Best Breed for Newbie: Barred Rock or Speckled Sussex?

[R Wordsworth]

I am about to purchase my first flock (of 3-4) and the person I am purchasing from has Barred Rocks and Speckled Sussex to choose from ranging from 9-11 weeks. Which would be the best for a first timer?

 

[Michael OShay]

You're going to get a variety of opinions from BYC members between those two breeds and rightly so as they are both wonderful breeds. I've raised both breeds over the years and it is a tough choice. Both are very cold hardy breeds, both are good layers of large, brown eggs (around 4 per week per hen), and both of them are beautiful. Which is prettiest is subjective and a matter of personal preference. Given the choice of only one breed between the two, I would personally go with the Speckled Sussex as mine have been slightly friendlier and more gentle than my Barred Rocks. While my BRs have generally been docile, I have on rare occasion had an aggressive one; something I've not experienced with my SS. In addition my children never had any problems making lap pets of our Speckled Sussex. If you are getting 4 pullets however, you might want to get two of each breed and experience both breeds firsthand for yourself.

 

[donrae]

That's easy--get 2 of each