Sussex Bantam

The Sussex Bantam is defined by its rectangular body shape, which should be long, deep, and broad. Unlike many other breeds, the back is almost perfectly flat and horizontal from the base of the neck to the tail. The rooster typically weighs around 2.6-2.9 lbs (1200-1300g), while the hen is slightly smaller at 2.2-2.4 lbs (1000-1100g).

• Comb: A single, medium-sized comb with five distinct points.
• Legs: Clean (no feathers) and white or flesh-colored.
• Eyes: Orangered to red.
• Carriage: The breast is broad and deep, but should not be overly rounded or 'ball-shaped' like an Australorp, to preserve the rectangular frame.

Despite their small size, Sussex Bantams are considered exceptional layers. They are known for their reliability and will often continue laying through the colder months when other breeds stop. A healthy hen can produce approximately 180-200 eggs per year.

• Egg Color: Cream to light brown/tinted.
• Egg Weight: Roughly 1.2 oz (35g).
• Broodiness: They are known to be protective mothers and frequently go broody, making them excellent choices for natural incubation.

The Sussex Bantam is a very hardy breed, capable of withstanding various weather conditions. Their dense, tight feathering provides excellent insulation against the cold. They are well-suited for northern climates in the US.

However, like most breeds with single combs, the roosters may require protection from frostbite during extreme winter nights. They are active foragers and enjoy being outdoors even in damp conditions, though they should always have a dry coop available.

While both sexes share the rectangular silhouette, there are distinct visual differences beyond the standard secondary sex characteristics:

• The Hen: Appears even more stretched and rectangular than the rooster. She possesses a well-developed 'egg belly' (legbuik) and carries her tail slightly more closed and horizontal.
• The Rooster: Features a more prominent, upright tail carried at a blunt angle to the back. His neck and saddle hackles are more overvloedig (abundant), flowing over the shoulders and back.
• Comb: The rooster's comb is larger and thicker at the base, while the hen's comb is small and strictly upright.

The Sussex Bantam comes in several recognized and striking color patterns:

• Light (Columbia): The most iconic variety. Pure white body with a black-striped neck 'collar', black wing tips, and a black tail with white edging.
• Speckled: A rich chestnut-brown ground color where each feather ends in a black chevron tipped with a white 'pearl'.
• Silver: Features a black body with silver-white lacing on the breast and a silver-white head and neck.
• Coronation: Similar to the Light variety, but with lavender/blue markings instead of black.