Anyone have tips on raising Red Sex Link pullets?

I’m considering adding Red Sex Link pullets to my flock and could use some advice on various aspects of their care and management. Here are some specific areas I’m curious about:

Egg Production

  • How many eggs can I expect from them? I’ve heard they have a high egg production rate, but I’d love to hear some real-life experiences.
  • What are their egg characteristics? Do they lay large eggs, and how often do they typically lay?

Care Requirements

  • What kind of housing do they prefer? I want to ensure they have a comfortable environment. Any recommendations for coop setup?
  • Feeding management: What should I feed them to maximize their health and egg production?

General Advice

  • Do you recommend purchasing from specific hatcheries? I’m looking for reliable sources where I can buy pullets.
  • Any potential issues to be aware of? I want to be well-prepared before introducing them to my farm.

I’m really looking for a mix of personal experiences and any resources or articles you may know about. Your advice will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

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I’ve been raising Red Sex Link pullets for over a year now. They’re quite hardy! Make sure you provide them with a balanced feed, especially one high in protein during their first few months.

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That’s good to hear! What kind of housing do you have for them? I want to ensure mine stay cozy.

For housing, I recommend a well-ventilated coop that keeps them safe from predators. Also, consider adding nesting boxes early on, they’ll appreciate the privacy when they start laying eggs!

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That’s a great tip! Do you have any specific recommendations for nesting box sizes or materials?

Nesting boxes should be around 12x12 inches and lined with straw or wood shavings. Make sure they’re easy to access for both the pullets and you when collecting eggs!

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Anyone else have tips on their health care? I’ve heard that diseases can spread easily among birds.

Absolutely! Regular vaccinations and a clean environment are key. Probiotics can also aid in their digestion and overall health.

I’ve found that adding herbs like oregano and garlic can help keep them healthy too. They tend to be natural antibiotics, which is pretty awesome!

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That’s so interesting! How do you incorporate those into their diet?

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You can mix dried herbs into their feed or offer fresh herbs in their run. The pullets love pecking at them, and it’s so entertaining to watch!

Just a heads-up, though! Some chickens can be picky eaters. If they refuse to eat the herbs, you might have to be sneaky about it!

Haha, I love that! I really want my pullets to have a varied diet. Any other fun additions?

Red Sex Link pullets are known for being friendly and adaptable, making them a great choice for backyard flocks. Their temperament tends to be calm and they are very social with humans and other chickens.

That’s very true! I’ve found they lay a good number of eggs too, often exceeding 300 per year. It’s impressive for a dual-purpose breed.

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I’ve raised various breeds, but Red Sex Links have a hardiness that’s hard to beat! They adapt to different climates and have fewer health issues than some other breeds.

Absolutely! Their ability to withstand colder weather makes them a solid choice for those in harsher climates.

I appreciate how friendly they are! It makes interacting with them so much more enjoyable, especially when they come right up to you looking for treats.

Haha, yes! My Red Sex Link came right to me when I called! Their temperament is definitely a bonus when choosing a breed.

I’m curious, how do their egg production numbers compare to say, Rhode Island Reds? I’ve heard they can be similar, but is there a notable difference in consistency?