Golden Comet

Golden Comet history

Like other sex-link chickens, Golden Comets are not a true, pure breed. Instead, they are a product of two established breeds, the New Hampshire Red and White Rock. Sex-links get their name from the ease of distinguishing the sex of chicks on birth. Golden Comet hens will be red, with the roosters being white. This is great for owners in rooster-restricted areas or hatcheries looking for an effective way to differentiate their newborn chicks.

One half of the Golden Comet’s lineage is the New Hampshire Red, an American breed with its origins dating back to the 1940s. The New Hampshire Red is well-regarded as a large, dual-purpose chicken, and found itself helping to establish America’s broiler industry. The other half of the Golden Comet is the White Rock. The White Rock is a pure-white variant of the Plymouth Rock breed, one of the most famous chickens in the United States. Both types have friendly temperaments and give Golden Comets a strong, hardy stock. These heritage breeds are still popular today and have a similar dual-purpose history.

Temperment and good-to-knows

While they take many aspects from their parents, Golden Comets largely abandon the dual-purpose nature and are known as egg-laying birds first and foremost. If you are looking for strong, reliable egg production in a compact setting, Golden Comets are a great choice. They can lay more than 300 eggs a year with little to no maintenance. Female chicks mature to hens and start laying quickly. As egg-laying specialists, Golden Comets lack the tendency to go broody. Owners looking to hatch their Golden Comet eggs will have to look towards other methods. They are hardy as can be, inheriting great cold tolerance from their White Rock lineage. Owners in cool climates should be put at ease, but keep an eye out for winter extremes as their standing combs can be prone to frostbite. Birds in extreme heat will be thankful for plentiful shade and water. 

Golden Comets, in addition to their egg-laying ability, have a reputation for friendliness. In the backyard they enjoy human contact, and some enjoy being picked up by their owners. Those with children or those looking for a family bird will be more than satisfied with Golden Comets. In situations with more aggressive breeds, however, Golden Comets may become targets due to their docile nature. They can find themselves far down on the pecking order. Their smaller-than-average size, at about 5-6 pounds, make them well suited to compact environments or owners with space constraints. If these aren’t a concern, allowing your Golden Comet to free-range lets them display their strong foraging abilities.

Visual characteristics of the Golden Comet breed

Golden Comets stay true to their names as beautiful golden birds tending towards a reddish-brown. Their feathers can range from deep red to pure white, a great combination of their parent birds. The change from red to white can give them a shimmering look from afar. They have standing red combs and clean, golden feet. Their healthy builds and attractive features are sure to be pleasing to any owner.

Health and care

Golden Comets have little health concerns due to their strong, healthy lineage. Since they are a production-focused breed, they live shorter lives on average, about 4-5 years. Keeping them well-fed and supplying your laying hens with the proper nutrients will keep them strong and productive. As with most high-producing birds, older hens may be afflicted with reproductive problems. By old age most Golden Comets will slow production significantly. Common chicken afflictions like worms, parasites and other pests are important to keep an eye on. Keeping your birds and their environment clean will do wonders towards preserving their health and happiness.

Explore more breeds >

How many eggs do Golden Comet chickens lay per year?

These chickens are known for their exceptional egg-laying abilities and can produce up to 300 brown eggs per year.

What is the temperament of Golden Comet chickens?

Golden Comet chickens are known for their friendly and docile temperament, making them an ideal choice for backyard flocks and families with children.

What is the average lifespan of a Golden Comet chicken?

This breed often has a shorter lifespan than most, averaging around 4 to 5 years. With good care, though, they may live longer.

What is the average weight of Golden Comet chickens?

Golden Comet hens typically weigh between 4 to 5 pounds, while roosters weigh 6 pounds on average.

Are Golden Comet chickens good for beginners?

Golden Comet chickens are generally considered a good choice for those starting a backyard flock for the first time, as they are hardy, adaptable, friendly in temperament and easy to care for.