Home / Articles / Rhode Island Red × Plymouth Rock — Golden Sex-Link
Cross-Breeding

Rhode Island Red × Plymouth Rock — Golden Sex-Link

Classic sex-link — the industry standard for backyard flocks

The Rhode Island Red × Plymouth Rock cross creates the 'Golden Comet' — one of the world's most popular backyard hybrids with record egg production.

Why This Cross?

This is the industry standard for backyard egg production. Known as Golden Comet, Golden Buff, or Cinnamon Queen — sex-linked chicks can be distinguished at hatch.

Offspring Characteristics

  • Weight: Hens 2.5–3.0 kg, Roosters 3.0–3.5 kg
  • Color: Females — golden/red; Males — white
  • Temperament: Active, friendly
  • Maturity: Fast — starts laying at 18–20 weeks

Egg Production

  • Color: Brown
  • Per year: 280–320
  • Weight: 58–63 g

One of the most productive backyard crosses — lays almost daily.

Meat Qualities

Medium-sized bird — not ideal for meat alone, but roosters are usable.

Care

Minimal care needed. Highly adaptable — thrives in all of Georgia's climate zones.

How to Start

  • Rooster: Rhode Island Red (red)
  • Hens: Plymouth Rock (barred)
  • Ratio: 1:8–10

Direction matters! PR rooster × RIR hen produces different results.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Record egg production, auto-sexing, fast maturity, easy care.

Cons: Hybrid (F1), average meat, egg production declines after year 2.

Frequently Asked Questions

280–320 — one of the most productive backyard crosses.

Yes — females are golden/red, males are white.

Golden Comet, Golden Buff, Cinnamon Queen — all the same cross.

Related Breeds

Rhode Island Red Plymouth Rock

Related Articles

Cross-Breeding

Brahma × Rhode Island Red — Cross-Breeding Guide

Read more →
Cross-Breeding

Rhode Island Red × Ameraucana — Easter Egger

Read more →
Cross-Breeding

Plymouth Rock × Ameraucana — Barred Easter Egger

Read more →
← All Articles