The Sussex is an old English dual-purpose breed, most familiar in the Speckled and white-bodied Light varieties, and a mainstay of British backyards for well over a century. They're curious, friendly birds that will follow you around the yard and forage hard, yet settle down fine in a run. Hens lay a steady supply of large cream to light-brown eggs and carry enough size to be a genuine table bird too. Calm, productive and cold-hardy, it's a forgiving choice for a first flock.
Beginner friendly
Quiet breed
Good with kids
Cold hardy
Heat tolerant
Broody
Egg colorCream To Light Brown
Egg production200–250 / year
TemperamentDocile
BroodinessOccasional
ClimateCold hardy, Heat tolerant
PurposeEggs, Meat
Weight
Large fowl (Standard size)
Hen6.5–7.5 lb
Rooster8.5–9.5 lb
Bantam (Miniature size)
Hen2 lb
Rooster2.3 lb
How to spot it
CombSingle
Single comb, medium
Earlobes
Red
Legs & feet
Clean white/pinkish legs, four toes, white skin
Look for
A broad, flat-backed rectangular body carried horizontally, with a tail at about 45 degrees
Single
