Chicken Breed Focus - Jersey Giant

[Wynette]

I've been breeding exhibition quality Jersey Giants for several years now, and I absolutely LOVE them! I breed to the APA's Standard of Perfection, and have shown them with consistent success. It took me several years to find a line that I really liked, and once I found them, I knew immediately they would be long-term members of our farm. I love they laid-back temperament, and if you love a deep crow - you'll LOVE Giants! It's a beautiful sound. They are a regal bird, with much presence about them. I find them to be intelligent and curious, as far as chickens go. I've never had a mean cock bird, they are good layers of XL - Jumbo sized eggs, and oh-so-beautiful...what's not to love about them?





These following pictures are from Diana, former BYC moderator (silkiechicken). She's had my Giants on her farm for several years now and loves them as much as I do. In the first pic below, you can see a White Leghorn to the left...see how much larger the Giant pullet next to her is?






Just look at this big boy below! Fabulous cock bird - Diana did a fantastic job raising them up!

 

[GitaBooks]

WOW! That last picture is of one huge rooster!

 

[Naliez]

I've been breeding exhibition quality Jersey Giants for several years now, and I absolutely LOVE them! I breed to the APA's Standard of Perfection, and have shown them with consistent success. It took me several years to find a line that I really liked, and once I found them, I knew immediately they would be long-term members of our farm. I love they laid-back temperament, and if you love a deep crow - you'll LOVE Giants! It's a beautiful sound. They are a regal bird, with much presence about them. I find them to be intelligent and curious, as far as chickens go. I've never had a mean cock bird, they are good layers of XL - Jumbo sized eggs, and oh-so-beautiful...what's not to love about them? These following pictures are from Diana, former BYC moderator (silkiechicken). She's had my Giants on her farm for several years now and loves them as much as I do. In the first pic below, you can see a White Leghorn to the left...see how much larger the Giant pullet next to her is? Just look at this big boy below! Fabulous cock bird - Diana did a fantastic job raising them up!

THESE are the pictures I found on Google when looking up the breed that made me want Giants!

 

[Beer can]

One recommendation, for those considering the JG's is color. I have blacks and I do notice that in the heat of the day they do get stressed. They have a kiddie pool and they will stand in it for quite some time cooling off. Whites might be a better choice if you are in the South.

I chose white because everyone else seems to have the other colors and I'd like to help preserve the whites.

THESE are the pictures I found on Google when looking up the breed that made me want Giants!

Same here! The bottom pic of her holding that giant chicken in front of a door pops up every time I Google pics!

 

[adgcountrygirl]

I have 2 Jersey Giants hens. I have a number of other breeds including a few "mutts". The giants are not aggressive. My guess is that they don't have to be due to their size. They also do not pick on the smaller breeds. They seem to have the attitude "if you don't mess with me, I won't mess with you." They get along well with humans and even the cats.

 

[hyfi18]

Absolutely. I have a BJG that has done well with Red Sex Links, Barred Plymouth Rocks, Rhode Island Red and a Light Brown Leghorn....all get along well.

 

[TheSpiceGirls]

My JG is great around other birds. I currently have a flock of Buff Orpingtons and she love them. I've had Andalusian's in the past which were a third her size and no problem w/ them either.

Jersey's are pretty mellow and sweet birds. Mine is food obsessed and wants all the food when I put out treats. So I just put out treats in multiple locations. She can't be everywhere at once. It all works out.

 

[Bigwig]

How much do they lay each week?

 

[TheSpiceGirls]

How much do they lay each week?

My Jersey Giant will be 5 in October. She started out laying 5-6 eggs per week. Now she's 4-5 eggs per week. Which I'd say is pretty good for a middle aged gal.

 

[bruceha2000]

Is that year round (excluding moulting season)? If so and my "were supposed to be BA" JGs lay like yours Spice, that will be fine.

Still a lot of extra feed through the non forage months though. But if they are "paying" for it with eggs through the winter, I have no problem feeding "working girls".