Black Sexlink chickens, sometimes known as a Black Star, were developed in the 1950s by crossing a New Hampshire Red rooster with a Barred Plymouth Rock hen. This hybrid breed was designed for efficient brown egg production and easy sexing—chicks can be sexed by feather color at hatch, making them an ideal choice for those looking to expand their egg-laying flock quickly.
Black Stars are a dual-purpose breed, excelling at both egg production and meat. Hens begin laying at around 20 weeks of age, producing 285+ large brown eggs per year. The hens have striking black plumage with shimmery green undertones and may feature mahogany or golden highlights around the hackles and breast.
Males grow to a mature weight of 8 lbs and can be harvested for meat, while females reach around 6 lbs. This hardy breed is well-suited to both warm climates, like Arizona, and colder regions, making it perfect for backyard farms, homesteads, or urban settings.
Key Features:
- Egg Production: 285+ large brown eggs per year
- Dual-Purpose: Ideal for both egg laying and meat production
- Maturity: Hens start laying at 20 weeks, males are ready for harvest
- Heat Tolerance: Performs well in warm climates
- Cold Hardy: Suitable for colder regions as well
- Temperament: Docile and easy to handle, perfect for any flock
- Appearance: Mostly black feathers with green shimmer, occasional mahogany accents
Whether you're looking for a productive egg layer or a solid meat bird, Black Sexlink chicks will meet your needs. Add these versatile birds to your flock and enjoy the benefits of reliable egg production and sustainable meat sources.
Ready to boost your flock’s productivity?
Order Black Sexlink chicks today and start enjoying the perfect dual-purpose breed.
We strive to provide thriving and well cared for chickens to you. We provide Non-GMO feed, yogurt, raw milk, and tested regularly for healthy birds. We go the extra miles for your peace of mind!
FAQs - Baby Chicks
All of our breeds are sold straight run, and customers have a 50/50 chance of receiving males or females. If you are looking for a certain number of female chicks, we'd suggest adding a few extras to your order. We do offer older ages including: juveniles, adults, laying hens, pullets or roosters if you have a specific need. The list of those breeds is found here ... We are happy to arrange a custom order as well. Please contact us.
No, we do not vaccinate our flock or baby chicks. We constantly monitor this with our poultry vet to ensure our birds are healthy and robust. We are tested yearly for disease as NPIP participants and customers can be confident that they are receiving healthy, happy chicks from our farms.
Did you know?... They don't crow till about 12 weeks at the absolute earliest, most later than that.
Couple options for roosters...
1. Use him for food for the family, maybe you have a hunter in the family that could help. Often there are families that will buy or take the rooster for meat for their family.
2. Once hes older than four months old, Pratt's Pets (Glendale location) will purchase them from you for $10 per. If they're younger than four months, the Stock Shop will accept them if they have space.
3. You could also post them in the Arizona Backyard Chicken group on Facebook to rehome him. Just have to be VERY careful with your wording. Rehome, sale and wording like that is not allowed by FB.
4. Another app called MeWe you can rehome/sell there in the Arizona Backyard Chicken group but not nearly as many people in the group.
To join the group on MeWe: https://mewe.com/join/arizonabackyardchickens2
Definitely options out there. Hope this gives you some ideas. 👍😁🍻
Our available chicks and eggs are always updated on our website. You can find the next available chicks here or contact us to see what we have to take home today. We often have a few.
The locations of our farms we are generally able to provide chicks and hatching eggs year around. Our hens do get 2-3 months off per year for a break to molt, rotate and just be a chicken. This is the time of year we will see lower egg counts and our availability less.
Our recommendation and best practices: From October to March we suggest a shipping minimum of 10 chicks to ensure that chicks stay warm enough during transit. During the peak months, April -September, the recommended minimum to 6 chicks.
We gladly offer local pick up for your order. We have strict biosecurity measures for both our flocks safety. Once your order has been placed and notified your order is ready to come home, we pre-arrange a pick up time and date with you to come to our pick up drive-thru. Very simple, we have your order boxed and ready to travel home for you. You will not need to bring any boxes, cartons or crates. Local pick up orders are considered sale is final.
Why do chickens go to the beach?
To collect their EGG-shells