Sebright chicken is a beautiful ornamental breed originating in the United Kingdom. It is one of the true bantam chicken breeds. That means it is not a miniaturized version of large birds, or there is no standard or large version of the breed.
It was developed by Sir John Saunders Sebright early in the 1800s. And it has the distinction of being the only breed of chicken named for an individual.
Sir John Saunders Sebright created the Sebright chicken breed having the intent of developing an exhibition bird with striking plumage. The breed is one of the oldest British true bantam chicken breed. The details of the exact birds used for creating this breed are still unknown.
But Hamburg, Nankin, Polish and Rosecomb chickens are thought to play very important part in the development of the Sebright chicken breed. Today the breed is kept mainly as an ornamental breed. It was admitted into the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection in the year of 1874.
According to the American Bantam Association, currently it is one of the ten most popular bantam chicken breeds. Now the Sebright chicken breed is listed in the Watch category of the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy’s Conservation Priority List.
Sebright Chicken Characteristics
Sebright chicken is very popular among the poultry enthusiasts for their sweet nature and beautiful plumage. It has the unique distinction of being the only chicken that is hen-feathered. This means that the male, unlike other chickens have no pointed or distinctive feathers in the hackle, saddle or tail.
There are two color varieties of this chicken breed; Golden and Silver. The Silver Sebrights are silver-white and the Goldens are golden bay with both varieties having each feather laced in black.
Sebright bantams have a distinct breast and a short back. Their tail is widely spread and held at a slightly upward angle. Their wings are large and downward sloping. They have red rose comb and end in a straight, horizontal spike. The hens have a similar but smaller comb.
Their earlobes are either purplish-red or turquoise. Their legs are of slate-blue color. Their wattles are bright red in color and rounded and are smaller in the hens. The face is purplish-red in roosters and gypsy-colored in the hens. Sebright roosters weight about 0.62 kg and hens about 0.57 kg. Photo from Wikipedia.
Behavior/Temperament
Sebright chicken is friendly, active and social bird. Roosters are not aggressive. But like most other small chicken breeds, Sebright chickens are somewhat skittish birds. They have good flying ability mainly for their small size and relatively large wings. They are great foragers.
But due their flying ability, most of the people prefer keeping them in confinement rather than allowing them to free range. If there are trees around them they do like to roost in the trees. They do well in confinement.
Sebright chicken is neither an outstanding meat bird, nor prolific eggs layer. They are suitable mainly for ornamental purpose. Hens rarely go broody and chicks usually have high mortality rates.
Adult Sebright chickens are generally hardy and active birds, but are especially susceptible to Marek’s disease. It is very easy to tame the breed and also good as pets. Review full breed profile of Sebright chicken below.
| Breed Name | Sebright |
| Other Name | None |
| Breed Purpose | Ornamental |
| Breed Temperament | Friendly, Easily Handled, Shy, Flighty, Bears Confinement Well |
| Breed Size | Bantam |
| Broodiness | Seldom |
| Comb | Rose |
| Climate Tolerance | All Climates |
| Egg Color | White |
| Egg Size | Small |
| Egg Productivity | Low |
| Feathered Legs | No |
| Rarity | Common |
| Varieties | Golden Laced and Silver Laced are recognized by the American Poultry Association. Buff Laced version is also available. |
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom |
Sebright Chicken Facts
These chickens are well-known for their unique and striking appearance, making them a popular choice among chicken enthusiasts. In this article, we will explore the top 23 Sebright chicken facts.
- Sebright chickens are small and lightweight, with hens weighing about 1 pound and roosters weighing about 1.25 pounds. This makes them perfect for small gardens or backyard flocks.
- They are one of the oldest breeds of bantam chickens, having been developed in England in the early 1800s.
- These chickens are a true bantam breed, meaning that they do not have a larger counterpart. They are completely unique in their size and appearance.
- They have a unique laced feather pattern, which is created by black or dark feathers edged with white or silver.
- The Sebright chicken is the only breed of chicken to have a rose comb, which is a small, compact comb that sits flat on the head.
- These chickens are known for their friendly and docile nature, making them great pets for families with children.
- They are also known for their high-pitched crow, which is much quieter than other roosters.
- They are not great layers, with hens typically laying only 2-3 small white eggs per week.
- These chickens are not good meat birds, as they have very little meat on their small frames.
- Sebright chickens are relatively hardy birds, able to tolerate cold temperatures well as long as they are protected from drafts.
- These chickens are not as good at foraging as other breeds, as their small size makes them more vulnerable to predators.
- They are known for their excellent showmanship, with their unique appearance and lively personalities making them a popular choice for poultry shows.
- These chickens come in two color varieties: golden and silver. The golden Sebright has rich golden-brown feathers with black lacing, while the silver Sebright has a beautiful silvery-white color with black lacing.
- They have feathered legs, which means that their shanks and feet are covered in feathers, giving them a unique and striking appearance.
- They are not known for their broodiness, meaning that they are not likely to sit on their eggs and hatch them.
- These birds are a non-aggressive breed, which makes them a great choice for mixed flocks with other chicken breeds.
- They are not a good choice for free-ranging, as their small size makes them easy prey for predators like hawks and foxes.
- They are not as popular as some other bantam breeds, but they are highly prized among chicken enthusiasts for their unique appearance and gentle nature.
- Sebright chickens are an excellent choice for urban or suburban chicken keepers, as their small size and docile nature make them well-suited for smaller backyard flocks.
- These chickens are relatively low-maintenance birds, requiring only basic care like regular feed and water, and a clean and dry coop.
- They chickens have a unique personality, with their curious and playful nature making them a joy to watch and interact with.
- These chickens have a lifespan of about 5-7 years, although they can live longer with proper care.
- Sebrights are a great choice for beginner chicken keepers, as their small size and docile nature make them easy to care for and handle.
Tips for Raising Sebright Chicken
Raising these birds requires some specific care and attention. Now we are listing the best tips for raising Sebright chickens.
- Provide adequate space: Sebright chickens are small birds, but they still need adequate space to move around freely. Plan for at least 2-3 square feet of space per bird in the coop and 8-10 square feet of space per bird in the outdoor run.
- Choose the right coop: Sebright chickens are lightweight birds and are susceptible to predators. Choose a sturdy coop with secure locks, and make sure that it is elevated off the ground to protect against rats, mice, and other predators.
- Keep the coop clean: Sebright chickens are prone to respiratory problems, so it’s important to keep their coop clean and dry. Remove droppings regularly and replace the bedding every few weeks.
- Provide good ventilation: Sebright chickens need good ventilation in their coop to prevent respiratory problems. Install windows and vents to allow for proper air flow, but make sure to protect them with wire mesh to keep predators out.
- Provide good lighting: Sebright chickens need adequate lighting to lay eggs. Install a light in the coop to provide at least 14 hours of light per day during the winter months.
- Provide fresh water: Sebright chickens need access to clean, fresh water at all times. Make sure to clean their waterer regularly to prevent bacteria growth.
- Provide a balanced diet: Sebright chickens need a balanced diet that includes a combination of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Offer them a high-quality chicken feed and supplement their diet with fruits, vegetables, and mealworms.
- Limit treats: Sebright chickens have a tendency to gain weight easily, so it’s important to limit their intake of treats like bread and grains. Stick to healthy treats like fruits and vegetables in moderation.
- Provide grit: Sebright chickens need grit to help them digest their food. Offer them a mixture of fine and coarse grit in a separate container.
- Provide dust baths: Sebright chickens love to take dust baths to keep their feathers clean and healthy. Provide them with a shallow container filled with sand, dirt, and wood ash.
- Trim their nails: Sebright chickens have long nails that can curl and become painful. Trim their nails regularly to prevent discomfort.
- Check for parasites: Sebright chickens are prone to parasites like lice and mites. Check their feathers and skin regularly and treat them with appropriate medication if necessary.
- Provide perches: Sebright chickens need perches to roost on at night. Install perches at different heights and make sure they are wide enough to support their small feet.
- Monitor their behavior: Sebright chickens are social birds and should be kept in groups of at least two or three. Monitor their behavior to make sure they are getting along and not being bullied by other birds.
- Protect them from the weather: Sebright chickens are hardy birds but are susceptible to cold temperatures. Provide them with adequate shelter and protection from wind and drafts.
- Provide shade: Sebright chickens can also be sensitive to hot temperatures. Provide them with shade and access to fresh water to prevent heat stress.
- Quarantine new birds: If you introduce new Sebright chickens to your flock, quarantine them for at least two weeks to prevent the spread of diseases.
- Keep them safe from predators: Sebright chickens are small and vulnerable to predators like hawks and foxes. Install a secure fence around their outdoor run and cover it with wire mesh to prevent predators from getting in.
- Provide a hiding place: Sebright chickens are flight less birds and may need a place to hide if they feel threatened. Provide them with a hiding place in their coop or outdoor run, such as a small box or overturned bucket.
- Provide toys and entertainment: Sebright chickens are active and curious birds, and providing them with toys and entertainment can help keep them happy and healthy. Offer them a variety of toys and objects to peck at and explore.
- Train them to be handled: Sebright chickens are docile and friendly birds, and with proper training, they can become comfortable being handled. Start by offering them treats and gradually work up to holding them and picking them up.
- Attend to any health issues promptly: Sebright chickens can be prone to health issues like respiratory problems and egg-laying issues. Attend to any health issues promptly and consult with a veterinarian if necessary.
- Enjoy their unique personality: Sebright chickens are unique and fascinating birds with a curious and playful personality. Take the time to observe and enjoy their unique behaviors and quirks.
Related Queries & FAQs
There are lots of questions and queries related to Sebright chicken breed. Here we are trying to list the common questions and queries about this chicken breed and trying to answer them. Hope you will find answers of your questions or queries. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.
What is a Sebright chicken?
A Sebright chicken is a breed of bantam chickens that are named after their creator, Sir John Saunders Sebright. They are known for their unique laced feather pattern, which is created by black or dark feathers edged with white or silver.
How big do Sebright chickens get?
Sebright chickens are small and lightweight, with hens weighing about 1 pound and roosters weighing about 1.25 pounds.
What is the lifespan of Sebright chickens?
Sebright chickens have a lifespan of about 5-7 years, although they can live longer with proper care.
Are Sebright chickens good egg layers?
Sebright chickens are not great layers, with hens typically laying only 2-3 small white eggs per week.
Are Sebright chickens good meat birds?
Sebright chickens are not good meat birds, as they have very little meat on their small frames.
Are Sebright chickens friendly?
Yes, Sebright chickens are known for their friendly and docile nature, making them great pets for families with children.
What colors do Sebright chickens come in?
Sebright chickens come in two color varieties: golden and silver. The golden Sebright has rich golden-brown feathers with black lacing, while the silver Sebright has a beautiful silvery-white color with black lacing.
Do Sebright chickens need a lot of space?
Sebright chickens are small birds, but they still need adequate space to move around freely. Plan for at least 2-3 square feet of space per bird in the coop and 8-10 square feet of space per bird in the outdoor run.
What do Sebright chickens eat?
Sebright chickens need a balanced diet that includes a combination of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Offer them a high-quality chicken feed and supplement their diet with fruits, vegetables, and mealworms.
Are Sebright chickens good foragers?
Sebright chickens are not as good at foraging as other breeds, as their small size makes them more vulnerable to predators.
Are Sebright chickens noisy?
Sebright chickens are not known for being particularly noisy. Roosters may crow, but their crow is much quieter than other roosters.
Can Sebright chickens be kept in mixed flocks?
Yes, Sebright chickens are a non-aggressive breed, which makes them a great choice for mixed flocks with other chicken breeds.
Are Sebright chickens good in cold climates?
Sebright chickens are relatively hardy birds, able to tolerate cold temperatures well as long as they are protected from drafts.
Are Sebright chickens good in hot climates?
Sebright chickens can be sensitive to hot temperatures. Provide them with shade and access to fresh water to prevent heat stress.
Are Sebright chickens broody?
Sebright chickens are not known for their broodiness, meaning that they are not likely to sit on their eggs and hatch them.
How many Sebright chickens should be kept together?
Sebright chickens are social birds and should be kept in groups of at least two or three.
Do Sebright chickens need perches?
Yes, Sebright chickens need perches to roost on at night. Install perches at different heights and make sure they are wide enough to support their small feet.
How do you care for Sebright chickens in winter?
Provide Sebright chickens with adequate shelter and protection from wind and drafts. Install windows and vents to allow for proper air flow, but make sure to protect them with wire mesh to keep predators out. Provide them with access to clean water and a balanced diet to help them stay healthy.
Can Sebright chickens be kept in urban or suburban areas?
Yes, Sebright chickens are an excellent choice for urban or suburban chicken keepers, as their small size and docile nature make them well-suited for smaller backyard flocks.
Are Sebright chickens good show birds?
Yes, Sebright chickens are known for their excellent showmanship, with their unique appearance and lively personalities making them a popular choice for poultry shows.
What health problems are Sebright chickens prone to?
Sebright chickens can be prone to respiratory problems, as well as issues with egg laying. They are also susceptible to parasites like lice and mites.
Can Sebright chickens be trained to be handled?
Yes, Sebright chickens are docile and friendly birds, and with proper training, they can become comfortable being handled. Start by offering them treats and gradually work up to holding them and picking them up.
What is the best way to introduce new Sebright chickens to a flock?
If you introduce new Sebright chickens to your flock, quarantine them for at least two weeks to prevent the spread of diseases. Introduce them gradually and monitor their behavior to make sure they are getting along and not being bullied by other birds.
