Light Sussex Chickens
A classic dual-purpose breed for both backyard flocks and poultry exhibitions that is reliable, beautiful, and full of personality. The Light Sussex chicken is, we think, one of the best backyard chicken breeds in Australia.
This heritage breed is a long-time favourite among chicken keepers for its excellent egg-laying ability, calm temperament, and striking black-and-white plumage. Whether you're after a productive layer, a family-friendly backyard pet, or a show-stopper for exhibition, the Light Sussex is a true all-rounder.
| Breed Name: | Light Sussex |
|---|---|
| Type: | Dual-purpose (eggs & meat) |
| Origin: | United Kingdom (heritage breed) |
| Temperament: | Docile, friendly, easy to tame |
| Egg Production: | 200-250 eggs per year |
| Egg Colour: | Pale Brown |
| Hardiness: | Excellent - thrives in most climates |
| Broodiness: | Occasionally broody |
| Best For: | Backyard flocks, beginners, exhibitiors |
Light Sussex Hens & Pullets
Light Sussex hens are some of the most dependable layers you’ll find. Calm and curious by nature, they’re ideal for backyard flocks, especially if you’re looking for a breed that gets along well with children or other animals.
They lay around 200 to 250 pale brown, medium sized eggs per year, with a consistent output and a long productive lifespan.
Our females are very placid birds and usually grow up to 4kgs in weight, sometimes slightly more. All Light Sussex pullets (young hens not yet laying) are raised on our own quality feed and receive plenty of space and sunlight, making them strong, healthy, and well-socialised before they join your coop.
Whether you’re starting a new flock or adding to an existing one, Light Sussex hens bring both productivity and personality.
Light Sussex Cockerels & Cock Birds
Our Light Sussex roosters are bred with temperament and appearance in mind. They boast the same classic white plumage with bold black markings around the neck and tail, and carry themselves with a proud, upright stance.
Exhibition-quality males are selected for strong type and excellent feathering, ideal for show or stud purposes.
Our Sussex males are around 5kg in weight and in some cases come closer to the 6kg mark when fully matured. The males can be quite aggressive, particularly when breeding season comes along and they’re penned up with the girls but generally they are known for being gentler than many other rooster breeds.
Why Choose Light Sussex Chickens?
Looking for dual-purpose chickens that can handle Australian conditions? The Light Sussex ticks all the boxes. These birds are:
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Excellent Egg Layers
Laying 200 to 250 pale brown eggs per year
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Cold and Heat Hardy
Making them great for Aussie backyards
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Family-Friendly
They are calm, docile and easy to handle
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Low Maintenance
Making them ideal for beginners and hobby farmers
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Striking in Appearance
With classic white feathers with black neck and tail markings
Breeding: Show Quality and Backyard Quality Sussex Chickens
At The Poodle and The Hen, we breed both exhibition quality Light Sussex chickens and backyard quality Sussex to suit every type of chicken keeper.
No matter your goal, you’ll find a Sussex that suits you.
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Exhibition Quality Sussex
Our show lines are bred to meet the Australian Poultry Standards, with strong conformation, correct colouring, and calm temperaments. These birds are perfect for poultry shows, serious breeders, or anyone chasing those blue ribbons.
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Backyard Quality Sussex
Just want great layers for your flock? Our backyard Sussex are still beautiful and healthy, but may show minor variation from show standards - perfect for hobby farms, families, and beginner chicken keepers.
Buy Light Sussex Chickens in Australia
We sell Light Sussex chicks, juveniles, hens, and roosters throughout the year. All of our birds are raised with care, and we’re proud to support both beginners and experienced poultry enthusiasts across the country.
Availability varies with the seasons and our breeding schedule, so join our poultry waitlist to be the first in line or subscribe to our mailing list for updates.
Looking for something specific? We’re always happy to talk chooks. Contact us to chat about what you're after.