Speckled Sussex staying on nest….Please Help…

[mldlm]

How is she doing today?

Thanks for asking. She did not lay an egg today, but has been out and about all day. Hopefully, she’s over that whole “camping in the nest” thing. Lol

 

[triciayoung]

Thanks for asking. She did not lay an egg today, but has been out and about all day. Hopefully, she’s over that whole “camping in the nest” thing. Lol

My SS only lays about 4 sometimes 5 eggs a week. They are a pretty brown/pink color.

 

[mldlm]

My SS only lays about 4 sometimes 5 eggs a week. They are a pretty brown/pink color.

Mine, too! She lays the smallest ones of the six.

 

[Mama KK]

I have a speckled sussex. When you put her on the floor, did she do the "pancake" thing - meaning spreading out on the floor? Did she "scream" at you when you tried to take her out of the nesting box? It sounds like she is broody from your responses thus far. If she went up to roost last night, she may only need one day in the crate. I know my SS would get very depressed being in a crate for 3-days. There is another option...SS are very nice and kind chickens - the problem is that they get bullied badly. She may be being bullied and doesn't want to come out for that reason.

Why do SS get bullied badly? I'm supposed to be picking a few up tomorrow to add to my flock and now I'm nervous as I also have a bossy peahean

 

[triciayoung]

Why do SS get bullied badly? I'm supposed to be picking a few up tomorrow to add to my flock and now I'm nervous as I also have a bossy peahean

Because they don’t stick up for themselves. However, I heard, but don’t have the experience to prove this…if there are more than one, they stick up for each other. I was supposed to have 3 SS hens, but two ended up being roosters. @janiedoe, have you had two SS hens at the same time?

 

[janiedoe]

Because they don’t stick up for themselves. However, I heard, but don’t have the experience to prove this…if there are more than one, they stick up for each other. I was supposed to have 3 SS hens, but two ended up being roosters. @janiedoe, have you had two SS hens at the same time?

I have not, but my current hen is no pushover. She is high in the pecking order.

 

[janiedoe]

Because they don’t stick up for themselves. However, I heard, but don’t have the experience to prove this…if there are more than one, they stick up for each other. I was supposed to have 3 SS hens, but two ended up being roosters. @janiedoe, have you had two SS hens at the same time?

Tricia, is yours a bantam? Maybe that accounts for her timid personality?

 

[mldlm]

My SS is timid, but coming out of her shell. Today I took some leftover lettuce out to them and she stood up for herself to the top hen when she was trying to eat. The top hen, a white leghorn, will not pick at her as much now. I love all my girls, but, I must admit, I was kind of like “atta girl” whem I saw my SS stand up for herself…lol

 

[triciayoung]

Tricia, is yours a bantam? Maybe that accounts for her timid personality?

I don't know. She isn't supposed to be, but she is really small, and I have always questioned if she is a bantam. She isn't timid, she is just always picked on and doesn't stand up for herself. And just like @mldlm said, every once in an while when she does stand up for herself - I am cheering her on.

 

[triciayoung]

I have not, but my current hen is no pushover. She is high in the pecking order.

Interesting. Most of the descriptions about the speckled sussex are the same, and mine matches the description pretty closely. I think you Janie, may have a unique speckled sussex. Good for you. It is difficult to see this great chicken being picked on a lot.

"Temperament & Behavior​

When it comes to friendly chicken breeds, you really can’t beat the Speckled Sussex. Calm, docile, and friendly birds, these chickens are happy to trot along behind you in the garden as they forage for grubs and other tasty morsels.

They are known to be a bit mischievous due in part to their naturally curious dispositions. They are resourceful and active, happy to spend their days scratching around in your garden. However, they do take well to confinement, making the breed a good option if you decide to keep chickens throughout the cold winter months, too.

Speckled Sussex chickens are relatively quiet, just chattering along with the usual backyard chicken noise of the egg-laying song or the alert call. You will find that the Sussex hen tends to go broody, too, something that’s beneficial if you want to hatch your own eggs. They set well, and the Sussex hen makes wonderful mothers.

The only downside to the Speckled Sussex’s peaceful disposition is that it can sometimes fall low on the pecking order. Since it’s not the largest chicken you might have in your chicken coop, nor is it the most assertive, it may fall victim to some bullying from other, more assertive chickens.

Nonetheless, the Speckled Sussex is a friendly breed that’s great for chicken keepers with other pets, chickens, and even small children. It’s also a good option for beginners since it has few breed-specific medical concerns or care issues."