How to Successfully Raise Black Star Chickens

Raising your own flock of chickens is fun and rewarding. With all the different breeds of chickens in the world, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. However, with a little research and planning, finding the right fit can be simple. Black Star chickens are friendly, egg-laying machines. As an owner, you need to create the right environment for your specific breed. Here is some insight on successfully raising Black Stars.

The Rock Star of Chicken Breeds

Black Star chickens are a cross between a Rhode Island or New Hampshire rooster and Barred Rock hen and are similar to Red Star, Red Sex-Link, Golden Comet and Golden Bluff breeds. These are sex-link chickens, which means that the sex of each bird is visually determined when it hatches from the egg. Hens are primarily black with golden breast feathers and roosters are typically black with scattered white highlights. Hens take about 20 weeks to fully mature and grow to around five pounds.

This breed is the rock star of egg production yielding over 300 extra-large brown eggs per hen annually. They have a friendly, quiet nature and usually only make noise after they lay their eggs. The hens are not particularly broody, and they can stand up to cold weather and bitter winter seasons. These notable characteristics make raising Black Star chickens easy, convenient and tolerable to apprehensive neighbors.

Housing Your Birds

Because Black Stars are generally low-key, you have a variety of options for housing your flock. First, you need to designate a piece of land specifically for your chickens. Next, you need to divide the space into two major areas:

1. A grassy area for the flock to stretch their legs and forage
2. A covered area for them to sleep, lay eggs and seek protection

The entire chicken home can be fenced around or completely enclosed like a cage. If predators are an issue, you may consider tighter, more secure fencing with an overhead barrier. Overhead protection also prevents your birds from flying away.

Though you do not have to completely enclose your flock, you do need to provide a coop so they can access shelter from the rain and snow. Hens may also prove more productive if they have a safe spot to lay eggs.

Your housing strategy may also depend on city and state ordinances. Check with your local government about specifications for raising Black Star chickens. If you are part of a homeowner association, check the HOA rules so that you do not violate the terms. Front yards are generally off limits, and there may be restrictions on roosters due to their crowing.

All the Eggs You Can Handle

Black stars are great if you are looking for reliable egg production all year round. The better you take care of your chickens, the more they will produce for you. Consider chatting with an experienced owner on occasion to discuss any problems or questions along the way. Most importantly, enjoy the experience of raising Black Star chickens and watch how your new feathered family grows and enriches your life.