I hatched my Black Jersey Giant in December 2009. She was the only one to hatch out of a shipped clutch of 6 eggs, there was another that died in shell. She arrived right on time, did not need the extra two days which is typical for giant breeds.Before she hatched out she started cheeping in shell and I would answer back. We would have little conversations back and forth and perhaps that is why she is so bonded with me. She has a very loud egg song and growl even though JGs were supposed to be pretty quiet...not the case with her She lays large eggs about 4-5 times a week and I am more than happy with that. She is a very peaceful JG, in fact now she is the one that I protect from my BO and EE hens!
Even though she is a runty size for a JG hen (she weights about 7 #), my girl eats heartily and always loves to get as many treats as possible. That could be a con for keeping JGs, they LOVE to eat!!
I would recommend JGs as a starter bird for a first time chicken keeper. They are friendly, extra large, curious and are decent layers. If my Parsley is a "typical" JG hen, then I am very content/happy to concentrate on this one line for the rest of my chicken keeping days.
Even though she is a runty size for a JG hen (she weights about 7 #), my girl eats heartily and always loves to get as many treats as possible. That could be a con for keeping JGs, they LOVE to eat!!
I would recommend JGs as a starter bird for a first time chicken keeper. They are friendly, extra large, curious and are decent layers. If my Parsley is a "typical" JG hen, then I am very content/happy to concentrate on this one line for the rest of my chicken keeping days.