With the rising cost of eggs and meat, many people are looking to begin chicken keeping for the first time. 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. The Black Star chicken breed is personable and productive. Read on to find out everything you want to know about them.
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Black Star chickens are renowned for their prodigious egg production, with each hen capable of laying 260+ large to extra-large brown eggs per year. They exude a friendly, quiet, and calm demeanor. With these features, raising the Black Star chicken breed is both simple and neighbor-friendly!
History of the Black Star Chicken Breed
| Class | Production/Sex-Link |
| Type | Hybrid |
| Size | Medium/Rooster 7-8 pounds/hens 5 pounds on avgerage |
| Rarity | Not at Risk |
| Purpose | Egg Laying |
| Recognized Varieties | As a hybrid there are none |
Black Star chickens were developed in the United States by breeder Frank B. Srygley at his farm in Indiana during the early 1950s. The breed was created through a cross between a Rhode Island or New Hampshire rooster and Barred Rock hen. The Black Star chicken breed is considered a hybrid not a heritage breed.
The breed quickly gained popularity amongst backyard chicken keepers. They can be found in homestead and small backyard flocks across America. The Black Star is known to be a very hardy breed that can withstand extreme weather conditions, making them an ideal choice for a variety of environments.
Egg Facts
| Egg Laying | 260 plus a year |
| Egg Color | Brown |
| Egg Size | Large to Extra Large |
The Black Star hen is an incredible egg layer capable of producing up to 260+ large to extra-large brown eggs per year.
Black Stars lay year round except when allowed to go broody. They will also slow down during molting. They do well in cold temperatures and continue to lay with minimum slow down.
The hens are generally healthy and are not prone to becoming egg bound.
Features
| Comb Type | Single |
| Crested | No |
| Feathered Legs | No |
| Number of Toes | 4 |
They are medium-sized birds, roosters weigh about 7 to 8 pounds each and the hens around 5 pounds. Their single comb, wattles, and ear lobes are red.
The difference between male and female plumage is dramatic. The Black Star hen dazzles with its stunning plumage that features gold, black and reddish-brown flecks or streaks across the chest, neck and back. Its vibrant orange eyes stand out even more against the shimmering golden feathers around their chest area.
The roosters closely resemble the Barred Rock rooster, which are used in the breeding of the Black Star chicken breed.
Both sexes have clean, yellow legs with four toes on each foot.
Becauce the Black Star chicken breed is a hybrid breed, there is no established standard for perfection. If you breed them, what will hatch out won’t be a pure-bred Black Star chick – rather it’ll become an entirely new hybrid!
Identifying Sex-Linked Chicks
The Black Star Chicken Breed is a black sex-link chicken. A sex-link chicken is one that can be identified as male or female when they hatch. Both sexes of Black Star chicken are covered in a soft black down. Males, however, feature an unmistakable white patch on their heads.
As the males start to mature, distinctive white barring will develop all over their feathers. Meanwhile, females remain solid black until maturity when the feathers on their head, neck, and chest begin changing color.
Breed Characteristics
| Cold Hardiness | Yes |
| Heat Tolerance | Yes |
| Bears Confinement | Large Confined Spaces |
| Especially Docile | Yes |
| Setter/Broody | No |
| Personality | Friendly, affectionate, quiet |
With their friendly, adaptive nature, it’s no wonder why the Black Star chicken breed is so widely adored. Their inquisitive nature, foraging skills, and affectionate attitudes make them an excellent fit for most backyard chicken keepers.
Black Star roosters are not known to be aggressive roosters.
The hens are not known for being broody or as being good setters. Although, like any breed, there may be an exception to the “usual”.
If you have the space, they thrive when allowed to explore and free range. If you don’t have space to free range them, they can be confined but must have a large yard. They don’t do well with small confined spaces.
They are hardy birds and if you provide for their basic needs, they can avoid common poultry diseases.
Wrap Up
The Black Star chicken breed is an ideal choice for a beginner or experienced chicken keeper alike. These hardy birds have excellent egg-laying capabilities and can adapt to different living conditions. With their friendly nature and stunning plumage, they really are the rock stars of the poultry world. Black Star chickens may just be your next favorite breed!
As always, we’re here to help.
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Is the Atak black chicken produced in Türkiye a Black star chicken?
Hi Emruz! great question. The Atak-S (Atak Black) chicken, produced in Türkiye (Turkey), is not the same as the Black Star chicken, although they share a similar purpose and appearance. It is our understanding that they are from different parent breed combinations. The Atak is Turkish, while the Black Star is American in origin. Also, Atak is a line specific to Turkish poultry operations, while “Black Star” is a general name for a type of black sex-linked hybrid. Both are excellent layers, friendly and hardy. Thanks for being a part of our community and may your day be blessed.