Breed Profile of The Golden Sex Link Chicken

Are you tired of spending hours researching which chicken breed is right for you and your flock? Do you find yourself overwhelmed by all the choices and confusing terminology? Well, you’re not alone! Many aspiring poultry keepers struggle to find the perfect feathered friend for their backyard. 

In this breed profile, we will simplify the process and take a closer look at the Golden Sex Link chicken, for you to understand why this breed might be the ideal choice for your poultry adventures.

Quick Overview 

• Purpose: Egg production
• Comb Type: Single
• Broodiness: Average
• Climate Tolerance: Cold-hardy
• Egg Productivity: High, around 300 eggs per year
• Egg Size and Color: Large, brown eggs
• Breed Size: Large fowl

History of the Golden Sex Link Chicken Breed

The Golden Sex Link Chicken’s history began in the 1950s in the Netherlands. It was created by mixing two types of chickens: a Rhode Island Red rooster and a Rhode Island White hen. This mix gave the new chicken good qualities from both parents. Over time, they added other types of chickens like Cherry Eggers and New Hampshire chickens, to make it even better.

People wanted to make a chicken that could lay many eggs and handle different places and weather. So, they worked on this project. The result was the Golden Sex Link Chicken. It’s great at laying eggs and is friendly. People from all over the world like having them in their flocks.

Physical Characteristics of the Golden Sex Link Chicken

Size & Weight

Golden Sex Link chickens fall within the category of medium-sized poultry. They averagely weigh between 5 and 7 pounds (approximately 2.3 to 3.2 kilograms). Their size is well-balanced, making them a manageable and adaptable breed for various backyard coop setups.

Color

One of the most distinctive features of this chicken breed is its captivating plumage. These chickens exhibit a striking blend of red and white feathers, creating a vibrant golden appearance. 

Interestingly, males tend to have slightly deeper and darker coloration compared to their female counterparts. This distinct coloration not only adds to their visual appeal but also makes them easily recognizable within the flock.

Appearance

The Golden Sex Link boasts a visually appealing and well-proportioned appearance. Their feathers are not only colorful but also soft and shiny, enhancing their overall attractiveness. With full tails and well-developed wings, they exhibit a graceful and robust posture. Their facial features include a single, relatively large red comb and wattles, which add a touch of vividness to their appearance. 

Their eyes typically bear a reddish-brown hue. The beak, characterized by a slight curve, is either yellow or light brown. Its legs and feet are strong and yellow in color, and each foot has four toes. These chickens possess a relatively compact body shape, characterized by a broad chest and a gently curved back, completing their striking and appealing overall look.

Golden Sex Link Chicks Appearance

You can easily know if a Golden Sex Link chick is a rooster or a hen as soon as they hatch. If it’s a rooster, he’ll have lighter-colored feathers and often a little white spot on his head, like a tiny cap. Now, if it’s a hen, she’ll have darker, more even buff-colored feathers and no white spot on her head. 

As they grow up, their baby fluff will change to adult feathers, and their combs and wattles will start to grow and change too. But this feather trick is like a secret code that helps you figure out who’s who among these adorable little chicks right from the very beginning.

Personality of the Golden Sex Link Chicken

Temperament

Golden Sex Link chickens are known for being calm and friendly. They are easy to handle, making them a great choice for families, especially those with children. These chickens are also social, enjoy the company of other chickens, and are generally not aggressive or prone to bullying.

Noise Level

If you’re worried about disturbing your neighbors, Golden Sex Links are a good choice because they are relatively quiet chickens. They don’t make much noise compared to other breeds, so they’re suitable for urban settings where you have close neighbors.

Life Span

It’s important to know that these chicken breeds have a shorter lifespan compared to other breeds. On average, they live around four to five years. Despite their shorter life expectancy, they are generally healthy and low-maintenance birds.

Golden Sex Link Egg Laying and Broodiness

Egg Laying Age

Golden Sex Link chickens start laying eggs when they are 12 to 18 weeks old. This is earlier than many other chicken breeds. The exact timing can depend on factors like their genetics and the climate where they live. I recommend not to let them spend too much time in nesting boxes during this period because it can affect their growth and egg production later on.

Egg Laying Production

Once these chickens are fully grown, they usually lay about one egg per day. However, there might be some days when they don’t lay any eggs at all. On average, the hens can lay around 285 to 320 eggs annually. They are known for being good layers even during the winter, as the cold doesn’t bother them much. To keep them laying consistently, I suggest providing them with proper nutrition.

Broodiness

The hens are not very prone to broodiness. Broodiness means a hen wanting to sit on her eggs to hatch them into chicks. While this is good for continuous egg production, it can be a challenge if you want to hatch their eggs. 

If you do want to hatch eggs, you’ll need another brooding hen or an incubator. It’s also important to note that the chicks hatched from their eggs won’t be Golden Sex Links; they will be a mix of different breeds.

If you’re considering setting up a brooder or searching for tips and tricks on ensuring the health and safety of your chicks, don’t miss out on The Best Chick Brooder Guide: 2023’s Hot Picks Revealed. This comprehensive review will guide you through the best options available this year.

Winter Eggs

These chickens are well-suited for cold weather. They come from a breed known for its ability to handle low temperatures. Even during the winter months, Golden Sex Links continue to lay eggs. 

While their egg production might slow down when it’s very cold, they won’t stop laying altogether. This is a handy trait for those who want a steady supply of fresh eggs throughout the year.

Speaking of the winter season, to ensure that your chickens stay hydrated and healthy during these cold months, it’s a good idea to invest in the best-heated chicken waterers. These waterers are designed to keep water from freezing, making it easier for your flock to maintain their hydration levels.

Meat Production of Golden Sex-Link Chickens

Golden Sex Link chickens are not primarily bred for meat production, but they still can provide a reasonable amount of quality chicken meat. These chickens are a result of breeding dual-purpose breeds, which means they are capable of both laying eggs and producing meat. While they may not be the top choice for meat production, they can be used for this purpose.

However, if your main goal is to raise chickens for meat, other breeds are more specialized and known for their meat-producing qualities. Breeds like Jersey Giants and Orpington chickens are often preferred for their larger size and meat yield. These breeds are specifically selected and bred for their meat quality, making them a better choice for raising chickens primarily for meat production.

Health Issues and Concerns

• These chickens are generally adaptable to various temperatures, from cold to hot. However, extreme conditions can still pose a risk. They can get frostbite in very cold weather or become overheated in extremely hot conditions. I still suggest providing shelter and proper care during extreme weather.
• Like all chicken breeds, Golden Sex Links are susceptible to parasites such as lice and mites. These parasites can cause irritation and discomfort to the birds. Regular monitoring and treatment for parasites are essential to prevent infestations and keep your chickens healthy.
• Respiratory infections can occur in chickens, often linked to poor ventilation or exposure to cold and damp conditions. Maintaining good sanitation, ensuring proper ventilation, and keeping the chickens dry and warm can help prevent respiratory infections.
• Egg binding is when an egg becomes stuck in a hen’s reproductive tract. It can be a painful and life-threatening issue. Regularly checking for signs of distress in your hens, such as straining or difficulty laying eggs, can help detect and address this problem promptly.
• An impacted crop happens when the crop (a part of the chicken’s digestive system) becomes blocked with food. This can lead to digestive issues. Ensuring your chickens have access to proper feed and monitoring their eating habits can help prevent impacted crops.

Golden Sex Link Care Guide

Chicken Coop Setup

To provide proper care for your Golden Sex Link chickens, start with a well-designed coop. Ensure your coop has enough space for your chickens to move around comfortably. They are social birds, so keep them in a flock of at least two or three birds. 

Provide secure roosting areas and nest boxes for laying eggs. It’s crucial to protect them from predators, so consider sealing chicken coop areas as needed based on local threats. During cold winters, use heat lamps to keep the coop warm and provide bedding free from mites or change it regularly.

Feeding Requirements

Feeding your Golden Sex Link a balanced diet is crucial for their health and productivity. They need protein at all life stages, varying amounts depending on age, sex, and size. Supplement their diet with protein-rich sources like mealworms, sunflower seeds, fish meal, and cooked eggs. 

Golden Sex Link chicks need a chick feed with at least 20% protein for growth. Roosters benefit from protein to develop meat-producing muscles. Ensure they get essential vitamins like A, D, B12, and C, as well as calcium for strong eggshells and overall health. Keep their food and water clean and accessible, using easy-to-clean containers.

Socialization

Gold Sex Link chickens are social animals, so it’s important to keep them in a group or flock. They thrive on social interaction, which prevents boredom and stress. When they’re in a flock, they establish a pecking order, their social hierarchy. Allow them enough space to move around and engage with each other comfortably. 

Socialization contributes to their overall well-being and happiness. Look for any signs of illness or injury among your birds, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or abnormal behavior. 

Get Now Your Golden Sex Link With Chicken Raising 101

The Golden Sex Link chicken is a great choice for anyone who wants to raise chickens, whether you’re doing it for fun or for a business. These chickens are known for laying lots of eggs, being tough and healthy, and also being friendly. They are good for all settings, from big farms to small backyards. 

So, if you’re new to raising chickens or have been doing it for years, the Golden Sex Link chicken has something for everyone. They’re not just good at one thing; they’re good at many things, making them the perfect all-around chicken.