The Sussex thread!

[kada6305]

Seems he would easily turn out to be a good roo.  If he should come at you, you come at him looking him straight in the eye, and keep making him back up and back up....every time.  Do not back up.  Just keep stalking him.  Do this each time and you will be telling him that you are the alpha roo- in roo-speak.

I will try that,thanks. Since feeding treats he hasn't charged us. I don't walk around him, I make him move when I'm walking.

 

[jla0499]

Couple pens of Silver Sussex. hens with dark roo just started laying. They're around 5.5 months old. Other birds are younger.

 

[3riverschick]

I like the pullet I the bottom pic n the center. Nice bird.
Best,
Karen

 

[campingshaws]

Could anyone help me guess the age of my new girls? The man at the auction only identified them as "pullets," but we bid anyway. It was fate! They were helpfully identified as Speckle Sussexes in the "what breed is this?" Forum, but I'd really just love to learn more. I've had them right at 24 hours and they are already my faves over the existing flock, but don't tell.

[/IMG]

There are five all together, three with tails and two without. At least one still makes baby noises.

Sorry if this isn't the right place to ask.

 

[3riverschick]

Hi and welcome to BYC!
Oh they are adorable. I have some about that age. Mine are Light Sussex.
I think maybe 2-3 months old. The ones with long tails are boys ( cockerels) .
The one without as long a tail is a girl (Pullet). Not to worry if you have extra
boys. You can easily rehome them on craigslist.
Pretty birds!
Best Regards,
Karen in western PA, USA

 

[ochochicas]

Could anyone help me guess the age of my new girls?

My pullet looked like yours at 10 weeks. I'd say they are right around that age.

 

[ochochicas]

My dad came over a few weeks ago and visited with the chickens. Of course the Speckled Sussex was his favorite.

Here is Sparrow at 22 weeks. She's been in the nest box, but no egg yet. We're getting close!

 

[Anuthatch]

The ones with long tails are boys ( cockerels) .
The one without as long a tail is a girl (Pullet).

I probably should keep my mouth shut as I have very little experience. No disrespect intended only another experience to share. I have 4 SS hens who I was worried were cockerals due to long tails and I was assured they were pullets based on other characteristics at that age. They are 20 weeks now and none appear to be roos. If having roos is concerning at this point, you might want to provide more photos.

 

[campingshaws]

I probably should keep my mouth shut as I have very little experience.  No disrespect intended only another experience to share.   I have 4 SS hens who I was worried were cockerals due to long tails and I was assured they were pullets based on other characteristics at that age.  They are 20 weeks now and none appear to be roos.   If having roos is concerning at this point, you might want to provide more photos.

Thanks for the second opinion! None of them have combs or spurs, at this point. They're in quarantine for the rest of the month, so hopefully I'll know for sure by then. I don't really know how old they are, just guesses. They're WAY bigger than my other big hens, who are 3-4 months, but I've heard the sussex is just a bigger bird. My other girls are a BCM and a barnyard mix.

I'll try to get more pics later. They got out in the yard this morning and even though it was a pain to catch them, they were so pretty in the grass!!

 

[campingshaws]

I let the girls out for a bit this evening to stretch their wings. Great foragers! It was funny watching them hop around with their feathers all ruffled. This one is my favorite.