- Purpose:Eggs And Meat
- Eggs:Brown, Tinted
- Egg Size:Large
- Color:Black And White
- Comb Type:Single Comb
Heralding from the English county that gave them their name, these friendly and curious chickens are an ideal inclusion in a backyard flock.
既能吃肉又能吃蛋,而且它们的个性会让你对它们的滑稽动作发笑,与它们为伴是一种快乐。
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Characteristics
There is a lot to say in the Sussex’s favor. Though they are large in size, they are very active birds. Alert, adaptable, and able to forage well, they may make the perfect breed choice for someone looking to free-range birds for the first time. Additionally, the Speckled Sussex has a beautifully mottled, white-spotted feathering that may give it an advantage over a predator. Against a brown, leafy background, these birds camouflage quite well.
One of the shining stars on the Sussex’s report card is their persistence in laying eggs. With their single comb and fluffy feathering, the cold of winter seems to havelittle effecton their productivity. I know this to be true personally. My Sussex hen faithfully laid eggs through dark, wintery days where the temperature never topped 15 degrees Fahrenheit!
再加上友善的性格,你就拥有了一只近乎完美的小鸡。苏塞克斯的鸡一点也不轻浮,似乎很喜欢和它们的饲养员在一起。它们总是好奇地期待着款待,一有机会就会跟着你。虽然它们的体型较大,但它们可以成为极好的宠物鸡。
A Bit of a Greedy Bird!
Sussex chickens love their treats and some breeders accuse them of hogging food when in a flock. So though you may delight in rewarding your feathery friends, be aware that Sussex hens tend to havedecreased egg productionwhen they are overweight. If you are interested in the breed but just don’t want to feed a bird that size, you can always opt for asprightly bantam varietyof the chicken.
What’s the Yield?
Some sources say that the rich flavor of a Sussex chicken rivals that of the Dorking Chicken – a breed known for being the tastiest of all chickens. Though it is certainly a matter of opinion who is tops, there’s no denying the real taste of a free-ranged, healthy, homegrown roast. These large chickens will provide flavor inlarge amounts, too. Hens reach a hefty 7 pounds, and cockerels can be as heavy as 9 pounds.
Sussex chickens aregood layers, too. They can be depended on to produce at least 250 large, brown or tinted eggs year-round. They do make good brood mothers, so if you want to use them for brooding and eggs, it might be best to get more than one bird.
Sussex Rainbow!
The Speckled Sussex is the coloration most used in the show ring, and with its iridescent green edges, mahogany stripes, and bright white spots, it’s easy to see why! Each Speckled Sussex is uniquely spotted, and they typically get more spots with every progressive molt.
If you choose to go with the Light Sussex coloration and decide to breed it, you have the opportunity to maximize your output when it comes to the hatchlings! Crossing a Light hen with a Gold cockerel will give you a useful hatch ofsex-linked chickens.
Photos of Sussex Chickens
Resources:
- 6 Gentle Chicken Breeds For Families, Hobby Farms
- Sussex Chicken, The Livestock Conservancy
- Poultry Breeds – Sussex Chickens, Oklahoma State University
- Light Sussex, Green Fire Farms
- Sussex Chickens: Heritage Poultry Breeds, Mother Earth News
- Speckled Sussex Chicken: A Favorite Backyard Breed, Countryside Daily
- The Speckled Sussex: a family-friendly chat-show host, Raising Happy Chickens
- PROS & CONS About Keeping Sussex Chickens!, Types Of Chicken
- 5 Reasons to Love Sussex Chickens, Backyard Chicken Coops
- Sussex, My Pet Chicken
- Sussex Chickens, Poultry Keeper