The Sussex thread!

[Pozees]

Hey Everyone,
I am trying to find a new dual purpose breed of chicken to get after my current layers times are up. I have been looking at the light Sussex, Buckeye and the Dorking breeds. I was wondering how frequently your sussex's lay and if they lay through the winter? I also was wondering how the temperment of the breed was in general and how they are as meat birds? Thanks!

I find them friendly, funny, good foragers, and since mine started laying in December they have not stopped (hatched June 2, 2012). The last time I had them, they were exceptional grasshopper hunters, which I love about them. The roo was like a puppy, he would jump into the van to see what I brought home from the store when I opened the side doors to take groceries into the house.

 

[MuddyHillFarm]

Looking to purchase Speckled Sussex fertile eggs to incubate on our own is preferred. Trying to reduce risk and cost to add this breed to our flock. BarryATmuddyhillfarmDOTcom

 

[Arielle]

Hey Everyone,
I am trying to find a new dual purpose breed of chicken to get after my current layers times are up. I have been looking at the light Sussex, Buckeye and the Dorking breeds. I was wondering how frequently your sussex's lay and if they lay through the winter? I also was wondering how the temperment of the breed was in general and how they are as meat birds? Thanks!

These quickly became a favorite. Enough for me to track down a rooster. HE tends to be a little defensive about my handling the girls, but then I didn't raise him and he doesn't know me very well. He just pecks at my hands while I"m fussing about in his coop. Sussex are supposed to be good winter layers. My pullets started in early January without lights; Waiting for my older girls to get going. ANd yes, they are great bug hunters. Mine liked the worms that come up when I am weeding. One of my favorites.

 

[3riverschick]

These quickly became a favorite. Enough for me to track down a rooster. HE tends to be a little defensive about my handling the girls, but then I didn't raise him and he doesn't know me very well. He just pecks at my hands while I"m fussing about in his coop. Sussex are supposed to be good winter layers. My pullets started in early January without lights; Waiting for my older girls to get going. ANd yes, they are great bug hunters. Mine liked the worms that come up when I am weeding. One of my favorites.

====================================
Hi,
I love my Light Sussex. They're truly a tri-purpose breed. Show, eggs and meat. Sussex were historically created as winter layers. So the chicks could be raised and fattened for eating on english Derby Day. a huge springtime holiday in England. My girls were hatched in March and May. They both started laying in Januaray. Currently are sitting on eggs which should hatch about Feb. 21st. My rooster is gentle and gallant with his 2 girls. He has never attacked me or showed aggression. Just a wonderful breed in a variety of colors. The Red, Speckled and Light are approved by both APA and ABA.
Best,
Karen
Waterford English Light Sussex
in western PA, USA

 

[cjhubbs]

Wow! Thanks for the great responses. I think I am just about sold on getting some Sussex's. Now I just need to decide if I want Speckled Sussex or Light Sussex chickens. How will i decide they both look awesome, does one lay better then the other or gain weight faster?

 

[Arielle]

Karen you wanna handle that question . . .?

 

[mrheinz77]

Wow! Thanks for the great responses. I think I am just about sold on getting some Sussex's. Now I just need to decide if I want Speckled Sussex or Light Sussex chickens. How will i decide they both look awesome, does one lay better then the other or gain weight faster?

I have both varieties. A lot depends on the line you have. For me, both varieties seem to lay well. My Light cockerel is much larger than my Speckled (who just died this week). If you will be free ranging, the Speckled blend in with their surroundings better.

 

[AlienChick]

Great info here!

I, too, was looking for a dual-purpose bird since my current egg layers are 2 years old.
I wanted a bird that was larger than what I have and a good forager as well as a gentle breed.
After doing my research, I decided on the Light Sussex.
I just bought some eggs last week and they're in the incubator.
I can't wait!!

 

[cjhubbs]

After thinking everything over I am most likely going to try the Light Sussex out. They sound like the perfect breed for my family when it comes to being reliable layers, good temperament in general and good meat birds. I was wondering if anyone knows where I might be able to get some Light Sussex hatching eggs although I wont be able to get them until the end of March or early April? I also was wondering if I could house and feed them with Cornish X after they are ready to be moved outside?

 

[mrheinz77]

After thinking everything over I am most likely going to try the Light Sussex out. They sound like the perfect breed for my family when it comes to being reliable layers, good temperament in general and good meat birds. I was wondering if anyone knows where I might be able to get some Light Sussex hatching eggs although I wont be able to get them until the end of March or early April? I also was wondering if I could house and feed them with Cornish X after they are ready to be moved outside?  

You could try Lonesome Pine Farm. [email protected]

The President of the American Sussex Association has Lights too. I don't know if Karen (3riverschick) will be selling eggs since she just got a trio and is building her flock. I only have a pair.


I'm not a fan of putting anything with Cornish X but others may have another opinion.