The Sussex chicken breed is a historic British standard chicken breed that was bred for two purposes: good meat quality and consistent egg production.
The Sussex chicken breed is a rectangular bird that was bred in Sussex in southeast England.
Sussex chickens have white skin and legs, a red comb and wattle, and they have no feathered feet.
The Sussex chicken is a larger bird, and male birds can weigh up to about 9 lb (≈4.1 kg), and female birds can weigh up to about 7 lb (≈3.2 kg).
They also have a good size of brown eggs (≈60 g), and they should lay eggs at a rate of about 4-5 eggs a week.
Sussex chickens are friendly and calm birds, and they are often suggested for inclusion in both backyard flocks and small farms.
They are easy to keep and adapt well to a variety of different conditions and environments, whether in a coop or free-range.
What are Sussex Chickens?
Sussex chickens are a heritage breed from England known as one of the oldest British breeds.
They were traditionally kept as a table bird for meat and eggs, and even today, breeders value them for both purposes.
Sussex has a thick, well-fleshed body with close-fitting feathers. All varieties have clean (unfeathered) white legs and shanks, and white skin – a trait preferred in markets that want white meat.
Sussex roosters carry a single upright red comb and matching wattles, and hens have large combs too.
These birds are generally quiet and docile; roosters may crow when guarding the flock, but Sussex hens do not tend to be noisy.
History and Origin of Sussex Chickens
Sussex chickens originated in the historic county of Sussex (modern-day East & West Sussex) in southern England.
They descend from long-standing local landraces and were already noted for their utility by the 19th century: Sussex (then called “Old Sussex or Kent Fowl”) were exhibited at the first poultry show at London Zoo in 1845.
This makes them among Britain’s oldest recorded breeds. In 1903, the Sussex Breed Club was organized to preserve and standardize the breed.
In the Victorian era, Sussex was a favorite large table fowl. Many strains were crossed with Asian breeds (like Brahma and Cochin) to increase size, but later breeders back-bred to restore the traditional type.
By the early 20th century, Sussex and Rhode Island Red were the main meat chicken breeds in the UK.
Sussex soon spread overseas: they reached the United States about 1912, and the American Poultry Association recognized the Speckled and Red Sussex in 1914 (adding Light Sussex in 1929).
Today they are conserved by breed clubs and remain popular with hobbyists worldwide.
Recognized Varieties of Sussex Chicken
The Poultry Club of Great Britain recognizes eight color varieties of standard Sussex: Light, Red, Speckled, Brown, Buff, Silver, White, and Coronation Sussex.
The American Poultry Association admits three: Light, Red, and Speckled Sussex. Each variety has its own plumage pattern:
- Light Sussex: White body with glossy black neck hackles and tail feathers. A classic look, and the variety often seen in photos.
- Speckled Sussex: Rich mahogany-red base color, each feather tipped with a black spot and white speckle. This variety is very eye-catching, and Sussex chickens of this color tend to develop more speckles each year.
- Red Sussex: Deep, uniform reddish-brown plumage (like Light Sussex markings on a red ground). Often called “Red Sussex.”
- Brown Sussex: (British variety) A very dark reddish-brown, almost chocolate-colored. (Not recognized by the APA.)
- Buff Sussex: Golden-buff body with black in tail and wing edges. Similar pattern to the Light but warm buff color and greenish-black highlights.
- Silver Sussex: Like the Light variety in pattern, but the white areas are a silvery gray, and the back is darker, creating a striking contrast.
- White Sussex: Pure white body and tail with no other markings (all-white variant, emerged as a “sport”). Not British-recognized but popular in some places.
- Coronation Sussex: Lavender-gray with the Light Sussex pattern (a rare color, created in 1937 and nearly extinct).
Sussex bantams (miniature versions) exist for most standard colors. Overall, Sussex colors range from white and silver-gray to the rich reds and buff shades – all varieties share the same red comb and wattles and clean white legs.
Egg Production
Sussex hens are good layers of large brown eggs. On average, a Sussex hen produces around 200 eggs per year, and some particularly productive strains can reach up to 250 eggs annually.
Typically, a healthy Sussex hen lays about 4–5 eggs per week in her prime. The eggs are tinted light brown to tan in color.
Each egg is relatively large (about 60 g on average). Most Sussex hens begin laying when they are around 18–24 weeks old, though they may be a bit slower than intense commercial layers.
They often continue laying through mild winters (year-round unless broody or molting).
Lifespan
Sussex chickens are long-lived compared to many commercial hybrids. With proper care and good nutrition, a Sussex can easily live 6 to 8 years.
In fact, many Sussex reach their eighth birthday if protected from predators and severe illness. Some owners report Sussex living as long as 10 years.
Of course, egg production slows after the first few years (Sussex hens tend to lay best up to about 4–5 years old).
Overall, their hardy constitution contributes to a respectable lifespan for backyard birds.
Temperament of Sussex Chicken
Sussex chickens are known for having an excellent disposition. They are calm, curious, and friendly birds.
Compared to flighty egg-laying breeds, Sussex are quite placid: they will often wander around the yard following their keeper or scratching calmly for insects.
Sussex is generally quiet and docile. Hens are often particularly gentle and good with children or newcomers.
A-Speckled Sussex (and all Sussex) tends to be broody on occasion – meaning many hens will sit and hatch eggs – and they make excellent mothers to chicks.
Roosters, meanwhile, are protective of the flock but not overly aggressive toward humans or other chickens.
These birds handle confinement well if they have some room and perches, but they truly thrive when allowed to free-range.
Sussex enjoys foraging and exploring – they will scratch through leaves, hunt bugs, and jump onto low perches.
If kept in a yard, they are excellent at pest control (eating ticks and insects) and are careful not to scratch up gardens too badly.
Overall, Sussex have a reliable, people-friendly temperament that makes them a joy in a backyard flock.
Color, Size, Appearance, and Characteristics
Color
Sussex chickens come in a wide range of plumage colors (see varieties in the recognized variety section).
In any variety, all birds share certain color traits: they have red combs, wattles, and earlobes, and clean white skin and legs.
The feathers themselves range from pure white (in White Sussex) through buff, gold, mahogany-red, and dark brown, often with black or silver patterning depending on the variety.
For example, the classic Speckled Sussex has a dark mahogany base color with each feather tipped in white (creating a speckled look).
The Light Sussex is mostly white with black neck hackles and tail. Other colors (Red, Buff, Silver, etc.) were developed to suit different preferences, but in all cases, the bird’s legs and facial features stay red/white as described.
Sussex eggshell color is typically a creamy tan to light brown (sometimes called “tinted brown”).
Size
Sussex is are large bird. Standard-weight (full-size) cocks weigh about 9 lb (≈4.1 kg) and hens about 7 lb (≈3.2 kg).
This makes them one of the heavier British breeds – for comparison, a Rhode Island Red rooster is around 8 lb.
The cockerels (young males) mature near 7.5 lb and pullets (young females) around 6 lb.
Sussex bantams (miniature versions) are much smaller (bantam roosters ~3.2 lb, hens ~2.4 lb). In height and build, Sussex have broad, well-filled bodies.
Appearance
Sussex chickens have a strong, rectangular build. They carry their bodies fairly level, with the back long and flat and a breastbone that slopes slightly downward.
When alert, a Sussex’s tail is held at about a 45° angle from horizontal. They have bright, erect single combs with five points, and smooth, medium-sized wattles – all vivid red in color.
The earlobes (the tiny ear flaps below the ear) are also red. Sussex has a deep, broad chest and wide shoulders, giving them a sturdy stance.
Their legs are strong and unfeathered, with white-yellow skin. They have the normal four toes per foot. Sussex do not have the feathered feet of some breeds (like Cochins), so their legs are easy to keep clean.
In the darker varieties (e.g., Speckled, Red, Brown), the eyes are a rich red-orange color, whereas in lighter varieties they appear more orange or golden.
The overall impression is a robust, handsome bird with attractive plumage and bold markings (in colored varieties) or clean, crisp contrast (in Light, Silver, or White Sussex).
Characteristics
As a dual-purpose breed, Sussex excel at both laying and meat production. Their bodies are meaty with firm flesh, and the breed is historically famous for high-quality table meat.
In fact, Sussex meat is often described as exceptionally good-tasting (some old poultry books even claim its flavor rivals or surpasses other English table breeds).
When allowed to free-range and provided a good feed, Sussex develop fat and flavor well – they were once a top choice for traditional roast fowl.
On the laying side, Sussex hens are dependable layers. A well-kept Sussex hen will typically lay year-round except during molt or when broody.
They can go broody and hatch chicks (which, for some keepers, is a bonus, for others, is a pause in egg-laying). Overall, Sussex are known to be hardy and healthy chickens.
They handle winter cold without fuss, thanks to a single comb and solid feathering (so frostbite is rarely an issue). The small comb and wattles on many Sussex (especially the speckled type) make them very cold-tolerant.
On the flip side, they do not do well in extreme heat – in very hot climates, Sussex may pant and slow down egg production, so they need shade and plenty of water in summer.
Sussex are active foragers and are often used in free-range setups. They enjoy scratching the ground for bugs and greens.
Sussex are not flighty; they will fly short distances to roost but generally stay on the ground. Sussex adapt fairly well to confinement if given perches and stimuli, but they much prefer a roomy run or yard.
They are not high-strung – they remain calm in flocks and can be a bit timid around aggressive breeds.
In summary, Sussex chickens are friendly, versatile, and easy-to-care-for, with both the body and the temperament of an ideal barnyard bird.
Benefits of Raising Sussex Chicken
Raising Sussex chickens comes with many advantages. They are excellent egg layers for a heritage breed (around 4–5 eggs per week), and the hens will continue producing for several years.
At the same time, their heavy, well-muscled bodies make them great for meat birds or roasters, providing more meat than medium-sized breeds. Many small farmers prize Sussex for this dual-purpose utility.
Sussex is also a beginner-friendly chicken breed. Their calm, curious nature means they tolerate handling well.
They are often recommended for families or 4-H projects because they are not aggressive and rarely pick fights with coop-mates.
The hens’ tendency to brood and raise chicks can be a benefit too: a broody Sussex hen will hatch eggs reliably and care for her chicks, allowing you to grow your flock naturally.
Hardiness is another benefit. Sussex hens continue laying into late fall if given daylight, and in winter, they keep their condition without special shelter.
In terms of temperament, Sussex are affectionate and social; many owners report their Sussex will come running when called for treats, or follow them around the yard.
Finally, as a somewhat rare heritage breed, keeping Sussex helps preserve the genetic diversity of domestic chickens.
All together, Sussex chickens offer good egg production, tasty meat, and a gentle nature, making them a very appealing breed for backyard or homestead flocks.
Problems in Raising this Breed
Every breed comes with its own downfalls, and Sussex is no exception. Being heat sensitive is the biggest challenge: Sussex are not able to tolerate excessive heat.
Sussex has a good amount of feathering and moderate size, so, in extreme heat, they do experience stress.
During the hotter months, it is essential that you offer plenty of shade and water in hot climates. The Sussex is otherwise a generally healthy bird; the Sussex does not have any known breed-related diseases.
Still, you should watch for some of the common problems that all poultry flocks may encounter: parasites (lice, mites, worms) can affect any flock of birds, including Sussex.
Sussex, like any other bird, will appreciate consistent sanitation of their coop and clean dusting areas where they will take dust baths.
Another probable challenge is obesity. Sussex enjoy eating, and they are always capable of gaining weight quickly if offered high-protein diets or scraps of food.
After all, excess fat can reduce egg production. Once they reach their peak production, layers should not be overfed.
In addition, Sussex can also be broody at times, so egg production will also take a break when a hen sets on her eggs.
This is not exactly a “trouble,” but first-timers need to be aware that broodiness means fewer eggs for that time of year.
Finally, it needs to be noted that since Sussex are friendly and inquisitive, the risk of predation also needs to be taken into account.
Because the Sussex hens may decide to take a stroll towards an open gate, it is very important to have a secure fence and a predator-proof coop.
All in all, however, if Sussex are given sufficient shade and ventilation, have their health checked regularly to check for pests, and are provided with safe surroundings, they will thrive.
Care Tips for Sussex Chicken
You can follow these basic tips to take care of your Sussex chickens:
Coop & Run:
Give them a well-built coop with inside space of 4–5 sq ft per bird and a covered run. Sussex are fine in confinement, but do so much better with free-ranging, if possible, on a daily basis.
Be sure to add some roosts at 2–3 ft off the ground. Be sure to include ventilation (to keep ventilated in winter from moisture), and add on ventilation covers (to help keep rain out in colder weather).
During summertime, have some shady areas or have fans, because Sussex is prone to overheating.
Predator Protection:
Keep them secure with quality sturdy fencing (hardware cloth, electric net fencing, etc.) to keep out foxes, raccoons, hawks, and neighborhood dogs.
Sussex hens can often be easy targets when they pleasantly wander away from a threat.
Lock them up safely at night always! You can also have motion-activated lights or have a protected fenced run to deter nighttime predators.
Nesting & Perches:
Make sure to include nesting boxes (1 box for 3–4 hens) filled with straw or shavings. Sussex hens will eventually appreciate a cozy box to lay in and brood.
Diet:
Offer a balanced layer or all-flock ration. Sussex are fine on standard poultry feed with 16-18% protein (for layers). They should always have access to clean water.
Provide grit and calcium (oyster shell) free-choice to keep their eggshell strong. If you see that the hens are getting too heavy, you can reduce feeding slightly or offer higher-fiber greens.
Sussex will enjoy small amounts of scratch grains in fall and spring as well. Provide grit for any foraging when they are outside.
Health:
Routinely check your Sussex. Check under the wings and around the vent for lice or mites. Be diligent to change bedding often, and provide access to a place to dust-bathe (sand or wood ashes).
Sussex will take care of dust bathing for themselves to control parasites. Keep feed and water sources clean to reduce diseases.
Vaccination or worm treatment only as needed; these are hardy birds, and a clean environment will keep them well.
Dealing with Broodiness:
If you want new chicks, let your broody hens nest with eggs. If you’d like to have the hens lay eggs, make sure to remove the eggs every day and provide the hen with more attention and exercise until the broodiness is over.
Sussex hens tend to go broody infrequently, so you will typically still have a lot of eggs from that flock.
Socialization:
Sussex are social birds and love people. Spend time nearby, talk to them, and even hand-feed your treats. They will quickly associate you as a source of goodies, and they will relax around caring owners.
If they are handled often and in a friendly way from a young age, your Sussex should be very tame and easy to handle.
FAQs
Q: Are Sussex chickens good for laying eggs?
A: Yes. Considering that Sussex hens belong to a dual-purpose breed, they are good layers, averaging around 200 eggs each year. Some of the top layers can produce 240-250 eggs in a year. Sussex chickens lay large eggs that are light brown.
Q: What color are the eggs Sussex chickens lay?
A: Sussex lay small brown eggs that are lightly tinted or sometimes cream-colored. The actual shade varies by strain, but it is generally light to medium brown.
Q: At what age do Sussex hens start laying?
A: Sussex hens will typically begin laying around 5 to 6 months of age. They are heavier breeds compared to lightweight layer breeds and have similar maturity rates to most heavy breeds. At around 24 weeks, you should start to see the first eggs.
Q: How long do Sussex chickens live?
A: Sussex chickens have a long lifespan- often 6-8 years with proper care. Some Sussex have even lived longer (8-10 years), and egg production generally reduces after you get 4-5 years.
Q: Are Sussex chickens friendly?
A: Yes – Sussex chickens are largely docile and curious. They are also good with children, enjoy interacting with people, and are easy to handle. The roosters are not generally aggressive, but they protect their flock and can be very mild-mannered.
Q: Do Sussex hens go broody?
A: Many Sussex hens go broody from time to time, and when they do, they are good mothers, hatching and rearing their chicks. If you don’t plan to have chicks, you can simply take away eggs from the nest, or if you plan to grow your flock, broody hens are a handy characteristic.
Q: What color varieties of Sussex are common?
A: The major color varieties are Light (white with black neck), Speckled (mahogany with white flecking), Red (solid dark red), Buff (golden-buff with black tail), Silver (gray-black and white), White, Brown, and Coronation (lavender-gray). The APA recognizes Light, Red, and Speckled only, but the British standard includes all eight listed above.
Q: Are Sussex chickens cold-hardy?
A: Yes, Sussex are very cold-hardy chickens. They are well-suited for a winter climate, with their upright combs and thick feathers, and they generally tolerate cold weather even better than heat. If the weather is cold but sheltered, they can continue laying in cold climates, but in the summer, you must tend to them to keep them cool.
Q: What is the main use of Sussex chickens?
A: Sussex chickens are dual-purpose birds. People get Sussex chickens for eggs (they are a consistent layer of large brown eggs) and for meat (Sussex chickens are big and meaty). Given their looks and a gentle disposition, Sussex chickens also make great show birds or pets.
Q: Can I buy Sussex hatching eggs or chicks?
A: Yes! Sussex chickens are available from specialty hatcheries and breeders. You can buy day-old Sussex chicks (hatched just a day prior) or fertilized hatching eggs from hatcheries or farm co-ops that carry Sussex chickens. (Try an online search for “Sussex chicken hatchery” or local poultry breeders.) Sussex chickens are a heritage breed and will not be available in every feed store, but they are not rare — you just have to look for breed-specific sources.
Summary
Sussex chickens are highly adaptable, friendly, dual-purpose birds that work great in the backyard flock.
Their body type (especially the Speckled and Light Sussex) is very traditional barnyard, and they have an excellent temperament, being calm and inquisitive.
Hens will give you about 200 large, brown eggs per annum, and they also grow over time, so you’ll have good quality meat! Cold-hardy and easy to keep, but they need some shade in the summer.
They are considered one of the best all-around heritage types, particularly being gentle, likely to go broody, and can adapt to free ranging!
If you follow some basic tips for care (a secure coop, a good diet, and parasite control), you will find Sussex chickens to be reliable, productive, and fun to raise!
Is Sussex Breed available in India..
You can check your nearest hatcheries.
Greetings for the day .
Dear Sir / Madam,
We would like to have the addresses & contact nos of the hatcheris of Dussex chickens breed …
Thanks & regards
Hi, Benny Louis, I dont know where you live.
So, kindly talk with your nearest hatchries they will tell you about this.
I need white and buy.
Need chicken
Hi, Ask your nearest hatcheries.
Is Sussex available in indaia plz reply
Hi Sagar, thanks for writing here. I dont know the answer of this question but you can search on website like Indiamart, where I can see few sellers are selling this breed. But I am not sure that it is a pure breed.
Can we raise them in Africa especially the south western part of Nigeria
Hi Martins,
This is a cold hardy chicken, and if i am not wrong western nigeria is a tropical area, with high temperature. You should breed chickens like aseel, naked neck chickens.
Seems like a good breed. Could you please kindly send me technical information brochure for the breeds please.
We would like to introduce in Pakistan.
Hi, Noor, thanks for writing here.
We have included most of the important information in this post. What type of technical broucher do you need.