History of the Sebright
Sebrights were developed around 1800 by Sir John Sebright, who aimed to create a laced bantam. It is thought he bred the Poland, Nankin, and Hamburgh breeds with Rosecomb bantam stock, but the true process is a mystery. This is one of a very few hen-feathered breeds, meaning the male lacks the usual long, curved sickle feathers at the tail, and appear more hen-like. However, it is thought that this feature contributes to low fertility in the breed. The Sebright began its existence with combs, wattles and earlobes that were deep purple in colour, but over time this has changed to a more common redder shade known as mulberry.
Features of the Breed
Their jaunty nature and crisply laced feathers makes Sebrights a favourite among hobby keepers. They are compact birds that carry their wings low and angled vertically toward the ground. They carry their breast forward prominently, and their tail high and spread out. Cocks sport a rose comb. Two colours of plumage are recognised: Gold Sebrights have an even bay-coloured background rimmed with sharp black lacing present on all feathers, while Silver Sebrights have black lacing on a white background. Legs and feet should be slate grey, while beaks are horn-coloured. Hens are not prolific layers, and rarely go broody, but eggs are small and light in colour. Sebright chicks are delicate, and the breed is prone to Marek's disease. Cocks weigh 620g (22oz) while hens weigh only 510g (18oz).
Non-standard Colours
Although Sebrights were originally created in gold and silver, other colour varieties have more recently been developed. These include Chamois, known as Buff in the US, in which the feathers are laced with white on a buff background. Citron Sebrights have black lacing on a pale gold background. Although these and other new varieties are recognised in some countries, they are not yet considered standard colours in the UK.
There have also been solid colour varieties developed; however, since they lack lacing, these were not accepted as Sebrights. They have become a breed in their own right, known as the Eikenburger. They are found in white, black, buff and blue.
There have also been solid colour varieties developed; however, since they lack lacing, these were not accepted as Sebrights. They have become a breed in their own right, known as the Eikenburger. They are found in white, black, buff and blue.
Our Silver Sebrights
After 2 years of infertility from our original cock, we have brought in a new 2013 cockerel from an English breeder.
With 2010 Sally and her daughter Sindy from 2011, we have high hopes for this little group, and look forward to a few silver chicks once again.
We are pleased to announce that we brought home a first and a second in the true bantam class at the 2011 Cork Summer Show.
With 2010 Sally and her daughter Sindy from 2011, we have high hopes for this little group, and look forward to a few silver chicks once again.
We are pleased to announce that we brought home a first and a second in the true bantam class at the 2011 Cork Summer Show.
Our Gold Sebrights
Our Gold Sebrights, hatched in 2011, are Guthro, Ginger and Gypsy.
These birds have proved excellent fertility, and in 2014 a hen from 2012 and 2013 will join the group.
These birds have earned several rosettes in the 2012 Iverk show, and the 2013 Young Bird Show.
These birds have proved excellent fertility, and in 2014 a hen from 2012 and 2013 will join the group.
These birds have earned several rosettes in the 2012 Iverk show, and the 2013 Young Bird Show.
Our Buff Sebrights
The Buff Sebrights we started with were well travelled birds: Originating from US hatching eggs, they were imported to Ireland from the UK.
With time and careful selection, we hope to perfect the lacing in our Buff Sebrights, improve their shape, and breed them down to standard size. Crossing with our lovely gold sebrights has greatly improved the shape and size.
With time and careful selection, we hope to perfect the lacing in our Buff Sebrights, improve their shape, and breed them down to standard size. Crossing with our lovely gold sebrights has greatly improved the shape and size.