Golden Comet Chickens are a hybrid breed that is perfect for small-scale farming. They are hardy, well acclimated to being around other people and animals, and even produce a good number of eggs.
To learn more about Golden Comet Chickens, keep reading. This article fully explains the history, characteristics, and uses of this hybrid breed.
Quick Facts about Golden Comet Chicken
| Breed Name: | Golden Comet Chicken |
| Place of Origin: | USA |
| Uses: | Eggs |
| Rooster (Male) Size: | 6 lbs. |
| Hen (Female) Size: | 4 lbs. |
| Color: | Reddish golden |
| Lifespan: | 5+ years |
| Climate Tolerance: | Most conditions, may need heaters during extreme cold spells |
| Care Level: | Beginner |
| Production: | Eggs |
Golden Comet Chicken Origins
The Golden Comet Chicken is a hybrid breed that is created from breeding Rhode Island Reds with White Rock or Rhode Island Whites. They were originally bred for commercial egg-laying purposes in the USA in the early 20th century.
Because the Golden Comet Chicken is a Rhode Island chicken hybrid, it makes sense that this breed is most common in the northeast United States. Since its creation, this hybrid has become a favorite among backyard farmers across the nation.
Golden Comet Chicken Characteristics
Golden Comets are known for being great egg layers and don’t often go broody. Since they don’t go broody, many people use these eggs for commercial eggs selling purposes. Most Golden Comets can lay between 250 and 320 eggs a year during their first two years of life.
More impressive is the fact that Golden Comet Chickens start laying much earlier than other chickens. Many Golden Comets will start laying eggs by the time they are 19 weeks old. Some will even start laying as early as 16 weeks old. Unfortunately, egg production starts dropping off by the time the chicken is two years old.
In addition to being prolific egg layers, Golden Comets are very friendly around other species, animals, and people. Most Golden Comet owners report that these birds avoid confrontation on all fronts. In fact, Golden Comets can fit into just about any flock and are even gentle enough around children.
All the while, Golden Comet Chickens are very adaptable and hearty. Their comb is not susceptible to frostbite, but it’s still a good idea to add heaters to their enclosure if you live in an extremely cold environment. Other than that extreme cold, these chickens can make it through many seasons.
Uses
Golden Comets are almost exclusively used for egg-laying purposes. Because the hens start laying eggs so much earlier than others, they end up producing more eggs over their lifespan than other chickens. Likewise, the fact that they don’t go broody often means that they will continue producing eggs for a while.
Some people also own Golden Comets to breed more. Unfortunately, breeding Golden Comets is very difficult.
Appearance & Varieties
Most Golden Comet hens have a U-shaped body that is covered in reddish-brown feathers with the occasional white feather. In contrast, roosters are almost always white and may only have red feathers around the shoulders. Both hens and roosters have yellow beaks, eyes, and legs.
Population, Distribution & Habitat
Most Golden Comets are found in the eastern United States. Because of how hardy the breed is, they can be found scattered all over.
That being said, it is unknown exactly how many there are around the world. Even though Golden Comets are great for small-scale farming, they aren’t often used in mass production since their eggs are not white and they simply don’t produce enough for mass selling.
Are Golden Comet Chickens Good for Small-Scale Farming?
Golden Comet chickens make great chickens for small-scale farming. They produce just the right number of eggs for smaller farms. All the while, they are great around people and other animals. This means you don’t have to worry about your egg production or your chickens bullying other people and animals in the area.
If you decide that you want Golden Comets, the most difficult part will be finding them. Because they are a hybrid species, they must be carefully bred. Given that Golden Comets are not the most popular hybrid species, they are more difficult to find than other hybrids.
See also:
- Isbar Chicken
- Whiting True-Blue Chicken
- Red Ranger Chicken (Freedom Ranger)
- Icelandic Chicken: Facts, Uses, Origins & Characteristics
Featured Image Credit: EF Photography, Shutterstock