Light Sussex Chicken - a hybrid or a pure breed?

[chicksandchickens]

Hello, I would like to increase my flock of heritage chickens. So far I have had Speckled Sussex and Orpingtons, but recently I have been able to get hold of Light Sussex that have proved to be really good in egg laying. I am however quite puzzled when reading about them as in some sources they are mentioned as hybrids whilst in others as pure breeds. Can anyone shed more light on this? I wanted to continue keeping pure breeds only. Many thanks!

 

[NatJ]

Light Sussex...in some sources they are mentioned as hybrids whilst in others as pure breeds.

A pure breed called "Light Sussex" does exist. It has existed for more than a century.

 

[JedJackson]

Light Sussex are definitely a pure breed, both here and England, and undoubtedly elsewhere. They are not one of the original Sussex varieties like Speckled Sussex. The light variety came about a bit later on, according to the American Standard, through crosses with barred rocks. That doesn't mean they are not purebred. Black Orpingtons and buff Orpingtons have different parentage, but are still considered pure breeds. The main thing with chickens is that they fit the standards. Bloodlines and pedigrees usually don't mean much.