The Sussex thread!

[3riverschick]

Thanks for your the thoughts. I really can't read this one. It is really a great bird and very friendly. It is quite vocal but
I would not call it crowing, more like a rumbling clucking noise if that makes any sense. I really have not been around
chickens since I was young so can't remember. It was hand picked by the breeder but she got one wrong with my Marans so who knows.

Hi,
Sussex is my breed. This is a production Speckled Sussex pullet. You can tell by the comb
and wattle at this age. The production birds are shaped more like a Leghorn than a traditional
Sussex fowl. The hatcheries breed them this way because most folk go to hatcheries for
egg layers not roasters. That said, she will probably lay well for you. She will not be a
great winter layer, tho. The best winter layers in Sussex fowl are hatched in Feb, thru March.
If you decide you want true heritage quality Speckled Sussex, then you need to contact
Tony Albritton in ID; Gary Overton in OH, Walt Reichert in KY, or the folk who have birds
from their strains. But if you just like the color, then you are good to go.
Best,
Karen
Waterford Light Sussex
in western PA, USA

 

[BlueBirdWinery]

 Hi,
 Sussex is my breed. This is a production Speckled Sussex pullet. You can tell by the comb
and wattle at this age. The production birds are shaped more like a Leghorn than a traditional
Sussex fowl. The hatcheries breed them this way because most folk go to  hatcheries for
egg layers not roasters.  That said, she will probably lay well for you. She will not be a
great winter layer, tho. The best winter layers in Sussex fowl are hatched in Feb, thru March.
  If you decide you want true heritage quality Speckled Sussex, then you need to contact
Tony Albritton in ID; Gary Overton in OH, Walt Reichert in KY, or the folk who have birds
from their strains. But if you just like the color, then you are good to go.
 Best,
 Karen
 Waterford Light Sussex
  in western PA, USA

Thank you so much 3riverschick, most appreciated. That sounds spot on from what I see and know about the farm they came from. Also, the advice about winter laying will avoid further confusion oh wise one. I got 2 of several breeds to start getting the lay of the land. Your suggestions on further stock will come in handy. I do like this breed a lot. The other SS I got has some "issues" but that is another story for another day. Again thanks all for the great advice.

 

[3riverschick]

More the welcome. There is a parent Club for the Sussex Lots of helpful folk there wiling
to help you get started in the breed:
http://americansussexbreeders.webs.com/
Oh and

Best,
Karen

 

[3riverschick]

My Speckled Sussex (Jean) was given to me this past summer by a friend. She's not quite a year old and a bit extra fluffy (ahem ... I think) from having eaten a little too much scratch during the hot summer here in Vegas. I named her after the girl who gave her to me. She's second in the pecking order and willing to let all the others know it. She's kinda like a henchman or assasin for the head biddy ... she does all the dirty work to keep them both on top.

When she molted her feathers came back with tons of white in them. I think it's an adaptation to the heat. I'm eagerly waiting for her to start laying.

Yep, between moving in to a new place, extreme summer heat, molting, new diggs (we built a hen house and covered run), winter (yes, it gets rather cold here, just no snow) and a series of new companions... no eggs yet.

However, 'hope' SPRINGS eternal and the days are getting longer...

When she molted her feathers came back with tons of white in them. I think it's an adaptation to the heat.
Hi,
No it's not. This is a sign that the red genes in her genetic palette are reaching the end of their strength and ability to keep the white from appearing. She needs to be bred to a cock which doesn't have much speckling at all. This will re-energize the strength of her red genes and when the chicks start molting as adults, hopefully they will not bring in too much white with their new feathers. Judge Wid Card talks about this "color balancing" and the ways to keep the strength of the colors strong in his wonderful little book on poultry breeding laws found here at archive.org :
Laws governing the breeding of standard fowls; a book covering outbreeding [!] inbreeding and line breeding of all recognized breeds of domestic fowls, with chart, 1912 (1912)
Author: Card, Wetherell Henry, 1860- https://archive.org/details/cu31924003158312
Read the chapters on the Red breeds and the Mottled breeds.
Judge Card was a renowned poultry man In addition to creating the White Laced Red Cornish fowl, he had a great gift for making complex poultry explanations simple for other folk to understand. He would go around to the shows and sit with poultry folk, patiently explaining the ins and out of poultry genetics. Note these are laws, not opinions or theories. If you do this then, that will definitely happen. Just a great, pithy little book. One of my favs!
Best,
Karen
in western PA, USA

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Thanks for your the thoughts. I really can't read this one. It is really a great bird and very friendly. It is quite vocal but I would not call it crowing, more like a rumbling clucking noise if that makes any sense. I really have not been around chickens since I was young so can't remember. It was hand picked by the breeder but she got one wrong with my Marans so who knows.

Yeah I think you've got a boy there. Sorry about that.

 

[3riverschick]

No way at 11 weeks this is a male. The tail means nothing except that somewhere in the last 4 generations there is Leghorn in its pedigree. The tail, comb and wattles tell the tale. As does the feminine outline, tho that is also a carry-forward from foreign blood of some kind, probably Leghorn. That said, the Leghorn was probably introduced to enhance laying ability. They should have bred to the Sussex Standard instead. Because in Sussex, the hallmarks detailed in the Standard are a integral part of their laying ability. But most folk today want a layer , not a roaster. The Sussex was developed as a roaster. Their excellent egg laying ability was developed so there would be more chicks available to raise as roasters.
So.... in these days, folk want the pretty bird with the Sussex temperament, but they want the egg layer and not the roaster. The hatcheries incorporated Leghorn into the breed for egg laying. Leghorns are a flighty breed. This is why you read people with hatchery Sussex complaining about how they are nervous and flighty when the Standard and breed descriptions say they are a calm, docile breed. Hatcheries know most folk don't worry about a departure from silhouette as long as the color palette is there. The elevation/shape of the tail is very telling. Look at the difference in tails here. Pull them up side by side in Windows and compare.
High quality White Leghorn pullet:
http://padgettspoultry.webs.com/photos/Poultry/January 2011 pics 328.jpg
High quality Sussex pullet:
http://www.cheshirepoultry.co.uk/images/lightsussex4.jpg
Show quality Speckled Sussex:
http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g420/cliff1801/sussexsketch.jpg
In Sussex, the elevation of the tail is very important, as is the level back. Here is superb,
stunning breed type, by the Master Breeders at Skytop Bantams, this time in 2 bantam Speckled Sussex "Cookie" : http://www.skytopbantams.com/cookieyork.jpg
Skytop Bantams' "Lily": http://www.skytopbantams.com/lily.JPG
The Sussex is a long bird. Long, wide and deep in body,. The Leghorn is a lightweight, upright breed, narrow in body.
Silhouette in Sussex is so closely aligned with production virtues, the old time veteran breeders would state, ...if it doesn't look like a Sussex, it's not a Sussex.
Best,
Karen

 

[3riverschick]

Here is an excellent write-up on the breed. They keep quoting Clem Watson
because he was a premier expert n poultry and the breed in his time. Still held
in very high regard by Sussex folk. If he said it, you can take it to the bank.

Handbook and souvenir of the British Section,
World's Poultry Congress and Exhibition
by Sidney H. Lewer. Published: London, 1921.
http://tinyurl.com/ohb2xkq
SUSSEX
Old English Game, Dorkings, and Sussex make up a trium-virate
of typically British fowls, and of the three for table purposes
the Sussex has proved prime favourite, especially in the London
market, where the Surrey or Sussex fowl is looked upon as the
ideal table bird. As Mr. Clem Watson says, " Their size and
shape make them a fine fowl for fattening, so that where good
quality stock is kept and bred in big quantities all the wasters
can be killed off at an early age, and they bring back the highest
price on the market, their white flesh and legs being appreciated
by the best poulterers.
" The weights obtained by some Sussex are enormous. At
the Dairy Show (London), 1919, a pair of Light Sussex pullets,
fed by Mr. William Hodges, of Addlestone, reached 22 lb. Length
of body is a great point, and absence of offal is considered another
feature when the size and weight are taken into consideration.
As layers, Sussex equal some of the record layers among the light
breeds, and as their eggs come mostly in winter, they are doubly
valuable. The breeding for ideal exhibition type and colour has
not detracted one bit from their utility qualities, because the
Sussex Club has carefully guarded these points when considering
its beauty for the show bench."
96 BRITISH POULTRY
The Sussex can be kept on free range or in restricted pens,
remembering in the latter case the tendency of the breed to fatten
readily, and thus, if eggs are required, to feed accordingly and
afford the birds plenty of exercise so as to keep them in laying
condition.
There are four recognized varieties of Sussex—Light, Speckled,
Red, and Brown—and their popularity may be taken in the same
order. As becomes a breed of which the motto, we hope, will
always be " Utility First," exhibition birds of both sexes can be
bred from one pen, and we hope that the Sussex Club will
resolutely set its face against any interpretation of its standard which
is likely to lead to the necessity of breeding from two pens. As
Mr. Clem Watson wrote: " Being essentially a table breed, it is
only reasonable to expect that the birds will be judged partly
on these lines, hence there must be the long breast and back with
good width, fine texture in skin and face, and a white leg." The
breastbone must be straight, and no crooked toes, feathers on
shanks, or red legs are permissible.
As to the history of the breed, next to Old English Game and
Dorkings the Sussex is perhaps the oldest established breed of
British poultry, its origin being lost in the mist of antiquity. It
is par excellence a. utility fowl, and, as already noted, is very largely
used for fattening for the London market; in fact, a large pro-
portion of the " Surrey " fowls sold in restaurants come from
Sussex, and are " Sussex." As layers, too, they are by no means
to be despised, for instances have been recorded of a Sussex pullet
laying as many as 240 eggs in the twelve months ; further, they
very often come on to lay at a very early age. It will thus be seen
that the Sussex is entitled to every respect as a utility fowl, though
perhaps hardly as adapted as some lighter breeds for the small
" back-yard."
The Sussex lays a brown or tinted egg, and makes a good
sitter and mother, and from her size can cover a large batch of
eggs.
As an exhibition bird, too, the Sussex is very popular, and
classes are generally very well supported. This is no doubt largely
due to the lavish support accorded the breed by the Sussex Poultry
Club, founded in 1903, of which Mr. S. C. Sharpe, Meadham, Lewes,
is secretary.
For exhibition purposes the Sussex should be as large as possible
consistent with quality, the cock weighing at least 9 lb. and the
hen 7 lb. The head should be of medium size, with a short, strong
curved beak, which should be of a white or horn colour, this latter
feature not being quite correctly shown in our coloured plate.
The comb should be single, very evenly serrated, and of medium
size, as also should be the lobes and wattles. The neck should
be nicely curved, and have a fairly full hackle. The breast is
SUSSEX
97
described as broad and square, with a long, deep breast-bone.
The shoulders should be wide, with a broad, flat back, and the
wings carried close to the body. The skin and flesh should be
white and of a fine texture, the shanks and feet should also be
white, and free from feathers, with four toes. The thighs should
be short and stout, and the tail of moderate size.
Light Sussex
Taking the colours in the order already mentioned, we may
briefly describe them, remembering that in all the same true
A WINNING LIGHT SUSSEX.PULLET
The property of Major J. A. Morrison, D.S.O.
Sussex type is aimed at, the difference in the varieties being one
of colour only.
The Light Sussex is a bird of strong contrast, having a pure
white body colour with a clean, black-striped neck hackle and
solid black tail. Not an easy combination to attain without
undersmut or surface ticking. The frequent failing in the past was for
the hackle to be grey or for the black to run right through the
98 BRITISH POULTRY
feather, making the appearance of a black collar, instead of a
black feather with a fine white lacing all round. Of recent years
careful breeding has largely overcome this fault, and birds are
now staged with wonderfully clearly defined hackles and tails
combined with soundness of body colour.
As a layer, perhaps the Light holds first place among the Sussex,
and as an all-round purpose fowl it is difficult to rival. It is seen
to singular advantage upon grass, the plumage showing up well
against such a background, and it well deserves the place it holds
with British poultry-keepers. With the Speckled variety it has
now a considerable following in the United States, and being a
hardy fowl has found admirers all over the world.
Two pens of Light Sussex are entered for the British Section
at The Hague, a trio of exhibition birds from Major J. A. Morrison,
D.S.O., Basildon Park, Reading, Berkshire, and a trio of utility
birds from Mr. Marcus Slade, Mallards Court, Stokenchurch,
Oxfordshire.
Speckled Sussex
A good idea of the handsome appearance of these can be derived
from the coloured plate given in this little book. As a variety
the Speckled are the oldest of the family and possibly the hardiest
of a hardy race, and in appearance, though not always in reality,
a trifle larger than the others. Moreover, the tricolour markings
give them a singularly distinctive appearance. Writing of this
colour, Mr. Clem Watson says : " There is a hesitancy about
taking up Speckled by some people because of the mixing of colours.
But this should be easily understood. The ground colour must
be a rich chestnut-red, with just a black patch, say, about a quarter
of an inch wide at the end of the feather, and then the end tipped
with white. When seen to perfection the Speckled Sussex look
very handsome, and form an attraction to any poultry farm."
Dark or slate undercolour is now required by the Standard in all
colours of Sussex save the Lights, as against the self-undercolour
formerly prescribed.
The variety is represented in the British Section at The Hague
by an exhibition trio from Mrs. M. A. Grant, Horley, Surrey.
•
Red Sussex
Substitute red for white in the description of the Light Sussex,
and then apply it to the Red Sussex, and the same notes will hold
good. Though not perhaps so widely kept as the two preceding
varieties, the Red Sussex has yet many friends, and is steadily
making headway in standard properties. It has all the good
qualities of the other colours, but is perhaps a little overshadowed
just now with lovers of the colour by the extraordinary popularity
of the Rhode Island Red. Fashion, however, is a fickle goddess,
SUSSEX
99
and with its solid claims for recognition both on utility and ex-
hibition grounds the Red Sussex should yet come into its own.
The exhibition trio of Red Sussex on view at The Hague in the
British Section are from Major J. A. Morrison, D.S.O., Basildon
Park, Reading, Berkshire.
Brown Sussex
The Brown Sussex was for a time catered for by a club of its
own, but is now happily included in the same fold as the Light,
Speckled, and Red. It is the youngster of the family, and when
A WINNING RED SUSSEX HEN
The property of Major J. A. Morrison, D.S.O.
seen with the other members, as on a coloured plate of all the
Sussex before us as we write, its effect is decidedly pleasing, the
golden-red, black striped neck hackle, combined with the black,
brown, and reddish-brown body plumage of the male making a
striking contrast to the more sober hues and wheaten breast of
Ms mate.
ioo BRITISH POULTRY
In type and general characteristics the Brown Sussex is the
same as the other standard colours. It is, however, unfortunately
not represented in the British Section at The Hague.
Buff Sussex
At the show of the National Utility Poultry Society of England
in December, 1920, Mr. J. Raine exhibited a pen of birds designated
by him as Buff Sussex. The breed was then, and is still, in the
making, and has not yet been recognized by either the British
Poultry Club or the Sussex Club as a distinctive variety of the
Sussex fowl.
It has thus yet to make good its title to the word " Sussex,"
but remembering the popularity of the buff colour it is not sur-
prising to learn that several fanciers are at work upon a fowl of
this description to combine the utility and standard properties of
the Sussex.
The exhibitor of the trio of birds of this new colour in the
Utility Section of the British exhibit at The Hague is Mr. J. Raine,
Headcorn, Kent, and, asked for some particulars of the objective
of its breeders, he writes : " Our aim is ' Utility plus Exhibition.'
First-class table poultry are undoubtedly coming into demand
again, and the market will be worth catering for. There will be
nothing better than a Buff Sussex. Exhibition birds of distinctive
and striking character will always find buyers, and the Buff Sussex
hopes some day to meet with approval from the most exacting
fancier.
" Replace the white of the Light Sussex with rich buff, and you
will have a ground colour in which the black hackle will stand out
in attractive relief. Add a black tail and a beak not dark, but
buff, to a bird of the best Sussex type and size, and you will have
a show bird that will fill large classes at exhibitions of the future."
These are the hopes of its promoters ; whether they will be
fulfilled or not visitors to The Hague will be able to form their
own opinions upon after seeing the trio of Buff Sussex on view
thereat.

 

[3riverschick]

Three other superb references on Sussex fowl by renowned experts in the breed:
====================
The Sussex fowl (1920)
Author: Sharpe, S. C
Publisher: London, F. J. Parsons
https://archive.org/details/cu31924003091398
Judge Sharpe was one fo the three great secretaries on the british Sussex Poultry Club.
The other 2 were Leo Outram and Clem Watson. Mr. Sharpe was the creator of the
Light Sussex. His book on the breed is a classic in the Sussex World.
-------
Leo Outram was also a Sussex judge and veteran breeder. He wrote 2 books on the breed.
The first in 1925 and the 2nd edition of that book in 1935. The 1935 has been republished by
Country Books in new Zealand. It also features the stunning color portraits from Feathered World
magazine (and the ultra-rare breed letters by Clem Watson which are only held by 2 libraries worldwide).
available here: http://tinyurl.com/nz5bspm
In oversize softcover. Very worth it, i used to own a copy.
=====================
The Light Sussex.
by Broomhead, William White, 1875-
Published 1921
http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=coo.31924003137332;view=1up;seq=1
A superb, timeless 9 page treatise on the breed. The author was one of
three Broomhead brothers who were quite noteworthy in the poultry world.
W. W. Broomhead was a Sussex judge who went on to be President of the
British Poultry Club.

 

[lesslea317]

Thanks for your the thoughts. I really can't read this one. It is really a great bird and very friendly. It is quite vocal but I would not call it crowing, more like a rumbling clucking noise if that makes any sense. I really have not been around chickens since I was young so can't remember. It was hand picked by the breeder but she got one wrong with my Marans so who knows.

I just went through this with my 16 SS from McMurrays and I would say that's a roo. None of my ss pullets had that red of comb and wattles..more of a brown. They won't crow until 16 weeks. I only had one questionable one at 12 weeks because it had a large brownish set of comb and wattles...ended up being a roo also. I think I posted pics here awhile ago, I'll look them up so you can compare.

 

[lesslea317]

Here are mine at almost 12 weeks. The roo is front center with the pullet to his right so hopefully you can see what I was saying