Light Sussex vs Australorps

[puddleglumWI]

Hello,

I have been thinking about ordering some Australorps a little later this spring, possibly from Mt. Healthy. I am looking for a good layer primarily, but also something that I could get a little meat from the extra males if I raise some chicks each spring.

There is a breeder about two hours away that raises Lavender Orpingtons, Bielfelders, and Light Sussex.

The Light Sussex are tempting, especially from a breeder. They almost certainly will grow faster than an Australorp for more efficient meat raising. How do you all think the egg production of a Light Sussex from a breeder will be compared to hatchery Australorps? I did email the breeder asking about this, but wanted a little input from you all as well.

Thank you,
-pg

 

[ColtHandorf]

Why not do both? They are both dual-purpose, but the hatchery Australorps will probably outlay the Sussex. Where did the breeder get the Sussex? If they are just breeding birds they got from a hatchery, they will probably be more productive than Sussex stock from SQ lines.

 

[puddleglumWI]

Their website says they come from an APA certified flock, so not hatchery stock.

I probably will start with one flock of one breed to start. Can always add on later.

 

[ColtHandorf]

Their website says they come from an APA certified flock, so not hatchery stock.

I probably will start with one flock of one breed to start. Can always add on later.

That sounds promising. Do they have pictures?

 

[puddleglumWI]

Yeah, they are good looking bird in the pictures. But I am a cretan about such things, probably too easily impressed to be a good judge of quality.

 

[ColtHandorf]

 

[puddleglumWI]

The breeder says their Light Sussex are laying 250-300 a year. I am guessing this is a generous estimate, but it sounds like they lay pretty well, that they lay longer into the winter than their other breeds, and lay well in the summer heat as well.