The Sussex thread!

[esme13]

My coro sussex took as long as my orps - 8 months. I don't think other sussex varieties take that long. Season had a lot to do with it. She was a summer hatch, so her 1st egg came in late January. (No supplemental lighting used.)

Thank you Faraday40, I pray it isn't that long, but if it is, at least we are half way there.

 

[georgiayankee]

Thank you Faraday40, I pray it isn't that long, but if it is, at least we are half way there.

I think Cork Sussex are slower at everything...my chicks are just feathering and they are 3 weeks old but my 1 week old specs have started feathering already.

 

[shamrockmommy]

Here's Ford now at 11 weeks old.

I think my instincts tell me cockerel!! He's got long skinny saddle feathers.

 

[georgiayankee]

Here's Ford now at 11 weeks old.

I think my instincts tell me cockerel!! He's got long skinny saddle feathers.

Did he feather fast?? My two week old looks almost as feathered as my 3 week olds. Its bigger in size too...the other six are just starting to feather....I'm thinking I might have a Cockrel. Just wondering??

 

[Faraday40]

This is not a joke. I bury my nose in alot of chicken feathers. So fluffy and soft. I have 2 SS and got 2 more-Lord knows why. Does anyone else find that they smell better than any other chicken? Mine always smell kind of spring fresh.

I need to go chicken sniffing now.

???
Can't say I've noticed it, but I'm sure there will be plenty of people logging off to go chicken-sniffing today.
Mine smell more earthy - like clay. Of course we've had so much rain & flooding up here, my chickens may have to learn how to swim soon.

A few months ago there was some discussion about "chicken sniffing." It gave me quite a chuckle & stuck in my mind.

As far as my Coro Sussex & Sussex-mixed hen, I never noticed any smell other than chicken. (Unless after a bath, when they smell like "wet-chicken.")
For the past 2 months I've been raising a little Dominique & watching those feathers grow in. She loves to cuddle & wouldn't you know it, she DOES smell different. It's kind of like that fresh, after a rainfall smell. I have no idea why that particular pullet smells better than the others that are housed with her. I suppose there may be something to this "chicken sniffing" after all.

 

[lisa80]

Hi I have a Sussex light rooster and a light hen and a buff hen but the first chick to hatch is quite dark? Could it be a silver?

 

[Jujubara]

Does anyone have any recommendations to just how many weeks it takes a speckled sussex to lay? I know they are slow to lay. My speckled sussex is turning 18weeks, but she seems small and has a small comb and just showing waddles. She is basically the same size as my polish, but feels heavier.

I have a feeling it will be awhile longer for my egg, but would love to get some ideas as to when they usually can lay  

Our SS will be 22 weeks tomorrow and I don't even think she's close!

 

[PouleNoire]

I have a Speckled Sussex pullet named Hazel, she is just such a rascal! Very pretty too!

 

[Phoenixsw]

Hi everyone! I think it's sometimes difficult to say when, by breed, girls start laying. My Sussex and my BO both started laying around 22 wks, but my Faverolle girl, who is the same age (now 28 wks old) still isn't laying. I also have an EE who is a month younger and she's showing more of the signs of starting to lay than the Faverolle.
But I do love Pip. She is by far the most vocal and most curious girl in the flock. Will definitely have to always have a wonderful SS in my flock!

 

[PouleNoire]

I agree! It all depends on the girl.