Speckled Sussex

[amazondoc]

Speaking of SS....

I'm looking for more SS pullets, so far without success. My previous birds came from a small breeder, but I felt like they weren't especially honest and I don't really want to deal with them again. And I can't seem to find anyone else.

So -- if I end up getting day olds from a hatchery, does anyone have advice about what hatchery? I thought maybe I'd order from Ideal, but I'd love to hear about experiences with various hatcheries. Any input welcomed!

 

[LocoPollo]

I got my ss from cackle hatchery and had no problems at all. The chicks were healthy and are doing great now. They are ten weeks old now. Love my ss!

 

[cqranch]

Mine are shipping from Ideal on the 1st of October.

 

[pdsavage]

Watchem cause I have some that will pretty much stick thier head under a hammer to see what you are doing.
Never ever try working on thier pen when they are in there,I was tripping all over them while I was working on thier pen.

 

[amazondoc]

Thanks guys!

It turns out that there are going to be two poultry shows with sales, not too far from me, in the next several weeks. I'm gonna check both of them before I get serious about ordering from a hatchery. I also did talk with another breeder a bit west of me, but she won't have any til spring and I'm impatient!

 

[amazondoc]

Yippee! I found my Sussex today!

I don't have to wait for the poultry shows after all. I found a lady outside of Knoxville selling youngsters in several breeds, including Sussex. She put an ad on Craigslist this morning.

She had three pullets available, and since I specifically wanted three pullets it worked out perfectly.

And since I drove to Knoxville today anyway to get some more stuff out of my old house, I couldn't have asked for anything more convenient.

These girls are 6 weeks old. They still have mostly white breasts. They were originally ordered from Welp hatchery. Does anyone know anything about the general quality of birds from Welp?

 

[AtRendeAcres]

I was wondering if a true SS has white feathers near the skin?

 

[jennh]

I drove to NJ from Lancaster, Pa. last summer to get a Speckled Sussex. I wanted one really badly. I also brought home a Dominique whom I named Dorothy after my Mom. I got them from someone on this list. Anyway, Sadie Sussex is probably my most friendly chicken. I pick her up and carry her around all the time. She doesn't lay eggs anymore, even though she's only a little over a year old. She has always had trouble with her eggs, but I keep her 'cause I love her.
I got my love of chickens from my Grandmother, takes me back to a simpler time ;o)

Jen

 

[MagsC]

This is another breed I am interested in. Will have to look for eggs when my other hatches are done.

 

[amazondoc]

Quote:
I don't know about white feathers "near the skin", but in general birds with the spangled/speckled/Jubilee/mille fleur family of color patterns tend to change a lot as they mature. Are you talking about young birds, or adults?