Gold Star chickens are a well-known hybrid breed that was carefully developed to provide beautiful buff-golden plumage and brown eggs.
They are not a pure breed, but rather a sex-linked hybrid bred specifically for steady brown eggs, and sexable chicks for backyard farmers.
In your yard, the hen will be immediately identifiable as a Gold Star, with warm golden-brown feathers and white-feathered tail; roosters are either very pale, or mostly white with reddish hackles.
As the Gold Stars are sex-linked, you will also be able to differentiate males from females just after hatching. Female chicks will hatch with reddish-gold color, while males will be almost pure-yellow.
You will get big, brown eggs almost daily from these birds in the coop because of hybrid vigor.
Farmers raise Gold Star chickens primarily for eggs, but they can also grow them for meat. People may call this breed Golden Sex-Link or Golden Star, though Gold Star is the most common name.
In short, Gold Star chickens are your golden-buff, friendly layers that will be awesome to have clucking in your backyard.
In this guide, you will know all about Gold Star chickens including the history, egg production, lifespan, color, characteristics, all care information with pictures.
Gold Star vs Golden Comet Chickens
Gold Stars and Golden Comets are regularly mentioned together because they both are sex-linked layer hybrids but are derived differently.
The Gold Star chickens were originally produced by crossing a Rhodes Island Red rooster with a Rhode Island White hen.
Golden Comets generally were produced by cross a White Rock or Rhode Island White hen and a male New Hampshire Red chicken.
Both hybrids would produce chicks that are easily sexed and very good brown egg layers, but their feather colors and production characteristics may vary a bit.
In practice, both breeds lay large brown eggs but Golden Comets are sometimes able to squeeze out a slight advantage in yearly egg production (approx 330 eggs/year for a top hen) compared to Gold Star’s approx 300 eggs.
The hens from both breeds are fairly similar in appearance – golden-buff color, white tail feathers – but Golden Comets may have slightly richer red in their feathers.
The roosters look a little different as well: Golden Comet cockerels hatch with pale buff down (as with Gold Star cockerels) but typically feather out in a mixture of buff and white feathers as adults.
Both Gold Stars and Golden Comets are fast, friendly layers that come to maturity quickly (often laying by 4-5 months old) and are not broody.
Ultimately, choosing between the two breeds depends on availability and personal preference in appearance or temperament. Both are similar in calm demeanor, docility, and hardiness, so if you enjoy one, you’ll likely enjoy the other.
History and Origin of Gold Star Chickens
Gold Star chickens can trace their history to somewhere around the mid-20th century America and likely to the mid-1950s.
Farmers and hatcheries wanted a brown-egg layer that was easy to manage, and so they crossed a Rhode Island Red rooster with a Rhode Island White hen.
Their goals were twofold: produce a high rate of brown egg production and to have a sex-linked trait.
Because of the cross, female chicks (who got a red-golden gene from mother hen) will hatch reddish-buff, while the male chicks (who got a white gene from mom) will hatch pale yellow.
This made it easy for hatcheries and farmers to sort out pullets and cockerels on the first day.
Over the years, different hatcheries have modified the Gold Star formula. The original cross was RIR x RI White (derived from a fast-growing, early-maturing breed), but some flocks today have selected genetics from other brown-egg breeds (e.g., New Hampshire or White Rock) to further improve the birds for growth and laying.
The Gold Star is still just a non recognized hybrid Red rooster on a white hen, but that is where the similarities end.
If one hatches eggs from Gold Star chickens, the chicks will not breed ‘true’ like a breed such as Leghorn. In some instances the chicks will all look the same, but typically, you will get chicks that will be a mixed bag of crosses instead of looking like the traditional gold and white every time.
The name Gold Star comes from both their color (golden) and performance in the production line (star performance). As a hatchery hybrid, Gold Stars were never accepted for show or exhibition purposes.
Gold Star Chicken Lifespan
A Gold Star hen will usually live and lay in your care around 4 to 6 years. These chickens are tough, however, like many production hybrids, the laying ability decreases somewhat after their first 2 – 3 years.
You will enjoy her the most as an active layer in this time. After this period egg production will decline.
Because of their breeding for production, Gold Stars sometimes have slightly shorter lives than some heritage breeds.
However, with good management – clean housing, a balanced diet, protection from predators and disease – some Gold Stars will live to be 6 or 7 years old.
Egg Production
Egg-laying is the most important characteristic of a Gold Star hens. A healthy Gold Star hen will lay an average of approximately 5 eggs a week, or about 250 – 320 large brown eggs at peak production.
Many owners see one egg almost every day, especially in the spring and summer! Expect big brown eggs – usually starting around 2 oz and maturing to be extra-large. Early on, you may even see a few double-yolkers!
Gold Star hens will start laying very early – sometimes as early as 16–20 weeks old. That means if you are raising chicks in the spring, you can probably expect eggs in the fall!
Gold Stars are consistent layers throughout the laying season. These hybrid hens hens rank among the least broody breeds, and they reliably lay eggs almost year-round.
Keep their production curve clearly in mind. Gold Star chickens are prolific layers, producing 250–320 eggs in their first year. Production will gradually decrease in subsequent years.
By the third or fourth year, you would expect a Gold Star hen to only lay 100–150 eggs in a year, depending on how well you care for them.
You can help to boost and maintain laying through the use of a quality layer diet (16–18% protein) with extra calcium (oyster shell or crushed eggshells), and by allowing them enough daylights or coop lighting during the winter months.
Overall, though, a Gold Star hen should be a dependable layer from late spring until early winter in temperate climates.
Gold Star eggs are typically large and dark brown. Some hens lay a lighter brown, or some darker chocolate brown, but in general their eggs are consistently brown.
If you are collecting eggs for eating or to sell, people love Gold Star Eggs for their size and color.
Gold Star Baby Chicks
Raising Gold Star chicks is the same as caring for any chicks, but there is one great benefit: easy sexing.
Upon hatching, chicks can be sexed immediately by their color. The females hatch with reddish-buff striped down and males are a pale yellow, or white chick.
So, when you buy a box of day-old chicks or hatch your own, you don’t have to wonder which one is a boy, or girl.
Gold Star chicks grow fast – you will have bigger chicks by 6 weaks, and by 4-5 months they should be full size for laying.
Because people usually buy Gold Stars for their eggs, most prefer to raise pullets or hens and often rehome or process the cockerels.
Once the training program for their initial brooding (about 6-8 weeks) is over, put them in a secure coop or chicken tractor with clean bedding.
Stay in touch with them so that they stay tame. All in all, Gold Star chicks need regular good chick care – warm, dry, safe, and fed – and they will soon develop into healthy, productive adolescent layers.
Temperament
Gold Star chickens are nice because they are all very gentle and friendly. They tend to be described as very laid-back and calm, which can benefit your backyard flock.
If you have kids or this is your first time getting chickens, you’ll be happy with Gold Stars, since they are generally docile and social.
Gold Stars will come running if they are shaking the feed can or throwing out scraps. They also would not mind when you picked them up or petted them especially if you socialize them as chicks.
These chickens are curious and active as well: given a yard, or even a run, they love to scratch and forage.
You will see them joyfully pecking through grass or leaves to check on bugs, and they will likely explore their surroundings.
All of that activity keeps them alert and healthy. But, given their friendliness, you should keep in mind that they may not be quite as skittish as some breeds.
Gold Stars are not chickens that show aggression. They will not chase other hens and pick fights. That is good for harmony, but on the other side, it is bad when there are more dominant breeds in the flock, since they will allow themselves to be bullied.
If you have Gold Stars mixed with a lot of very bossy birds like Aseel and Sumatra, be sure to check and see they are getting their fair share of food. In most mixed flocks/most circumstances, Gold Stars will blend in peacefully.
In your normal routines, you will find Gold Stars very calm in the coop. They coo as they settle in and roost for the night.
Depending on the day, the roosters will crow in the dawn like any rooster, but otherwise will keep guard over their hens, and they are not aggressive protectors.
Color and Appearance
Gold Star hens are golden to reddish-brown with white accents. It is easy to imagine reddish-gold body plumage with a bright white tail and white wing tips – that is typical of a classic Gold Star hen.
They look similar because every hen can have slight variations in terms of their golden colors having hints of orange or tan.
The sheen of the feathers can glisten in the sunlight. The roosters, however, generally mature to be mostly white or very light buff with reddish hackle (neck) and saddle feathers.
They both have bright red single combs and wattles and yellow beaks and legs. Generally, their eyes are amber or orange-brown in color.
When they hatch as chicks, females will have a bright red or gold down with little stripe-like markings on their back, but males will have pale yellow down.
As adults, the females’ plumage can be uniform and shiny or glossy (no distinct barred or speckled pattern) – just one solid warm color with a white tail. The neat white tail contrasting with the golden body makes them very attractive.
The males have more contrast (white body with red or gold neck feathers) but they still have a light color overall.
Their bodies are strong and well-balanced (some say “U-Shaped”, similar to Reds or Rocks), they have a smooth, hard-feathered body with four yellow toes on each foot, and overall they have a clean appearance (no tufted or crested feathers and no feathered feet/shanks).
Size and Weight
Gold Stars are medium to large-size birds. An adult Gold Star hen will weigh close to 5 to 6 pounds (approximately 2.3-2.7 kg).
Roosters are 1 to 2 pounds heavier, usually around 7-8 pounds (about 3-3.6 kg). This places Gold Stars around the same size as Rhode Island Reds or New Hampshires which are two examples of dual-purpose breeds.
Even roosters can reach close to 9 pounds with specific strains. Gold Star adults stand about 18 to 20 inches tall.
What this means for you as a keeper is Gold Stars are large enough to be birds are solidly built and manageable. They have bulky bodies and have a decent size breast as they produce good eggs and cullable meat for roosters.
Despite their size, they aren’t super fat and have a more active athletic body type. You will feel firm birds when you pick them up and will see them strutting around the farm.
If you find space is a concern keep in mind that despite their size these medium to large birds require about 4 square feet inside the coop and then need outside space as well.
Characteristics
Several key characteristics define the Gold Star chicken beyond its color and size:
Sex-Link Convenience:
Gold Stars are sex-linked, so males and females look different at hatching. This makes it easy for buyers to sort day-old chicks into pullets and cockerels right away. There will not be any guess work, and thus fewer surprises if your plan is to simply have hens for eggs only.
Dual-Purpose Utility:
Gold Stars are bred for eggs first, but also for meat if you want. If you raise the roosters, they will reach a good table weight (6-8 lbs) in about 5-6 months. The hens also have a decent amount of breast meat. They won’t compete with the Cornish Cross broilers in pure meat production but will provide a nice carcass if you decide to put a few in the freezer.
Non-Broodiness:
One of the more useful traits is that Gold Star hens rarely sit on their eggs. They pretty much ignore them, and keep laying. This is beneficial if your primary goal is egg production, as they won’t spend extended periods broody in nesting boxes. This does mean that if you ever want to hatch your own Gold Star chicks, you will have to either have an incubator, or use a broody hen from a different breed, since your Gold Stars will not participate in incubating.
Foraging and Energy:
The Gold Star is a highly active hybrids. They love foraging and, when given the opportunity, will forage for food including bugs for hours on end. Gold Stars thrive in pasture and free-range systems, where they can forage for bugs and greens. They need space, and crowding often stresses them, making them restless or noisy.
Feed Efficiency:
Gold Stars originated on farms, where breeders focused on productivity. They convert feed into eggs and growth efficiently without putting on excess fat. In other words, a well-managed Gold Star eats what it needs to keep laying, not to get overweight.
Hardiness:
Gold Stars are considered fairly cold hardy and heat tolerant. Their single comb could be at risk for frostbite if in the considerable cold, but in reasonable shelter they do tolerate winter well. They could also tolerate summer heat, again as long as there is shade and water. This gives potential for a range of climates in Western nations.
Friendly dispositions:
We already talked about this under temperament, but to recap, one characteristic is the sheer ease in which they can be kept tame. This is one reason they are widely popular as home and backyard pets – and just simply poultry.
Lifespan and productivity:
Just remember, these chickens are genetically designed for production. You will realistically get the bulk of the egg production capacity in the first 2–3 yrs. After that, the numbers drop. Gold Stars’ average lifespan may be slightly less than heritage breeds (usually around 4–6 years total). Intensive layers are also generally selling them because they have worn out their bodies over the years. And that is the trade-off for their early, high number of eggs.
Genetically, Gold Stars are simple, basic birds bred for egg production. They do not have any of the fancy features (fluffy feathers) or ornamental attributes because that is not what they were bred for. They do have features like productivity and friendly dispositions to offer.
Gold Stars will always offer a predictable performance level in terms of proper layer hens: sex-linked chicks, rapid growth to laying age, and substantial egg production (with good bone structures), plus a calm companionable flock.
Benefits of Raising Gold Star Chickens
Gold Star chickens offer many advantages to backyard farmers. Here’s what you’ll love about them:
Great Egg Production:
You will receive eggs nearly every day. Most Gold Star hens will produce in their lifetime about 250–320 large brown eggs per year in their prime - this is great for a backyard flock.
Early Layers:
They are early layers, usually at 4 to 5 months old. So, when you decide to raise your own pullets, eggs are not long coming.
Easy to Sex Chicks:
When the chicks hatch, you can determine what gender they are through color. Female chicks are a golden-buff stripe color and male chicks are a pale color. This saves additional time and hassle.
Gentle & Docile:
They are known for being docile and gentle birds. You should find Gold Stars are easy to handle and friendly, which makes them good for family and beginner keepers. They often allow you to pet them or feed them treats from your hand.
Hardy & Adaptable:
Gold Stars can withstand extreme temperatures. They usually do well in cool weather (provided you take some frostbite precautions), but they also do quite well in warm weather, as long as they have shade. They can adapt easily to most western climates without complaint.
Active Foragers:
These chickens love to range, scratch, and forage. If you let them out into a yard or pasture, they’ll spend hours finding insects (which they love) and greens, and will help reduce your feed costs. Active chickens are generally healthier and will lay better.
Minimal Broodiness:
Your hens will spend a lot more time laying eggs than they will hatching them. Because Gold Stars almost never go broody, you will enjoy a consistent supply of eggs instead of hens disappearing under a nests.
Dual-Purpose:
You can also raise the cockerels for meat if you wish. The roosters grow to a good size and make quality meat birds. So they will provide eggs and meat on a small farm.
Great Starter Breed:
Gold Stars are often recommended for people new to chicken keeping because of their docility and hardiness. If you are new to keeping chickens they are forgiving and easy to work with.
All in all, Gold Stars combine productivity, ease of care, and friendly temperament. If a chicken keeper is looking for reliability, Gold Stars are a solid choice.
Problems in Raising Gold Star Chickens
No breed is perfect, and Gold Stars do have a few downsides you should be aware of:
Shorter Lifespan:
These layers are typically high-output layers, so you’ll likely find them getting slow after 2-3 years. You won’t keep them nearly as long as any number of hardy heritage breeds. By 4 or 5 years of age, egg numbers have made a significant decline, so you should expect to be replacing birds more frequently.
Egg-laying Health Issues:
Because Gold Stars are laying so many eggs, they can develop reproductive issues if they’re not closely monitored. As hens get older, keep an eye out for egg binding or prolapse from them if they’re lacking calcium, or nutrition overall. If you are providing plenty of calcium (such as crushed oyster shells), and clean water, the probability of egg related issues for your hens decreases.
Zero Broodiness:
The fact that they are not broody that will help your egg production, but if you buy Gold Star hens and wish to set eggs for hatching naturally, this can be a disadvantage. Gold Star hens rarely go broody, so you’ll need an incubator or a broody breed if you want to hatch new chicks.
Not a breed:
Even though Gold Stars are a good animal, they are hybrid crosses and not a recognized breed. If you are looking to reproduce from them, you will have issues with uniformity. There is no guarantee their hatchlings will either lay or look like the hens you have, so to duplicate the Gold Star again, you would need to control the cross for every generation.
Predator Vulnerability:
These birds can sometimes be very tame and curious making them an easy target if they are free ranging. Since they do not tend to run away very quickly, make sure the coop and run is very secure. They also tend to be close to you at times, which could put them at the edge of the yard or close to the house were a cat or dog could get them.
Cold Weather Comb Issues:
Their combs are very large, red, and single so they are vulnerable to frostbite, especially in very cold climates. If you live in an area with really harsh winters, you should consider installing insulation on your coop, using petroleum jelly on their combs, or having a heated area to keep the combs from freezing.
Can Be Noisy:
Gold Stars are not the most noisy breed of chicken, however they can be quite chatty. Hens may squawk just a bit in the morning or when they lay an egg, and the roosters will crow- of course. If you have a neighbor who is very noise tolerant, they may notice your roosters crowing or hens being active with some noise.
Food Competition:
If they are away from home and put with very aggressive breeds or large breeds, they may get pushed around at the feeder. Normally they will stand their ground, but you should pay attention to new mixed flocks to make sure all birds are getting their share.
So, Gold Stars won’t require any different care from standard management practices, but they do best under safe, roomy conditions, and on high-quality feed. Remember that they have a short-peaked laying period and being a combination bird, are very active and provided the right setting will remain healthy and productive.
Care Guide for Gold Star Chickens
Raising Gold Star chickens is mostly straightforward. With proper housing, nutrition, and hygiene, they’ll thrive. Here’s how to keep your flock healthy and happy:
Coop & Space:
Each Gold Star should have at least 4 square feet of space inside the coop. Outside, more square footage is ideal: strive for 8-10 square feet per bird in a run or pasture. Gold Stars are active; giving them some room to roam will keep them happy. Make sure that they have some fencing or netting (if free-ranging) for protection from predators. Include perches for roosting (about 8 inches of perch space for each bird) and offer good ventilation in the coop.
Nesting Boxes:
Provide 1 nesting box for every 4-5 hens. Nesting boxes that are approximately 12×12 inches will do well. Line the boxes with clean straw or shavings. Place the boxes in a darker, quiet corner of the coop in which hens can lay eggs. Collect eggs daily to reduce breakage and prevent broodiness.
Feed & Water:
Feed a quality layer feed (16-18% protein) once hens begin laying (or a grower feed prior). Always provide clean, fresh water; chickens go through a lot of water in the summer, and it is a risk in the winter when it may freeze. Offer calcium in the form of crushed oyster shells (or limestone grit) free-choice- it will maintain eggshell strength, and prevent hens from depleting calcium. You can offer kitchen scraps, greens, or scratch grain in moderation. If they are free ranging, they will also consume bugs and grass as part of their diet!
Nutrition Suggestions:
Gold Stars do satisfy with a fast-moving environment, and tend to do best on a balanced diet. For example, during the molt cycle (you experience this once a year), or if you notice feathers starting to oxidize, you might want to add a little protein into the diet (we figure afterwards between 18-20% is ideal) with a temporary feeder mix, or high-protein supplements found in the treat aisle for pets like mealworms and sunflower seeds, remember that extras can easily lead to weight gain! Make sure to provide some grit (small stones) if they are eating anything other than prepared feeds, because they need help grinding food correctly.
In terms of Chick care:
For chick brooding, maintain a constant temperature of 95°F under the lamp during the first week. Then, decrease the temperature by 5°F each subsequent week until the chicks have fully feathered. Use chick starter crumble (18-20% protein) and shallow waters for chicks. Clean and dry are sought after for the brooder. You can introduce chick grit when they start eating anything other than chick starter. When they are in the 4-6 weeks old zone you can start to give them the opportunity to explore the outdoors during the day if weather permits. Make sure coop is ready for them to grow into ( roosts are sized for them and no drafts or predator vulnerabilities).
Health Checks:
Take a regular look at your Gold Stars. Trim overgrown nails or debeak tips as needed, and feel for each hen’s egg-laying vent (it should be clean, flexible, and not swollen) following laying. You can administer vaccinations (for example, Marek’s and Newcastle) at hatch or chick age; however, many hatcheries will actually vaccinate for you. Worm your flock periodically (after checking local risk for parasites such as worms) and use insect dust for treating mites or other ecto-parasite if you have spotted lice in the coop. You will need to change bedding frequently, and keep coop litter dry to keep diseases at bay!
Predator and Weather Protection:
Lock up the chickens at night to protect them from raccoons, foxes or owls. Use hardware cloth over all vents, and wire to bury fence at least 1 foot deep to prevent the pest from digging. In winter, the coop can be draft free, but needs to be ventilated. Also, you may want to invest in a heated waterer or heater if you experience prolonged hard freeze; the hens will use a lot more water than you think. In summer, ensure there is cool shade (a tree or shade cloth can work) and that there is plenty of good water.
Social and Mental Care:
Gold Stars love treats and hanging vegetables or cabbage as enrichment. They love to forage and you can also provide them some “tickle pick” time in the yard so they can search for bugs. You can hold them now and then, they will remember friendly people! Then about pecking order, always pay attention to when adding other birds especially if they are chicken and new to your larger flock. Sometimes adding mirrors or an extra feeder can reduce squabbles.
Lighting:
When daylight hours get shorter, egg production will wear down, so if you are expecting year round eggs, then add a nice cool light (not to bright!) in your coop timed for 14 – 16 hours of total lighting. Do not exceed 16 hours for your girls or they will not summer molt properly, and try to keep same routines.
If you have clean water, nice feed, housing, daily care, you will keep your gold stars in top shape. Gold Stars are hardy birds and will not require too much extra special treatment but good ongoing management will help to keep them in-line with their name.
FAQs
What is the color of eggs produced by Gold Star hens?
Gold Star hens produce brown eggs, normally a handsome medium-brown. Each hen may produce a slightly different color brown egg, but all will not be green, blue, or white – all brown eggs. You can expect large, good-looking brown eggs for breakfast or baking.
Number of eggs produced by a Gold Star hen in a year.
If a Gold Star hen is given good conditions, she will produce about 250-320 eggs during her first year of laying – 4-6 eggs, generally. Egg production will drop off during the second year to (perhaps) 150-200 eggs, and then progressively once again drop off.
When do the Gold Stars start to lay eggs?
For most, you might receive the first egg at around 16-20 weeks (4-5mo) old. You might get an egg by 4 months, but just plan on 5 months. Compared to some heritage breeds, Gold Stars mature very quickly.
Are Gold Star chickens broody?
No, Gold Star hens are not broody. Their preference is usually to lay eggs, not to sit on eggs. If you want chicks, you will need to have an incubator or let another broody hen hatch the eggs because Gold Stars are unlikely to do that themselves.
Are Gold Star chickens suitable for beginner keepers?
Yes. Gold Stars are often suggested for people keeping chickens for the first time, they are friendly and calm and easy to handle. They are also hardy and have no special or tricky requirements. If you take care of basic chicken care (good feed, clean coop, predator protection), Gold Stars will be successful for you as a beginner.
How long do Gold Star chickens live?
You can expect a Gold Star hen to live approximately 4 to 6 years with good care. Many keepers keep them laying for 3–4 years before replacement (just because they stop laying as much). Some will live longer, to 6 or 7 years old, especially if you have been keeping them well-fed and free from predators.
How do I tell Gold Star males from females?
One of the most straightforward methods to sex is at hatch! Female chicks have reddish-buff down with a stripe on the back. Male chicks are plain yellowish. When the chicks grow into adults, roosters will look ‘whiter,’ especially in plumage, feathers. The comb and wattles of a rooster will also be larger than with hens. The hens will always be golden-buff. By this point, the sexes will be obvious, especially when the rooster crows, and the hen lays eggs!
Are Gold Star chickens the same as Golden Comets?
Similar but not the same. They are both brown-egg sexlinks. The Golden Comets come from a New Hampshire (or Red) rooster and a White Rock hen. Gold Stars typically come from a Rhode Island Red rooster and a White hen. Their colors/aides are close, but not identical. If you handle both species, expect them to behave/develop slightly differently, although they are still outstanding layers.
What is the weight of a fully grown Gold Star chicken?
On average, a full-grown Gold Star hen weighing approximately 5 to 6 pounds (about 2.5 kg) and around 7 to 8 pounds for the rooster; they are medium to large-sized chickens. Their size allows them to produce large eggs, while still growing at a fairly decent rate.
Are Gold Star roosters aggressive or loud?
Gold Star roosters can crow at dawn, and occasionally all day, and night; however, they do not crow excessively loud. They are not overly aggressive. They will protect their flock like any rooster, but in general they are pretty easy going around people. If your neighbors are noise sensitive, keep in mind they do crow, but Gold Star roosters are not recognized for loud and persistent crowing.
Conclusion
Gold Star chickens offer a great option for backyard poultry keepers looking for an adaptable, high-egg-producing breed. You, as their keeper, will enjoy their early and prodigious brown egg production, friendly demeanor, and ease of obtaining sex-linked chicks.
These birds fit well in a typical Western backyard: they cope with a reasonable range of weather, they will forage if allowed enough space, and they will easily fit into mixed flocks (assuming no overly aggressive flock mates bully them).
Of course, be prepared for their fast production schedule. With appropriate nutrition and care, a Gold Star hen will reward you with eggs starting in the spring, continuing through fall…and possibly uneventfully into relatively mild winters.
However, Gold Star hens are not long-living heavyweights, so be prepared to rotate them and reduce egg production after a few years. During their best years, they certainly deliver.
In conclusion, if you are looking for golden-feathered sweethearts that cover your coop in eggs, Gold Stars are an enlightened choice. If you have a regular feeding regimen and secure warm housing, you will be dealing with some of the most reliable and charming birds in your flock. Enjoy your balls of fluff, and happy chicken keeping!
