Breed Profile: Sussex

Photo of Kassandra Smith

Kassandra Smith

Senior Editor • Backyard Chicken Coops

Last Updated: 18 July 2020

Sussex

The Sussex chickens are a multi-purpose chicken; well established as good layers and they lay even in the coldest whether, they are also fat rounded chickens that are used widely for their meat purposes. The Sussex forage in your backyard well making them economical choices of chicken and they will attach to their owners more readily than other breeds. The curiousness of the Sussex leads them to follow their owners around the backyard, especially on garden duty where they will look for worms!

white-sussex-chicken-foraging

HISTORY

  • Origin: English
  • Size: 3-4 kg
  • Rarity: Common
  • Purpose: Meat & Eggs
  • Recognized Variations: Brown, Buff, Light, Red, Speckled, Silver, White and Coronation.

EGG FACTS

  • Large and light Brown
  • 200-350 Eggs Average Annually

sussex chicken breed profile

FEATURES

  • The Sussex is a graceful bird with a long broad and flat back and a square-rectangular build.
  • The tail is particularly noticeable at a 45degree angle from the body.

BACKYARD BEHAVIOUR

  • Hardy in Winter: Yes
  • Especially Docile: Yes
  • Personality: Confident, Curious and Friendly

white-sussex-chicken-dust-bathing

Do the super Sussex chooks flutter your fancy? Before making that big decision, take a moment to consider all the other amazing chickens you could choose! It can be eggstremely overwhelming to find the perfect breed for your family. From looks, to traits to egg-laying talents - where should you begin?

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Sources and further reading