Description
Speckled Sussex Chicken Overview
Origin: County of Sussex, England
Weight: Roosters: 8 pounds
Hens: 6 pounds
Size: Large
Lifespan: 8 years and above
Plumage Color: Mahogany with white or buff speckles
Typical Coop Space: 4 square feet per bird
Temperament: Gentle, friendly, dependable
Hardiness: Does better in cold temperatures than in the heat, but so long as proper accommodations are given, they can be quite hardy.
Purpose: Ornamental, meat, and eggs
Broodiness Level: High
Egg Production: 4–5 eggs a week; 250 eggs per year
Egg Color: Light brown
Egg Size: Medium
Price: $3–$5 per chick
Suitable for Beginners: Yes
Children-friendly: Yes
Speckled Sussex Origin and History
The Speckled Sussex’s breed history traces back to possibly as early as 43 AD, during the Roman arrival in Britain.
It’s believed that the Romans discovered a distinct chicken breed in southern England, which may have been traded by the Phoenicians along the south coast.
While Romans introduced poultry farming to locals, it was in the Victorian era that poultry enthusiasts refined the Speckled Sussex, leading to its showcase at London’s first poultry show in 1845 as Sussex or Kentish fowl.
This period saw numerous experiments to improve chicken breeds. However, the fervor caused concerns about the potential extinction of heritage breeds like Sussex due to the advent of factory hens.
Edward Brown, a notable writer addressing these concerns, inspired E.J Wadman to establish the Sussex Club to preserve the breed.
Further, the Livestock Conservancy also plays a key role in launching successful efforts to save the breed. Nowadays, the Speckled Sussex is regaining popularity in backyards worldwide.
Speckled Sussex Appearance and Breed Standard
The Speckled Sussex is a magnificent large breed recognized by its wide shoulders and distinctive curvy yet rectangular-shaped body. Its frame is both long and deep, with a tail poised at a 45-degree angle to its body.
Observers can easily identify this breed by its single 5-pointed comb, wattles, and ear lobes, all of which adorn a deep red hue, adding to its charismatic appearance.
They are also known for their dark striped markings around the eyes, while their eyes themselves carry a mesmerizing shade between red and orange.
Their pointed beak displays a horn color, providing a contrast to their slightly pink skin and white shanks.
The distinct coloring and physical attributes make them a standout breed, yet caution is advised when encountering one with yellowish shanks, as this indicates a non-pure Speckled Sussex.
Each feather of a Speckled Sussex is a piece of art with a base color of rich, dark mahogany. The feather tips are white, separated from the mahogany by a black bar, displaying iridescent overtones of green.
This particular color arrangement not only makes them visually stunning but also provides excellent camouflage while they are free-ranging, allowing them to blend effortlessly with nature.
The standards for the Speckled Sussex were established in England in the late 1800s and accepted by the Poultry Club of Great Britain (PCGB) in the early 1900s, marking a significant milestone in the breed’s history.
Additionally, the breed was also recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA) in 1914 as an English class, underlining its remarkable journey to the poultry world.
Speckled Sussex Size and Weight
The Speckled Sussex, known for its robust physique, stands as a medium to large bird. While they aren’t giants among chickens, their substantial size is undeniable.
Roosters tip the scales around 8 pounds, showcasing their hearty build, while the hens, slightly lighter, range from 6 to 7 pounds. Their size places them in the heavy breed class, illustrating their sturdy nature.
For enthusiasts with a preference for smaller birds, the bantam varieties of Speckled Sussex present a delightful alternative.
The bantam roosters weigh about 36 ounces, and the hens are around 30 ounces. However, bantam varieties are much rarer than the standard ones.
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