British poultry standards vs American SOP

[Cluckerzfamilyfarm]

I found a free copy of the British poultry standards and I was wondering if anyone has viewed both American and British standards? Also are they similar? I know there are differences. I guess what I'm trying to ask is can a beginner read the British version and have a decent idea on what to aim for in America? British poultry standards covers the speckled Sussex and that is my goal breed.

 

[Pork Pie]

I would imagine that providing there are differences in standards between the two, you would be best advised going with the standards of the nation in which you reside.

 

[Cluckerzfamilyfarm]

That was my approach at first as well. Then I read some post on here and the comparison between what was posted here about American and what is in British print they seemed fairly close. So I thought I would ask to see if someone has viewed both and just how close are the two?

 

[3riverschick]

I would not worry about any differences. The British Sussex tend to have more prominent petticoats then the APA but that is breeder preference, not in the Standards. In Speckleds, all you really need to check is make sure your copy advocates the deep mahogany Bay ground color of the bird. Reddish Brown will not do. What year is your edition? Sussex fowl in all color varieties have such a rich literary history.
Best,
Karen and the Light Sussex in western PA, USA

 

[3riverschick]

The Feathered World Year Book and Poultry Keepers' ... 1921.
The Sussex by Clem Watson. ( an Englishman)
( One of the three great Secretaries of the British Sussex Poultry Club.
The other two being Mr. Sharpe and Mr. Outram.,
both of whom authored books on the breed)

The actual breeding of Sussex should not present any difficulty
to the man who follows the work among any other variety. It is
essential to observe certain points, and the Standard sets the points
forth very clearly so that all who run may read. Without shape
you do not get a Sussex. Make this a very important feature,
then you can work on colour and marking without fear. There
must be length and depth of body, otherwise you lose the table
points, then with the width of back and a good head you can
maintain the laying properties. Many of the Sussex to-day are
carrying an ugly comb which is not very attractive, although I
know that this does not alter the body shape. But a coarse comb
denotes coarseness of body, and you will find the skin and flesh
coarser than one with a fine-grained comb.
Another advantage in the Sussex is that it is very active and
can be kept on the farm with a free range—then the chickens prove
very hardy and can be easily reared. It makes an interesting
variety for a novice because of the change in colour and its good
all-round qualities. Everyone should join the Sussex Club and
thus help on the good work of getting new members when once they
are enrolled.

 

[3riverschick]

The Book of the Sussex
by Sharpe, originator of the Light Sussex
https://jlmissouri.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/The-Sussex-Fowl.pdf

 

[Cluckerzfamilyfarm]

This is the copy I have. Thank you very much for all of your information. I feel most of my of mine are more on the red side. Although I do have a couple that have good color just not the correct shaped spots. Now keep in mind I have never talked with another breeder of Sussex or any breeder interested in show. My eyes are extremely novice lol. And we are just approaching 6wks old. I plan on joining the ASA and the APA. Just trying to research as much as I can first to make sure it would be beneficial.

 

[3riverschick]

Ok, that copy is just fine for the Sussex Standard. As I understand it proper ground color is a big help in the amount of speckling one gets. if your bird has too much white in it, it is called "gay", so don't be surprised if you hear the term. Think of it as in "gaily arrayed". You should get with Brian Woods at English River Poultry in Canada ( website). I don't think he doesn't have Speckleds any more but he bred superb birds. Also, Jackie at Skytop in Florida. She is a Grand Master breeder of bantam Speckled Sussex. Same color, just a different size. Also Leela Olson at Kindred Hill Farm in USA. She has some lovely Speckleds. Best, Karen

 

[336White Phoenix]

I'd Imagine it'll matter on some breeds and then other breeds might be different

 

[3riverschick]

You're probably right, Phoenix. Fortunately, it's ok for Sussex fowl. Esp. since England is their country of origin. And we were so blessed to have the input from Mr. Falkenstein from England here in the US as the US breeders were dealing with how to best create the ground color for the Speckled Sussex. Before Falkenstein, the ground color for Speckleds was a reddish brown. He popularized the lovely deep mahogany bay ground color in England and then brought the same to the USA on a trip over here at the right time to make a difference. One can even see the difference in ground color on the old poultry tobacco cards for sale on eBay. Pre 1920 cards show the reddish brown and post 1930 cards show the deep mahogany bay ground color.
Best,
Karen