Black Red Star
The Black Red Star is a resilient, high egg-laying breed known for its friendly nature.
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Black Red Stars are striking birds with glossy black feathers and red accents. They have a calm and friendly temperament, making them great companions. Known for their prolific egg production, they are often favored by backyard keepers. Their hardiness allows them to adapt well to various climates.
History
The Black Red Star was developed in the United States, likely in the mid-20th century. It is a hybrid breed, created by crossing Rhode Island Reds and Black Stars to enhance egg production and hardiness. Its popularity grew as backyard poultry keeping gained traction.
Care tips
Black Red Stars thrive in spacious coops with good ventilation. They are relatively low maintenance but benefit from social interactions. Ensure they have a balanced diet for optimal egg production. Being friendly, they often get along well with other breeds.
Fun facts
- Black Red Stars are known for their impressive egg-laying capabilities, often producing 250+ eggs per year.
- They exhibit a friendly and calm demeanor, making them suitable for families and beginners.
- The breed’s adaptability allows it to do well in varying climates, from heat to cold.
- Black Red Stars often develop strong social bonds with humans and can be quite affectionate.
What a Black Red Star is
Black Red Star is one of several hatchery names for a black sex link hybrid. You may also see Black Star or Black Sex Link. The usual cross is a red rooster, such as a Rhode Island Red or New Hampshire, over a barred hen, such as a Barred Plymouth Rock. Exact parent lines depend on the hatchery.
Why people buy them
The big draw is sexing at hatch. Because barring passes from the mother to sons, the chicks are easy to tell apart. Male chicks usually have a white spot on the head and grow up barred. Female chicks are solid black and grow into black hens, often with red or gold on the neck and breast. That means you are much less likely to end up with a surprise rooster.
What they are like to keep
- Strong layers of brown eggs, bred mainly for production.
- Usually friendly, calm and easy to handle.
- Hardy in cold weather thanks to solid size and dark, dense feathers.
- Rarely broody, which keeps eggs coming.
They need standard large fowl space. Dark feathers absorb heat, so give shade in summer. Single combs can frostbite in harsh winters.
Breeding them on
Sex links do not breed true. If you hatch eggs from Black Red Star hens, you will not get the same autosexing chicks. To get more, you need to repeat the original cross.
They are easy to find at hatcheries and often at feed stores in spring.
Common questions about Black Red Stars
Is Black Red Star the same as Black Sex Link?
Yes, broadly. Both names describe the same type of red over barred cross, though lines differ by hatchery.
Do Black Red Stars lay a lot of eggs?
Yes. They are bred as productive brown egg layers.
Can I breed my Black Red Stars?
You can, but the chicks will not be true sex links.
