The charm of a Golden Comet chicken can be found in its many remarkable qualities that make them a top choice for poultry enthusiasts. They may be small, but their prolific egg production sets them apart.
Moreover, they are friendly and charming, making them a fun addition to any backyard flock. Because of their gentle temperament, they prove to be suitable for both new and seasoned chicken keepers.
This article offers a comprehensive look into the world of this fascinating breed. Whether you’re planning on adding them to your flock or simply curious, read on to learn more about the Golden Comet chicken breed.
Golden Comet Chicken Overview
| Origin: | United States |
| Purpose: | Egg production |
| Size: | Small |
| Weight: | Rooster: 6–8 lbs (2.7–3.6 kg); Hen: 4–6 lbs (1.8–2.7 kg) |
| Color: | Golden brown |
| Temperament: | Friendly, docile, calm, curious |
| Known for Broodiness: | No |
| Egg Production: | 250–320 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Light brown |
| Egg Size: | Medium to large |
| Cold Hardy: | Yes |
| Heat Tolerant: | Fairly |
| Lifespan: | 4–5 years |
| Cost: | $2–$6 per chick |
Golden Comet Origin and History
The history of Golden Comets dates back to the mid-20th century. These chickens were bred for the commercial egg market in the United States.
In response to the post-war era’s increasing demand for eggs, poultry enthusiasts aimed to breed chickens that could lay a large number of eggs while consuming less feed.
To achieve this, they carefully selected Rhode Island Red roosters and White Rock hens for their outstanding egg-laying capabilities and hardiness. This resulted in a chicken breed known for its exceptional egg-laying prowess.
Golden Comets are not recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA), mainly because of their hybrid status.
Despite this, they’ve gained popularity among backyard chicken keepers due to their friendly nature, adaptability, and consistent egg production.
Today, they’re a common sight on many homesteads across the country.
Golden Comet Appearance and Breed Standard
Golden Comet chickens are not recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA), so there’s no strict standard of appearance. However, enthusiasts look for certain traits, especially color patterns.
The Golden Comet chicken is a beautiful bird that is easily recognized by its light to medium reddish-brown feathers, often speckled with white.
They also have bright red single combs, wattles, orange eyes, and yellow or light brown beaks, which add to their distinctive appearance.
As chicks, they are darker in color and have stripes on their backs like chipmunks. However, as they mature, their plumage can take on a wide range of colors and patterns.
Their color can vary from a brownish red to a cinnamon or honey coloring, and some even have a white collar.
Moreover, the Golden Comet chicken is a sex-linked chicken, meaning the males and females can be easily distinguished by their feather color from the time they hatch.
The females have a golden-red color, while the males have a white or yellow color. This makes it easy for chicken keepers to separate the males from the females at birth.
Golden Comet Size and Weight
Golden Comets are known for their petite stature, but don’t let their size fool you. These birds are small but mighty, with hens typically weighing around 4 to 6 pounds and roosters slightly heavier at 6 to 8 pounds.
Despite their compact size, they’re renowned for their impressive egg-laying abilities. These chickens are egg-laying superstars, providing a steady supply of eggs for their keepers.
Moreover, their size makes them ideal for backyard poultry enthusiasts who may have limited space. Their small size also means they consume less feed, making them an economical choice for your backyard flock.
Golden Comet Temperament and Behavior
Golden Comets are known for their gentle and loving personalities. They are best described as sweet, friendly, and quiet.
They are quite sociable, easily mingling with their human caretakers and other chicken breeds. Due to their docile nature, they’re an excellent choice for families, especially those with children.
These chickens are not just friendly; Golden Comets are also curious and intelligent. They love to explore their surroundings and are often found checking out new things in their environment.
This active behavior makes them fun to watch and interact with. Despite their curious nature, these chickens are usually peaceful.
They shy away from conflicts and prefer to keep a calm and harmonious environment in their coop. This makes them a good fit for a mixed flock, as they can get along well with other breeds.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that these are general traits, and certain chickens may behave differently. Nevertheless, Golden Comets are known for their friendly and adaptable nature, making them a joy to raise.
Egg Production and Broodiness of Golden Comets
The Golden Comet is a hybrid chicken that was specifically bred for great egg production. The fact that Golden Comets start laying eggs as early as five months shows how quickly they mature and how well they can lay eggs.
These chickens lay up to 300 eggs per year, making them one of the best egg layers around.
They are prolific egg layers, and their productive laying years often last between two and three years, guaranteeing a steady supply of nutritious eggs.
Interestingly, Golden Comet hens are less broody than other breeds, which means they are less likely to sit on their eggs and try to hatch them.
This trait can be beneficial as it prevents disruptions in egg production. Still, it’s not impossible for your Golden Comet to hatch eggs.
Despite their reduced broodiness, these adaptable hens can still exhibit motherly instincts and contribute to a successful hatching experience under the right conditions.
Noise Levels of Golden Comet Chickens
Golden Comets are generally considered one of the quieter chicken breeds, making them a popular choice for backyard flocks.
Their calm and friendly nature contributes to their low noise levels. Unlike some other breeds, they don’t create a lot of noise, which is a significant advantage for those who prefer a peaceful environment.
My friend Mark, a seasoned chicken keeper, once invited me to his backyard coop so I could observe his Golden Comets, especially their fit for a backyard community.
As I noticed, these chickens are quite gentle with their vocalizations. I also found them pleasantly quiet and well-behaved, making soft clucks and gentle coos as they go about their daily activities.
Mark’s neighbors have also praised the breed’s peaceful nature, which is especially important in highly populated areas like cities and suburbs.
However, it’s important to note that individual chickens may vary. Factors such as the environment, diet, and overall health can influence noise levels.
How to Take Care of Your Golden Comet Chicken
Raising Golden Comet chickens is a rewarding experience that requires proper attention and care.
It’s essential to provide them with the right environment, nutrition, and attention to ensure their health, happiness, and optimal egg production.
This section will explore the essential aspects of Golden Comet chicken care, from providing them with a suitable living space to offering a balanced diet and addressing their specific needs.
Lifespan and Health Issues
Golden Comet chickens are known for their robust nature and impressive egg-laying capabilities. However, they usually only live for four or five years at the most.
They may not experience many health concerns in their early years, but it’s important to keep an eye out for common poultry problems such as worms, lice, and mites.
Due to their high egg production rate, they can also be prone to reproductive tumors, egg yolk peritonitis, or other reproductive issues as they age.
Hence, regular health check-ups and maintaining a clean environment are a must when caring for these chickens.
Feeding
Properly feeding your Golden Comet chicken is essential for maintaining its health and productivity. For most of the year, a standard 16% layer feed is suitable, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients for egg production.
During molting, boosting the protein percentage to 18 or 20% can promote the development of new feathers.
Since these chickens will lay a significant number of eggs, supplementing their diet with calcium-rich oyster shells is beneficial for strong eggshells.
Furthermore, ensure that they have access to fresh, clean water at all times.
Coop Setup and Roaming
Space is essential for the well-being of Golden Comets. Even though they’re on the smaller side, each chicken should have at least four square feet of chicken coop space.
Each chicken should also have 8 to 10 inches of roosting space. Giving them enough room prevents undesirable behaviors like feather pecking.
When it comes to nesting boxes, a 12 x 12-inch box should be enough; ideally, there should be one box for every three hens.
Golden Comets thrive when they can roam freely. If they are confined, try to give them some time to free-range under supervision.
A spacious run attached to their coop will keep them happy and active. Make sure each chicken has at least eight square feet of space in their run.
Temperature
Golden Comets are quite hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures. However, during extreme cold, it’s essential to ensure they have a warm and draft-free coop.
When I decided to keep my own Golden Comets, I noticed that their combs are prone to frostbite. So, what I do is apply petroleum jelly to offer some protection.
In hot climates, I also ensure that I provide my chickens with ample shade and plenty of cool water to keep them cool and hydrated.
Moreover, ensuring their coop has proper ventilation is crucial for regulating temperature and preventing heat stress.
How Much Does a Golden Comet Chicken Cost?
Golden Comet chickens are a popular choice among poultry enthusiasts, not just for their egg-laying prowess but also for their affordability.
The price of a Golden Comet chicken ranges from about $2 to $6, depending on the breeder’s reputation, the chicken’s age, and its gender.
A male Golden Comet chicken can be purchased for as low as $2.20 when bought in larger quantities, while females, which are more sought after due to their egg-laying capabilities, can cost up to $6.70 each.
Unsexed Golden Comet chicks, where the gender is not specified, fall in the middle price range.
It’s essential to note that while the initial cost of the chick might seem minimal, raising a chicken involves other expenses. These can include feed, housing, healthcare, and other maintenance costs.
However, the return on investment is high, given their prolific egg-laying capabilities.
If you’re considering adding a Golden Comet to your flock, it’s a cost-effective choice for both small farms and backyard poultry enthusiasts.
Is the Golden Comet Breed Right for You?
Whether you’ve never kept chickens before or are expanding your flock, Golden Comets are a good choice. Their docile and friendly temperament makes them easy to handle and care for.
The Golden Comet chicken is a breed that is renowned for its exceptional egg-laying capabilities. So, this chicken is great to have if you want hens for egg production.
Moreover, the low price of these chickens makes it possible for enthusiasts to grow their flock without breaking the bank. However, potential chicken keepers should be aware of a few drawbacks.
As a breed primarily developed for their prolific egg-laying, their meat production is not as impressive as some other dual-purpose breeds or meat-specific breeds of chickens.
Golden Comets also have a shorter laying span, with their egg production potentially declining after about two years. They have a lifespan of around four to five years, which is shorter than many different chicken breeds.
Also, their prolific egg production has its downside. The demand on their bodies can lead to health issues if not properly managed.
Thus, these chickens need a balanced diet, access to clean water, and a comfortable living environment to support their well-being.
Furthermore, while the hens are gentle, the roosters can exhibit aggressive behavior, especially during mating seasons.
Overall, the Golden Comet is a great option if you’re seeking a friendly, productive chicken breed and can navigate a few challenges.
If you plan on getting this breed as your new chicken, watch the following video to get some tips for raising Golden Comet chickens:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Golden Comet Chickens Good Chickens?
Golden Comets are great chickens for various reasons. Their exceptional egg-laying capabilities make them a favorite choice among chicken keepers.
Aside from their high egg production, Golden Comet chickens are also known for their friendliness and adaptability, making them easy to handle, especially for those new to chicken keeping.
Overall, the Golden Comet chicken is one of the best chickens available for poultry keepers looking for a hardy, low-maintenance, and productive chicken breed.
Are Golden Comets and Cinnamon Queen Chickens the Same?
Both Golden Comets and Cinnamon Queen chickens are renowned for their prolific egg-laying abilities and share similar physical characteristics. However, they have different genetic backgrounds.
The Golden Comet chicken is a hybrid breed resulting from crossing female White Rocks with male Rhode Island Red or New Hampshire chickens.
On the other hand, Cinnamon Queen chickens are also red-sex link chickens, developed by crossing a female Rhode Island White with a male Rhode Island Red chicken.
At What Age Do Golden Comets Start Laying Eggs?
Golden Comets are early bloomers in the world of poultry. These hybrid hens can begin their egg-laying journey as early as 16 weeks old, which is far earlier than the typical age of between 20 and 24 weeks.
Although Golden Comets begin laying at an earlier age, it is still important to give them the care and nutrition they need to lay eggs consistently and reliably.
So, if you’re new to raising chickens or considering adding Golden Comets to your flock, be prepared to offer them the best care right from their early weeks.
If you’re considering adding Golden Comet chickens to your flock or want to share your experience, we’d love to hear from you in the comment section below. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have as well about the breed!
