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Breeds of Livestock

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CATTLE GOATS HORSES POULTRY SHEEP SWINE OTHER
CATTLE GOATS HORSES POULTRY SHEEP SWINE OTHER
Department of Animal and Food SciencesOSU Extension
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A white Sussex rooster with black tail feathers.The Sussex originated in the county of Sussex, England where they were prized as a table fowl more than 100 years ago. They continue to be a popular fowl in Great Britain and the light variety has figured prominently in the development of many of their commercial strains. Sussex is one of the oldest breeds that is still with us today in fair numbers. The Sussex arrive in the United States around 1912 then a couple of years later the APA recognized the Sussex in 1914 and again in 1929 for the Speckled, Red, and Light varieties. The British recognize varieties different to the APA.

 

Characteristics

The Sussex are alert, attractive and good foragers. They have rectangular bodies; the speckled variety is especially attractive with its multi-colored plumage. The hens go broody and make good mothers. The Sussex are considered stout and easy to handle. They combine both exhibition and utility virtues but are more popular in Canada, England and other parts of the world than in the United States. The Sussex has close fitted feathers, single red comb, red wattles and red earlobes. The shanks are considered white.

 

Standard Weights

A red and white speckled Sussex hen.Cock: 9 lbs

Hen: 7 lbs

Cockerel: 7.5 lbs

Pullet: 6 lbs

 

Varieties

  • Speckled
  • Red
  • Light
  • Brown
  • Silver
  • Buff

 

Skin Color

White.

 

Egg Shell Color

Brown.

 

Use

A general purpose breed for producing meat and/or eggs. One of the best of the dual purpose chickens, a good all-around farm fowl.

 

 

References

Chicken Breeds and Varieties (A2880), John L. Skinner, University of Wisconsin-Madison

 

Ekarius, Carol. "Chickens: Sussex." Pocketful of Poultry: Chickens, Ducks, Geese, Turkeys. North Adams, MA: Storey Pub., 2007. 164-65. Print.

 

Lewis, Celia. "Breed Profiles: Sussex." The Illustrated Guide to Chickens: How to Choose Them, How to Keep Them. New York: Skyhorse Pub., 2011. 163-64. Print.

 

Roberts, Victoria. British Poultry Standards (6th Edition). Hoboken, NJ, USA: Wiley-Blackwell, 2009. ProQuest ebrary. Web. 8 July 2015.

 

"Sussex Chicken." The Livestock Conservancy. The Livestock Conservancy, n.d. Web. 08 July 2015.

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