Originating in Sussex county, England, the first showing of the Light Sussex is said to have taken place in the mid 1800s and the breed was standardized in 1902. Before more hybrid strains were developed around the second World War, both the Sussex and the Rhode Island Red were the two main meat birds in the United Kingdom.
The Light Sussex (“Light” being the colour name for this strain of the Sussex breed) was bred to be a “dual purpose” breed, producing a steady number of large eggs and a good amount of meat, to cope with public demand. In the 1940s, though, it was replaced by specially bred broiler chickens, which reach slaughter weights in 6 weeks instead of 16 weeks. Notwithstanding the benefits of the Broiler, the Light Sussex remains one of the best heritage breeds for both eggs and meat for the self-sufficient homestead but matures too slowly to be regarded as a good commercial chicken.
Light Sussex will start laying at approximately 5 months and will give about 250 – 280 large light-brown eggs per year. They have a graceful, stately appearance and will adapt well to most environments. They have white skin and legs, with a rectangular build and a singe comb. Earlobes, comb and wattles should be red.
Light Sussex are alert and calm as well as easily tamed. Generally a confident breed, comfortable with being handled. They breed better in larger spaces and will do well either free ranging or confined. They are quite vigorous in their foraging as well as hardy. Not known as a noisy bird, so a good choice if you have neighbours close by.
Livingseeds Hatchery currently supplies the Light Sussex.