Speckled Sussex Hen
Speckled Sussex Rooster
Speckled Sussex
Probably the most common utility breed for almost a century
in England, the Sussex provided meat and eggs to the London market from the
mid-twentieth century, through the mid-nineteenth century. It's popularity
never made it to North America because of its bright pinkish skin, North
Americans favor the more yellowish skin birds. The Sussex breeding and history
is unclear but it was established in England around 1845. Some believe the
Romans brought their ancestors breed into to England over thousand years ago.
It was thought that the Dorkings, were the same breed at one time, with the 5
toes birds being Dorkings and the 4 toed birds being Sussex. In 1903 renowned
English poultry man named, Edward Brown, well known for the finest poultry
breeds in England, almost let the breed die out. Mr. E.J. Wadman accepted the
challenge and brought the birds back to its native land of Sussex England.
The Sussex is a graceful bird with a long back. Giving it a
look, of its tail standing straight up. It can be kept in confinement or free
range. It is a calm and curious bird and does well in barn yards and back
yards. The hens lay a fair amount of medium eggs and are good mothers. The Sussex
was admitted into the APA in 1914.
Roosters can weigh up to 9 pounds and hens around 7 pounds.
They lay brown eggs. They have a medium size comb with five well defined points
and small red waddles. Their legs, and skin in a light pink. The Sussex comes
in several colors and varieties, Birchen, Buff, Dark Brown, Light, Red, white
and Speckled.
