Sussex
Gallus gallus domesticus
✨ Fun Fact
The Speckled Sussex was recorded at the 1845 London poultry show — Britain's very first organised poultry exhibition. Every large poultry show in the UK has featured Sussex chickens continuously since that date, making it the country's longest-shown breed.
One of England's oldest and most productive dual-purpose breeds, originating from the county of Sussex and documented at the first-ever poultry show in London in 1845. The Light Sussex — white body with black neck hackle and black tail — is the most iconic variety and was the backbone of the British commercial egg and poultry industry for over a century before modern hybrids replaced it. Sussex hens combine good egg production with a full table weight and a famously calm, curious temperament.
🏷️ Breed
Sussex
💭 Temperament
Calm, curious, friendly, easy to handle, good with children
📏 Size
Large (3.2-4.1 kg)
⏳ Lifespan
5-8 years
🎨 Colors
Light (most popular), speckled, red, buff, silver, white, coronation, brown
🌍 Origin
England — Sussex; documented from 1845, ancient county breed
🏠 Habitat
Free-range or enclosed run; highly adaptable and cold-hardy
🍽️ Diet
Layer pellets; excellent forager — one of the best dual-purpose foraging breeds
🎯 Purpose
Dual Purpose
🥚 Egg Colour
Tinted
👑 Comb Type
Single
🏅 EE Class
Large Fowl