SUSSEX

History: A very old English breed, the oldest variety being the speckled. Brahma, Cochin and silvery grey Dorking were used in the make up of the light variety. Old English Game has figured in the make up of some strains of browns. Buffs appeared about 1920 and whites a few years later. Silvers are the latest variety.

Characteristics: A graceful breed with a broad and flat back. The breast is broad and square, carried well forward. The wings are carried close to the body and the tail is medium, carried at a 45º angle to the body. The head is medium with a single upright comb and a smooth face. The legs are short and strong and free from feathers.

Colours: Brown, buff, light, red, speckled, silver, white.

At The Garden Hen we keep the buff variety which have a body of an even buff-gold colour. The head and neck hackles are buff, sharply striped with green-black. The wings are buff with black in the flights and the tail is a green-black.

Why do we keep Sussex at The Garden Hen? They have been very popular over many years