Speckled Sussex birds originated in England about 43 AD, making them one of the oldest known breeds. They weigh seven to eight-pounds, and hens will lay 240 medium cream eggs a year, making them a high-quality dual-purpose breed. The oldest and most common coloring is the speckled breed with dark brown or mahogany colored feathers, and some black and blue feathers with white ends, making the speckles show throughout their plumage. The speckles can become more prominent as the bird molts each year. Chicks have brown on their backs with yellow bellies. Their backs and face have darker shades of stripes.