The little hen Sebright - History and characteristics
The Sebright hen is a beautiful ornamental breed originally from the United Kingdom. It is one of the true breeds of bantan or dwarf chickens. This means it is not a miniaturized version of large birds, or there is no large version of the breed. It was developed by Sir John Saunders Sebright, 7th Baronet of Bedford, Worcestershire, in the early 1800's. It has the distinction of being the only breed of chicken named after an individual. John Sebright bred the Sebright chicken with the intention of developing a show bird with striking plumage. This is one of the oldest British breeds of chicken. The details of the exact birds used to create this breed are still unknown. But it is believed that the Nankin, Polish, Rosecomb chickens and the Hamburg chicken or Hamburguesa chicken played a very important role in its development. Today it is kept primarily as an ornamental breed. It was admitted to the American Bird Association Standard of Perfection in the year 1874. In gold and silver colors, with both varieties with each feather laced in black. Enthusiastic breeders have bred other varieties such as lemon and Buff… But they are not recognized in the standard.