Breed Profile: The Sebright

Photo of Kassandra Smith

Kassandra Smith

Senior Editor • Backyard Chicken Coops

Last Updated: 18 July 2020

The Sebright

Sebright chicken breed in backyard

Named after its developer, Sir John Saunders Sebright. The Sebright is one of the oldest recorded British 'true' bantam (meaning it is a miniature bird with no corresponding large version of the breed), created in the 19th century through a selective breeding program designed to produce an ornamental breed. The breed has appeared in the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection since the first edition in 1874.

HISTORY

  • Origin: United Kingdom
  • Size: 0.57-0.65kg
  • Rarity: Rare
  • Purpose: Show bird
  • Recognized Variations: Silver and Golden

EGG FACTS

  • Small and White
  • 60-80 Eggs Average Annually

FEATURES

All Sebrights are flighty birds and have plumage that is laced around the edges evenly with black regardless of the prominent colors of Gold or Silver Laced. Their legs are slate blue and the beak a dark horn color. Sebright roosters have a rose comb with fine points and a small spike that sweeps back from its head. Combs, earlobes and wattles are normally a bright red. It is not a good meat or egg bird. Due to their genetic make-up, males may occasionally be born infertile. Characteristically, Sebrights are only one of a few chicken breeds in which the roosters are hen feathered, meaning they have none of the long, sickle–shaped feathers common in most roosters that appear in the tail, neck and saddle.

BACKYARD BEHAVIOUR

  • Hardy in Winter: Yes
  • Especially Docile: No
  • Personality: Sebrights are friendly and actively social birds. Males are not known to be aggressive,  like most small chickens, they are somewhat skittish birds.

Wondering if the small Sebrights are the chooks to choose for your flock? Take some time to consider the many other amazing breeds that may suit you! Deciding to become a chicken parent is the easy part. The hardest is deciding on your favourite breed! It can be eggstremely overwhelming to find the perfect fit for you and your family. From looks, to traits to egg-laying talents - where should you begin?

Cluckily, our friends over at Chickenpedia have created an amazing Chicken Breeds Course. This extensive online course shares helpful advice on choosing the right chickens for you as well as size & frequency of eggs laid. You will even learn about their individual personalities, and be able to use their family-friendly compatibility scale through this well-structured program. It really is a great way to discover your perfect backyard buddies which is why I highly recommend them to all of my readers!  The courses are beginner-friendly and filled with vital information to help you raise a happy, healthy flock.

As chicken keepers, we want to do an eggcellent job when caring for our feathered friends. Unfortunately, many of us struggle to handle chicken health or behaviour issues, especially in the first few years of having a flock. Chickenpedia have a full range of comprehensive online courses that cover everything you didn’t know you need to know and then some more! From healthcare to raising baby chicks to feeding and behavior, get the knowledge and confidence to successfully look after your chickens like an eggspert!

As a member, you will get access to ALL their fantastic courses. So, no need to wing it, become a confident chicken keeper. Click here to check out Chickenpedia today!

Sources and further reading