Brahma photo: Timo Kösters (Public domain) · Sussex photo: CaptainVindaloo (Public domain) · via Wikimedia Commons
Brahma vs Sussex
Two backyard favorites, side by side — egg production, temperament, size, and hardiness, straight from our breed data. Here's how to choose.
The quick verdict
The Sussex is the stronger layer — about 200–250 eggs a year against the Brahma's 130–200.
The Brahma lays brown eggs; the Sussex lays light brown.
The Brahma is the bigger bird at 9–10 lbs — more presence and more meat, but more feed and coop space than the Sussex.
Choose the Sussex if you want…
- More eggs — up to 250 a year
- Compact — less space and feed
Side by side
| Trait | Brahma | Sussex |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Dual purpose |
| Eggs per year | 130–200 | ✓200–250 |
| Egg color | Brown | Light brown |
| Egg size | Medium | Large |
| Hen weight | 9–10 lbs | 6–7 lbs |
| Temperament | Gentle and docile | Curious and gentle |
| Cold hardy | Yes | Yes |
| Heat tolerant | No | No |
| Broodiness | Sometimes broody | Sometimes broody |
| Beginner friendly | Yes | Yes |
Egg counts are healthy-hen peaks; real numbers dip in winter, during molt, and as a hen ages. Size a coop for either bird with our coop size calculator.
More head-to-heads
Brahma or Sussex — track whichever you pick
Give every bird a profile in PoultryPal, log their eggs and weight, and let the app show you which hen is really your best layer. Free on iOS and Android.
