Sebright Hens

Sebright Hen

The Sebright hen is a charming, small breed that is as beautiful as it is unique. Known for their exquisite feather patterns and gentle demeanor, Sebrights are considered one of the oldest British bantam breeds. With their striking appearance and friendly nature, they make a wonderful addition to ornamental flocks and are prized by poultry enthusiasts and show breeders.

Appearance:

• Size: Small, bantam breed, with a sleek, compact body.
• Feathering: Exquisite laced feathers — each feather has a dark border around a lighter center, giving a lacy effect.
• Color Varieties: The most common are Golden and Silver Sebrights, both with beautiful lacing patterns.
• Comb: Single comb, small and upright, bright red.
• Legs/Feet: Clean, yellow legs with unfeathered feet.

Temperament:

• Docile and friendly — generally calm, but can be a bit more active than other bantams.
• Despite their smaller size, they are curious and enjoy exploring their environment.
• Known for their gentle nature, but they can be more independent compared to some other bantam breeds.

Egg Production:

• Low egg production – Sebrights are not primarily kept for egg-laying.
• They typically lay small white eggs and may produce around 100–150 eggs per year.
• More valued for ornamental purposes and showing than for egg production.

Purpose:

• Ornamental and exhibition – Sebrights are prized for their beauty and are often shown in poultry competitions.
• Great for small backyard flocks due to their petite size and calm temperament.
• Though they are capable layers, they are more commonly kept for their unique appearance.

Care Notes:

• Sebrights are cold-hardy but prefer sheltered areas during harsh weather conditions.
• Can be a bit delicate due to their small size, so they do best in safe environments where they won’t be bullied by larger breeds.
• Due to their delicate nature, they should be handled gently, particularly when young.