A Black Sex Link chicken

Black Sex Link photo: Nature Whisperer (Public domain) · via Wikimedia Commons

Black Sex Link vs Golden Comet

Two backyard favorites, side by side — egg production, temperament, size, and hardiness, straight from our breed data. Here's how to choose.

The quick verdict

On eggs it's close — expect roughly 250–300 a year from the Black Sex Link and 250–320 from the Golden Comet.

The Black Sex Link is the bigger bird at 5–7 lbs — more presence and more meat, but more feed and coop space than the Golden Comet.

Both egg layer birdsBoth lay brown eggsBoth cold-hardyBoth handle heat wellBoth beginner-friendlyBoth calm and easy to handle

Choose the Black Sex Link if you want…

  • Nearly identical on paper — comes down to looks and what's available locally
Full Black Sex Link profile →

Choose the Golden Comet if you want…

  • More eggs — up to 320 a year
  • Compact — less space and feed
Full Golden Comet profile →

Side by side

TraitBlack Sex LinkGolden Comet
PurposeEgg layerEgg layer
Eggs per year250–300250–320
Egg colorBrownBrown
Egg sizeLargeLarge
Hen weight5–7 lbs4–5.5 lbs
TemperamentFriendly and hardySweet and people-oriented
Cold hardyYesYes
Heat tolerantYesYes
BroodinessRarely broodyRarely broody
Beginner friendlyYesYes

Egg counts are healthy-hen peaks; real numbers dip in winter, during molt, and as a hen ages. Size a coop for either bird with our coop size calculator.

More head-to-heads

Or browse every comparison · see all 50 breeds

Black Sex Link or Golden Comet — track whichever you pick

Give every bird a profile in PoultryPal, log their eggs and weight, and let the app show you which hen is really your best layer. Free on iOS and Android.

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