Evaluate my Jersey Giants

[AprilWC]

I'm beginning to sort my black Jersey Giants for prospective breeders. They are right at 7 months old, so I won't be making final decisions just yet. If you're familiar with the SOP, would you kindly give your opinion? I have a couple of favorites, but I've raised these guys from chicks so I'm afraid I might be flock blind.

 

[3KillerBs]

I am not familiar with the SOP for Jersey Giants, but I'm eager to learn about choosing good breeder birds.

I can't say how she compares to the standard, but the back pullet in this photo and the girl in the last photo (are they the same bird?), has a lovely, well-balanced look.

Something about the proportions is harmonious and easy on the eye.

For all the good that does.

 

[AprilWC]

Well I tried to get photos of my current top pick pullet. In my first post, she is the one featured in pic 2 and the back pullet in pic 3. We started in a small pen but she wouldn't settle in there.

3 months old

4 months old

Next three are 6 months old

And these are today, exactly 7 months old.

 

[Amer]

They all have very good width and depth and good heads. The only thing I would change is Giants need a “rather long” back. Yours have long backs but more moderately. The tails could also be longer and more well spread, but they are correctly angled at 30 degrees.
Also the white toenails, a one point defect.
Very nice birds.
I agree on your top pick. She has all the length and a better tail spread.
This one is too u shaped (high tail, short back) and I think she has white tipping or maybe that’s just the lighting.

 

[ColtHandorf]

With them maturing so late, I really think you need to wait until 9 months to a year to make any final decisions.

 

[AprilWC]

Yes, of course. As I said, they are only 7 months old so I won't be making any final decisions just yet. I won't be putting together any breeding pens until they are 12-14 months. That said, I was looking for input to make sure I was on the right track with my judgments of the birds.

 

[Amer]

Could you get some nice profile pictures so I know which ones’ which? I can’t tell how many birds you have.

 

[Amer]

Well I tried to get photos of my current top pick pullet. In my first post, she is the one featured in pic 2 and the back pullet in pic 3. We started in a small pen but she wouldn't settle in there.

View attachment 3366108
3 months old

View attachment 3366110
4 months old

Next three are 6 months old
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View attachment 3366114

View attachment 3366115

And these are today, exactly 7 months old.
View attachment 3366117

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She is gorgeous! Have you weighed your birds? (I don’t have my Standard right now but will get back to you when I do.)

 

[Amer]

Also, I see hair feathers! Last/first time I saw that was on an Orpington! The long silky hair things on the flanks? Don’t worry, not a defect.

 

[AprilWC]

Mine are very calm and docile birds. They'll walk right up to me. No worries about the cockerels either.