Are these pure JG's??

[TheSpiceGirls]

I didn't do my homework before I bought her. I went to get a Black Astralorp and they were out. The guy asked what I wanted and I said a fat, docile hen. And that's what I got.

I just have three in my small back yard so I'm not big time at all. I just want some fresh eggs and pest control. She's a tad big for my hen house and we really enjoy spending time w/ our girls and I'd love her a bit more if she liked to be held like the Buff Orpington. She hops up in my lap and whispers sweet nothings to me and is so affectionate.

And turn the Jersey Giant loose in the main garden, she can dig a hole the size of a bread box in about 2 minutes. It's hilarious to watch her. But annoying because I have to go replant all kinds of bulbs when she's finished.

 

[MommaOrp]

Our buff orp hen loves being stroked on the floor but not so keen on being held where as jersey likes being held, i love how they all have lovely little individual personalities. Don't you just hate those little diggers! i'm trying to dig a veg patch on our land but i can never get my shovel in the ground as the chickens are always there digging too, especially jersey!

 

[suzettex5]

I wouldnt worry about size just yet- Jerseys (real ones, anyways) take at least a full year to grow JUST their skeleton, then up to another 6 to 8 months to put on any real meat. They really are a slow growing bird! They will eat tons too! Give them LOTS of protein and the hens need calcium to help them make those big egg shells. Your hen looks good, just small, but I have pure breds, and there is some difference in some of their sizes which I contribute to simple individuality of the hens. Not every single one will get to gigantic sizes, but if you are looking for the size- you would get rid of the smaller hens, for obvious reasons of wanting the bigger ones, and for their own well being with Jersey roosters. Roos get much bigger and heavier with huge spurs, and while they are a generally kind, docile roo, their sheer size and weight can hurt a hen unintentionally. I have had to re-home all my standard size breeds and smaller Jerseys because they were getting their sides torn open by my big roos. Pay attention to your hen to rooster ratio too. Too many roos and not enough hens will end up causing the hens to get really beat up, especially if they are much smaller than the roo.

Looks like you got some decent stock and just need to be patient waiting for them to get bigger. It really does take awhile! My roos are about 20 months old now and are about 18 to 20 pounds each. But it took them that long to get that way. The hens never get as big though.


More pics please!!!

 

[TheSpiceGirls]

Close up of Coco.

 

[MommaOrp]

I just want to say thank you guys, this place is really informative, full of lovely people! i will just have to be patient and will take heed of your well experienced advice!

 

[MommaOrp]

btw i will get some more pics for you guys asap!