Description
The Sussex is an ancient chicken breed from Sussex County, England. This breed nearly became extinct until the early 1900s, when a group of Sussex farmers got together to bring it back from extinction. Several color varieties resulted, including the Light Sussex chicken.
The Sussex breed was first imported to the United States in 1912. The American Poultry Association standardized the Light variety in 1929.
The stunning Light Sussex chicken combines black and white plumage with a bright red upright single comb, red wattles, and red ear lobes. Its feather pattern consists of white plumage with black trim on the tail and around the neck.
Originally intended as a meat bird, the Sussex has a large, blocky body. Many chefs proclaim the meat to be superior in flavor and succulence.
Sussex hens are good layers, producing around 250 eggs per year. They will occasionally go broody. When they do, they are good mothers.
As well as being a dual-purpose egg-and-meat breed, the Sussex makes a wonderful backyard pet. It is especially calm, gentle, and people friendly. And the Sussex breed has an innate curiosity that makes these chickens both interesting and entertaining.
The Sussex does well in all climates. However, with tight feathering and a large comb, this breed prefers cool weather over heat.
In a mixed flock the Sussex tends to be less assertive than other breeds. These chickens rarely fly, therefore are easy to confine. Although the breed does well in confinement, the Light Sussex chicken also enjoys spending time free ranging.
Cackle Hatchery® is pleased to offer the Light Sussex chicken in addition to the original Speckled Sussex variety.
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