I had no idea what I was doing when I placed my first order for chickens in January of 2016. I had ordered the chicks, and I hadn’t given any thought to whether the sorts were practical. I saw that Speckled Sussex chickens were available for my shipping week, so I needed six more hens to meet the minimum. I hurriedly added my item to the shopping cart.
That year, my flock’s most practical birds turned out to be Speckled Sussex. These birds produce around 250 eggs every year, which is a high amount. Speckled Sussex is a friendly and versatile breed that can be used for both egg production and meat production.
About Sussex Chickens
In the 1800s, a breed of Sussex chickens was developed in Sussex County, England. The Poultry Club of the United Kingdom now recognizes eight color varieties of the Speckled Sussex, which was originally produced. Brown, buff, coronation, light, red, speckled white and silver are the colors available.
Only red, speckled, and light colors are accepted by the American Poultry Association, but all color types may be found in the United States.
For many years, Sussex were one of the top birds for meat production, and they were initially bred for meat. The Sussex were eventually displaced by bigger and faster-developing broilers.
For years, Sussex were one of the major birds for meat production. They were originally bred for meat. The Sussex were eventually displaced by bigger, faster-growing broilers.
Farmers who needed both meat and eggs kept these hens in their flocks since they still produced good eggs. Because more individuals are interested in growing their meat and eggs, Sussex is becoming fashionable again.
Sussex Characteristics
1. Size and Weight
Sussex chickens are definitely not little. Hens weighing 7 to 8 pounds and roosters weighing between 9.5 and 11 pounds are healthy. Fluffy feathers on some birds make them look bigger than they are. Sussex hens have flawless, snugly fitting feathers, but due to their enormous size, they do not have a tiny appearance.
2. Temperament
My Speckled Sussex chicken is the most inquisitive I’ve ever owned. Nothing pleases these inquisitive little birds more than watching you around and picking at your shoelaces and jean cuffs. You and the other members of the flock are treated with respect by Sussex.
Sussex, despite their size, are constantly picked on by the rest of the flock because they are so placid. Hens become wonderful moms when they get broody, which is a common occurrence. Roosters are excellent protectors, and they can alert their flock to danger with a single call.
3. Egg Production
Sussex has incredible production for both a dual purpose breed and a dairy breed. Sussex can lay eggs, and she does it well! She averages about 250 eggs per year. Four to five times per week, these chickens will lay large light brown eggs. Unlike many other breeds, Sussex is highly proficient at winter production.
4. Meat Production
One of the most important chicken breeds for meat production was the Sussex chickens. Despite the fact that other breeds have taken precedence, Sussex pigs have outstanding eating qualities. Sussex can gain a lot of weight quickly if you feed them extra.
As a result, they are a superb meat bird. It’s fine to offer a few more scraps over the week preceding to slaughter, but don’t give them too much for too long. Because they are a white-skinned breed, Sussex produce a nice looking carcass.
How to Care for Sussex
1. Feeding and Nutrition
Sussex does, without a doubt, enjoy their cuisine. They adore scratch grain, mealworms, waste pieces, and more. To make sure your Sussex does not get overweight, you’ll want to take care while feeding them. They gain weight extremely quickly. A hen that is overweight will be less productive and more likely to get sick.
Some chickenkeepers ration food instead of providing free choice. Sussex has a reputation for being excellent foragers, which makes it ideal as a supplementary diet.
2. Housing and Fencing
Sussex birds need more room than some other breeds because they are bigger. House size should be 4 to 5 square feet per bird. 12 square feet per bird is sufficient space if you decide to keep your birds in a run. Because they are big, do not fly easily, you don’t need a fence higher than 48′ for the Sussex.
3. Health Issues and Care
Sussex birds are extremely tough and have few health concerns to begin with. Sussex can readily pack pounds, so the only danger is fat birds, as previously mentioned. They’ll be much healthier if they get a decent ration and enough space to play.
4. Breeding
Sussex should be a cheerful bird to breed if you decide to breed them. For breeding sex-linked chickens, many individuals choose Light Sussex because it’s a lot of fun. Color variations that have not been approved by the American Poultry Association are being worked on by a number of breeders.
Join breeders’ clubs and help gain Sussex chicken acceptance in the United States by working with breeders.
Breed Alternatives
1. Wyandottes
The Wyandotte weighs a bit less than the Sussex and is a dual-purpose breed. Wyandottes produce around 200 eggs per hen each year, giving you a goodegg yield. Wyandottes are lovely birds, and I encourage anyone who wants to create eye candy to their yard to acquire one.
2. Orpingtons
These affectionate birds, both pets and eggs, are indispensable for every chicken keeper. Just like the Sussex, Orpingtons can be used as a dual-purpose breed. Orpingtons are a fantastic option for Sussex since they are so common and easy to locate.
3. Plymouth Rocks
Plymouth Rocks, a wonderful dual-purpose breed, are very similar to Sussex in appearance. These birds are an excellent egg producer, as they lay a massive 280 eggs every year. Like the Sussex, Plymouth Rocks are good-natured and sociable. These birds are fantastic for anyone looking for a wonderful coop and pet.
Did you know?
As their name implies, Speckled Sussex hens are a bit of a mottle. However, what many chicken keepers don’t realize is that a Speckled Sussex hen’s speckles grow when she molts. It’s interesting to watch as she matures over time, becoming more speckled than a speckled bird.
My five Sussex hens and their magnificent rooster have been a joy to me. They’re delightful birds to have around because of the eye candy they provide as well as their inquisitive natures. I don’t believe you’ll be sorry if you add a few of these lovely birds to your coop.
