully raising Black Sex Links:

• Provide at least 4 sq ft of coop space per bird, with 10 sq ft per bird in the run.

• Use quality layer feed with at least 16% protein and supplement with calcium sources.

• Offer oyster shell grit to support egg shell strength.

• Allow free-range access if possible for exercise and foraging.

• Add ventilation and shade in hot climates to prevent heat stress.

• Provide winter weather protection in cold climates.

• Limit ratio to 1 rooster per 8-10 hens to prevent aggression.

• Check for parasites and use preventatives if needed.

• Collect eggs daily to maintain good production.

Are Black Sex Links Right for You?

For homesteaders and small farms looking to start a backyard flock, Black Sex Link chickens are one of the best breeds to consider. Their high productivity, easy chick sexing, and agreeable personality make them an ideal dual-purpose breed for beginners.

Their availability from hatcheries and moderate cost are other perks. As long as you provide good feed, housing, and care, Black Sex Links will reward you with ample eggs for years to come.