Know about Golden Comet chickens, their origin & history, appearance, all about eggs, characteristics, week by week guide, owner’s suitability, price, Golden Comet chickens for sale, and many more things in detail.

Overview

What are Golden Comet chickens?

Golden Comet chicken stands out for their impressive qualities and uniqueness. They are prolific egg layers, producing a consistent supply of high-quality eggs. Their friendly demeanor makes them a joy to keep.

Origin and History of Golden Comet Chickens

City and Country of Origin

Golden Comet chickens were developed in the United States, specifically in the state of Pennsylvania. They are a relatively new breed, created in the late 20th century to meet the growing demand for high-production egg-laying hens.

Contributors

The breed was developed by poultry geneticists and breeders, including notable contributions from researchers at hybrid poultry breeding companies like Hubbard. Their goal was to create a chicken that could reliably produce a large number of eggs while maintaining a friendly temperament.

Hybrid Breed

Golden Comet chicken is a hybrid breed. They are a cross between a White Rock hen and a New Hampshire rooster. This combination results in a bird that inherits the best traits of both parent breeds, including high egg production and a friendly disposition.

Appearance of Golden Comet Chickens

Golden Comet chicken is a medium-sized birds with a distinctive and attractive appearance. They have a reddish-brown or golden feathering with white under feathers. Hens typically weigh around 4 to 5 pounds, while roosters can weigh about 6 pounds. They possess a single comb and bright red wattles, which contrast beautifully with their feather color.

Golden Comet Chicken Eggs

Egg Colors

Golden Comet chicken lays brown eggs. The eggs are typically uniform in color and size.

Egg Laying Age

When do Golden Comet chickens start laying eggs? Golden Comet chickens typically start laying eggs at around 16 to 20 weeks of age. They reach their peak egg production early, making them a great choice for those looking for a reliable source of eggs.

Golden Comet chickens Egg Production

Are Golden Comet chickens good egg layers? Absolutely. Golden Comet hens are renowned for their prolific egg-laying abilities. On average, they can produce around 5 to 6 eggs per week, which translates to approximately 250 to 300 and may be more than 300 eggs per year.

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Egg Size

The eggs laid by Golden Comets are medium to large in size, typically weighing around 60 grams each.

Characteristics of Golden Comet Chickens

Temperament

Are Golden Comet chickens friendly? Yes, Golden Comets are known for their friendly and docile nature. They are easy to handle and get along well with other chickens. Their calm demeanor makes them especially suitable for families with children or for those new to raising chickens.

Lifespan

How long do Golden Comet chickens live? On average, Golden Comets have a lifespan of about 4 to 5 years. Regular health checks and a safe living space free from predators also contribute to their longevity.

Golden Comet Chicken Meat

Golden Comet chicken can be dual-purpose birds. But they are primarily raised for their egg-laying capabilities, they can also be used for meat, but not recommended. 

Feed Efficiency

Golden Comet chicken is known for their feed efficiency. They convert feed into eggs very effectively, making them a cost-effective choice for egg production.

Activity Level

Golden Comet chicken is active and curious birds. They enjoy foraging and will spend a significant amount of time exploring their surroundings if given the opportunity. Despite their activity level, they remain calm and are not prone to flightiness.

Golden Comet Chickens Week by Week

To provide a more detailed view, let’s look at the development of Golden Comets on a weekly basis from hatch to maturity:

Week 1

Golden Comet Chicks are hatched and begin to grow rapidly. They need a warm brooder set at around 95°F, gradually decreasing by 5°F each week. Ensure they have plenty of food and water.

Week 2-3

Golden Comet Chicks start to develop feathers and become more active. They still require a warm environment but can handle slightly lower temperatures. Maintain clean bedding and provide fresh food and water daily.

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Week 4-6

Feathers are more developed, and chicks begin to explore more. They can start being introduced to the outdoors in a secure area if the weather is suitable. Gradually acclimate them to lower temperatures.

Week 7-12

Golden Comet Chicks continue to grow and become more independent. They can be fully integrated into the coop with older chickens, ensuring there is enough space and resources to avoid pecking order issues.

Week 13-20

Golden Comet Pullets (young hens) start to show signs of approaching egg-laying maturity. Ensure they have access to a balanced layer feed. By week 20, they typically begin laying eggs, and their feed should include additional calcium to support egg production.

Chickens complete diet plan in summer & winter.

Breeding Golden Comet Chickens

Breeding Golden Comet chickens can be challenging because they are a hybrid breed. To maintain the qualities of the Golden Comet, you need to cross a White Rock hen with a New Hampshire rooster each time. This specific cross is necessary to produce offspring with the same desirable traits of high egg production and friendly temperament.

Owner Suitability for Golden Comet Chickens

Suitable Owners

Backyard Chicken Keepers Golden Comets are friendly, easy to handle, and perfect for families with children or those new to raising chickens.

Egg Production Enthusiasts With early and high egg production, Golden Comets are ideal for those wanting a reliable source of eggs, producing about 250 to 300 eggs per year.

Urban and Suburban Homesteaders Their medium size and calm demeanor make them suitable for limited space environments, adapting well to small coops.

Beginner Poultry Farmers Golden Comets are hardy and low maintenance, making them an excellent choice for beginners.

Unsuitable Owners

Meat Production Farmers Golden Comets are primarily egg layers, so farmers focused on meat production might prefer other breeds.

Free-Range Only Farmers While they enjoy foraging, Golden Comets adapt well to confinement, making them less ideal for exclusive free-range setups.

Show Chicken Enthusiasts Golden Comets are not typically bred for show purposes, so those interested in exhibiting chickens might prefer ornamental breeds.

Owners with Limited Time Despite being low maintenance, Golden Comets require regular care, which may not suit owners with very limited time.

Golden Comet Chicken’s Price

The price of Golden Comet chickens can vary based on location and availability. Generally, chicks are priced around $3 to $5 each. Pullets or mature hens can cost between $15 to $25. These prices can fluctuate based on demand and the specific breeder or supplier.

Where to Buy Golden Comet Chickens for Sale

You can purchase Golden Comet chickens for sale from various reputable sources, including local hatcheries, online poultry suppliers, and farm supply stores. Some popular options include:

• Murray McMurray Hatchery
• Cackle Hatchery
• My Pet Chicken
• Tractor Supply Company

Conclusion

Golden Comet chickens as pet birds are an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and friendly egg-laying breed. Their impressive egg production, coupled with their docile nature, makes them a valuable addition to any backyard flock.