Speckled Sussex poulet are realize popularity insmall backyardflocksacross America . These speckled beauties are perfect for multitude desiring acold - or heat - hardy chicken that surpass at egg lay . With these traits , it ’s easy to see why the speckledSussexis gaining popularity .
But what else is making the speckled Sussex multiply a pop choice for backyard mint ?
History
engender in the mid-1800s in Sussex , England , the stock was ab initio train as a meat bird . Before Cornish Rocks gained popularity , Sussex was the primary substance bird of England .
Even though the Sussex ’s original aim was to be a meat bird , they are not prone to the wellness issues often pass off with Cornish Rocks .
Color
The Sussex come in in a motley of colour : speckle , crimson , clear , Columbian buff and ashen . The striking bespeckle — a burnt sienna color with each feather ending in a black taproom and lily-white speckle — is the most popular color in the U.S. With each egest molting , the speckles become more legion .
Meat & Egg Production
Sussex chickens make an splendid option for the tabular array . They are know to have incredibly tender meat , specially when butchered at a vernal long time . Each chicken should average out a dressed weight of 6 to 7 punt . However , speckled Sussex are slower to ripen than Cornish Rock crosses ( averaging 20 weeks to accomplish butchering age ) .
This trait place them at a disadvantage to quicker - uprise breeds , who reach butcher age in 9 weeks .
Speckled Sussex are first-class egg producers who will repose eggs without go down for several years . Each hen average four to five light brownish eggs per calendar week for the first four to five years of her life .
Personality
If you are wait for a pet chicken , you do n’t have to look any further than the speckled Sussex . These hens crave human fundamental interaction and will do anything to get attention . Sussex are loquacious , curious , friendly , level-headed and gumptious .
They have intercourse being the center of attention . They also eff to be take hold and will carry on enliven conversations with their owners .
hen of this breed are very energetic and benefit from directly oversee free - wander . Even so , they still tolerate labor well if allow to extend their legs . If bored , they often will find ways to think about themselves . Sussex can bully other flock members when bore , so provide lots of mental stimulation .
Providing Entertainment
The Border Collies of the wimp existence , Sussex are intelligent and energetic hens who require forcible and mental stimulation . Providing your hens with play action will keep these chickens healthy and well-chosen .
If you have a world-weary Sussex , render one of the mind below .
Putting clean straw in your cage or run will furnish chickens with dateless entertainment . Even when your other strain have tired of the biz , your Sussex will continue to chafe mirthfully through the pale yellow .
Because if there is anything a Sussex likes to do , it ’s chicken feed .
Speckled Sussex chickens like to know what is happening in the world around them . Having perches and swings for them to sit on and watch the earthly concern go by is another agency to enrich their life history .
Speckled Sussex are intelligent chickens and can learn control and tricks . you may learn your hen or rooster to add up when anticipate , follow you around , and hop up on your circuit . Some Sussex will even saunter around their yard with their favorite human .
Health Concerns & Lifespan
Speckled Sussex are very sizable and hardy chickens so long as they maintain a healthy weight . They are , however , prone to overeating and corpulency .
To help prevent fleshiness in your chicken , feed them a proper diet and allow flock of exercise . Feed Sussex twice daily versus inexhaustible free pick feeding . This drill will keep your girls from doing unnecessary “ snack ” ( yes , chickens do nosh ) . leave feed to chicks , growing frier and cockerels at all times .
When allow to become weighty , Sussex hen are more prostrate tooviduct prolapseand eggs bind .
Speckled Sussex lives an norm of six to eight long time , cater you with lots of fresh eggs , love and amusement . So , what are you waiting for ? Give these well-disposed , energetic chickens a try . You ’ll be so glad you did .
