Black Sex-Link chickens are a highly productive hybrid laying chicken commonly kept in backyard flocks across the United States. Known for their excellent egg production, calm temperament, & ease of care, Black Sex-Links are bred specifically for reliability & efficiency.
Like other sex-link hybrids, they can be sexed by color at hatch, making them widely available & especially appealing to new chicken keepers. In this guide, we focus on Black Sex-Link chickens, their genetic background, how they differ from Red Sex-Links, & what to expect when raising them over time.
Quick Chick(en) Facts
| Origin | Hybrid (United States) |
| Colors | Black with gold or red accents |
| Weight | Hens: ~5.5–6.5 lb |
| Lifespan | 3–5 years |
| Rate of Lay/yr | ~280–320 eggs |
| Egg Size | Large |
| Egg Color | Brown |
| Heat Hardy | Good |
| Cold Hardy | Moderate |
| Broodiness | Low |
| Disease Susceptibility | Generally hardy; production strain |
| Temperament | Calm, friendly, adaptable |
| Beginner Friendly | Yes |
Quick Jump
- Appearance of Black Sex-Link Chickens
- History of Black Sex-Link Chickens
- Black Sex-Link Chickens for Sale
- Black Sex-Link Egg Laying
- Black Sex-Link Health Issues & Care
- Black Sex-Link Temperament
- Feeding Black Sex-Link Chickens
- Coop & Run Size for Black Sex-Links
- Pros & Cons of Black Sex-Link Chickens
- Black Sex-Link FAQs
Appearance of Black Sex-Link Chickens
Black Sex-Link hens are typically black with subtle gold, copper, or red highlights around the neck & chest. Their coloration is darker & more uniform than Red Sex-Links, giving them a sleeker appearance.
They have a medium build with clean legs & a practical body shape. Appearance can vary depending on the parent breeds used in the cross, but function & productivity are always the primary breeding goals.
History of Black Sex-Link Chickens
Black Sex-Links are hybrid chickens created by crossing a black-feathered breed, often a Black Australorp or Barred Plymouth Rock, with a red or gold-based breed such as a Rhode Island Red.
This pairing produces chicks that can be sexed by color at hatch, with females hatching black & males appearing lighter. Like all sex-links, Black Sex-Links do not breed true & must be recreated each generation.
Black Sex-Link Chickens for Sale
Black Sex-Links are widely available from hatcheries & agricultural supply stores, particularly during spring chick season. They are commonly marketed as production layers.
Because they are hybrids, they are rarely bred intentionally by backyard keepers & are typically sourced directly from hatcheries.
Black Sex-Link Egg Laying
Black Sex-Link hens are prolific layers, producing approximately 280–320 large brown eggs per year. They often begin laying earlier than heritage breeds.
Egg production is strongest during the first few years, after which output may gradually decline. Shell quality remains good when nutrition is well managed.
Providing oyster shell free-choice helps support shell strength during peak production.
Black Sex-Link Health Issues & Care
Black Sex-Links are generally hardy, but their high egg output places ongoing demands on their bodies. Maintaining consistent nutrition & avoiding stress helps support longevity.
They adapt well to a range of climates but benefit from shade & airflow during hot weather, particularly when laying heavily.
Black Sex-Link Temperament
Black Sex-Links are calm, easygoing birds that adapt quickly to new environments. They tend to be friendly without being overly demanding.
They usually rank low to mid-range in the pecking order & integrate smoothly into mixed flocks.
Feeding Black Sex-Link Chickens
Black Sex-Links are bred for sustained egg output, which means their nutritional needs remain consistent over long laying cycles. Feeding should support daily production without pushing birds toward burnout.
Mile Four’s Organic Chicken Feed Kits follow a chicken’s development from chick through laying age. When hens are actively producing eggs, the included Organic Layer Feed supports steady production without relying on aggressive production boosters.
Coop & Run Size for Black Sex-Links
Black Sex-Links require approximately 3–4 square feet per bird inside the coop & 8–10 square feet per bird in the run. They adapt well to both free-range & enclosed systems.
Nesting boxes should be plentiful due to frequent laying, while standard roosts work well for their medium size.
Pros & Cons of Black Sex-Link Chickens
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very high egg production | Shorter productive lifespan |
| Easy to care for | Not a true breed |
| Early maturity | Declining output after a few years |
| Good for beginners | Not suitable for breeding |
Black Sex-Link FAQs
Are Black Sex-Links good for beginners?
Yes. Their calm temperament & productivity make them ideal for new keepers.
Can Black Sex-Links be bred?
No. As hybrids, they do not breed true.
How long do Black Sex-Links lay eggs?
They lay heavily for the first 2–3 years before production declines.
Do Black Sex-Links lay eggs in winter?
Yes. They often continue laying with proper nutrition & daylight.
How do Black Sex-Links differ from Red Sex-Links?
They have similar productivity, with differences mainly in color & parent breeds.
Sources
University of Florida IFAS Extension, poultry hybrid production resources.
Penn State Extension, backyard poultry management publications.
University of Minnesota Extension, egg production & layer health resources.
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