Difference between Gold Sex Link and Golden Comet

[EggMan207]

Does anyone what the difference is between a gold sex link and a golden comet? Are the the same thing? I can’t seem to find a straight answer. Thank you.

 

[The Moonshiner]

A gold sex link is a hybrid made by crossing a gold based rooster with a silver based hen.
There are quite a few breed/varieties that can be used in the cross.
Golden comet is a name for a certain cross that a hatchery produces and sells.
So to answer, a golden comet is a gold sex link but a gold sex link can be a golden comet or many other crosses.

 

[Little Chicken Girl]

Golden Comet and Gold Sexlink often refer to the same general variety of hybrid chicken. However, as Moonshiner said, they are not all the same (even though some go under both names). Additionally, since they are hybrids and not true breeds, Comets and Sexlinks from different hatcheries may vary in appearance and are often descended from different (but similar) breeds.

Gold Comets and Gold Sexlinks are often bred from Delawares, Rhode Island Reds, Rhode Island Whites and sometimes Leghorns... Some hatcheries throw some Wyandotte in there to produce what are often called 'Cinnamon Queens'. Since they are cross-breeds, crossing a Comet or Gold Sex-link with another one often results in varying offspring.

Other names that similar hybrid chickens are sold under include: Production Sex-links, Isa Brown, Cinnamon Queen, Red/Golden Buff and Red/Gold Star. Many hatcheries have several different varieties of crosses and call them different things.

There is a black sex-link variety (often known as the black star or black sex-link) that is very similar (size, build, temperament, production) but with iridescent black feathers and gold markings concentrated around the head/hackles instead.

Here is a helpful link that explains more differences/specifics: http://feathersite.com/Poultry/CGP/Sex-links/BRKSexLink.html

 

[EggMan207]

Both of the responses are very helpful. This might seem like a dumb question, but should I expect the same egg production out of all varieties of gold comets and gold sexlinks?

We had two gold sexlinks that we got from one hatchery and had great success with (both from a production and a behavior stand point). We'll be getting two more from there, but are also getting two more golden comets from a different source.

 

[Little Chicken Girl]

Not a dumb question at all!
Each of the breeds involved in either cross have comparable egg production rates, which is between 200-300 per year for the first couple laying years (After the first year, egg production rate usually declines ~20% per year).

Given that, You should expect a relatively comparable amount from each hybrid.

 

[EggMan207]

Awesome! thank you.