My mother in law to be acquired five Speckled Sussex hens and one Speckled Sussex rooster. This is the first time of owning this breed and I have to say that I am very impressed with how friendly and docile they are - including the rooster! They did come from a family who did handle them often and kept them free range so not every hen and rooster is going to behave like mine do. The rooster you can just pick up and carry around and he won't have a care in the world. They are also very beautiful birds - I love the colors of the hen and the plumage of the rooster is absolutely GORGEOUS!! The way his feathers shine and the coloring just keeps your attention. He's a beautiful guy! They haven't laid for me just yet but I heard that their eggs are very good and they mostly just hang out and roost and don't really bother with anyone or anything. They do come up to you when they first see you so they are very social and friendly!
The cons... All roosters crow, but for some reason I think mine crows a lot more than usual and also loud! If you live in a small town and have a backyard homestead - I recommend holding off on getting a rooster of any kind especially this one because he crows occasionally during the day. (Usually starts in the early morning but sometimes he'll wait until the sun is up higher.) Most of the time he will be quiet. The females can also be vocal too if they want to - it's surprising how vocal they are that it's actually funny! Them being vocal also adds on to them being stubborn, especially the roo. But overall - these are very good birds and I am having a great experience with them!
The cons... All roosters crow, but for some reason I think mine crows a lot more than usual and also loud! If you live in a small town and have a backyard homestead - I recommend holding off on getting a rooster of any kind especially this one because he crows occasionally during the day. (Usually starts in the early morning but sometimes he'll wait until the sun is up higher.) Most of the time he will be quiet. The females can also be vocal too if they want to - it's surprising how vocal they are that it's actually funny! Them being vocal also adds on to them being stubborn, especially the roo. But overall - these are very good birds and I am having a great experience with them!