Breed Of The Month: Sussex

The Sussex is an amazing breed of chicken with quite a history. These guys can be traced all the way back to 43 A.D. Though their exact origin is up for debate, old literature states that they were traded by Romans and quickly became famous for their tender meat. As a result of cross breeding, the Sussex nearly became extinct. Thankfully a group of farmers began breeding pure Sussex and promoting them as a hardy, dual purpose chicken. Once again, they popularized quickly and then made their debut in America in 1912. Their extensive history has given the Sussex a Heritage Breed label and rightly so. According to The Livestock Conservancy, this breed is still in recovery. If you're considering adding a Heritage Breed to your flock the Sussex may be just what you're looking for. And here's why...

SUSSEX

 

BREED PURPOSE- The Sussex is a dual breed chicken and they're famous for their tender, juicy meat. They're a large breed with the roos weighing in at 9 lbs. and the hens at 7 lbs. We've never butchered any Sussex so, I can't comment on their deliciousness but, I can attest to their large size. Our hen and roo are two of the largest birds we have. While doing my research for this post I learned that Sussex are susceptible to becoming overweight. Our flock lives on mainly a free range diet and weight hasn't been a problem. If your birds have limited free range time and eat more commercial feed then I would keep an eye on their weight.

 

 



                                                      Big Daddy, our Light Sussex

TEMPERAMENT- To say that Sussex are friendly and docile isn't doing them justice. These guys are less like chickens and more like puppies. Our two Sussex are the only chickens we own that actually enjoy being held.



                                              Charlotte is my favorite, just don't tell the others

Now make no mistake, even though they're a friendly breed the roosters are protective of they're flock. On one occasion I witnessed Big Daddy fight a hawk off of one of our hens.

Don't mess with his girls!

 

 

EGG LAYING-  Sussex are fair layers. They'll lay about 250, tan or pink tinted, large eggs a year.

 

COLORING- The American Poultry Association recognizes three color varieties: Sussex,Speckled, Red, and Light. Breeders are always on a mission to create new color varieties and for this reason you can also find Coronation, Buff, White, and Silver Sussex. I personally favor the Light Sussex because that's what we own and I think ours are just gorgeous!

 





                                              She only looks cranky, she's really a sweetheart

 

Big Daddy greets us at the porch every morning

 

 

The Sussex is an all around amazing breed and whether you have a small backyard flock or a large farm full of birds, this breed would make a great addition. As I stated earlier they are a Heritage Breed, in raising Sussex you would be helping keep a part of history alive. If you want to learn more about Heritage Breeds (and you should) please visit The Livestock Conservancy . Happy Homesteading!