Cons: Take a long time to grow to full size and begin laying
I received our chicks from Garfield Farm Museum, LaFox, IL.
Every spring, the museum has a Rare Breed Show and Sale where all sorts of rare breeds are shown, some bring rabbits, goats, ducks, chickens to sell - others are there to show a rare breed, cows, horses, sheep - there is something there for everyone! This is a great family event with the museum showcasing several activities for families to participate in.
I specifically chose this breed to purchase and to establish a breeding flock. Our black Java's are thriving - despite the winter weather, I'm averaging 16 eggs a week from 5 hens. Our rooster, "Roaster" is noisy - protective of his girls, his turf - from everything from the barnyard squirrels to the wind! Their run overlooks the driveway, so we say we have an 'alarm rooster', as he crows his head off when someone comes down the drive!
These are LARGE birds. Took a long time to grow to full size (well over 24wks). They started laying about 27weeks. I'm not sure exactly when the rooster got to be full size - I'd like to say it was AFTER the hens started laying.
But they've not stopped laying! No supplemental light. Hardy. Fully feathered to protect against wind and cold. Heat did not stop them in the summertime. Being black feathered, I was concerned about heatstroke - they did great! Also, being black feathered, they are able to hide from our local hawk population better than the white Java.
