Giant jersey chicken

[dfales77]

I have 9 black sexlink hens. I was thinking of getting two giant jerseys. Is this safe to do given the extreme size difference between the two?

 

[ChickenGuy512]

It should be fine,the size of the rooster doesn't determine egg size in the hen (unlike cattle, where having a low birth weight bull is ideal for cows). Because the egg is essentially and external uterus, it should be fine.

The only issue that may arise is having two roos on 9 hens. You could get the same job done with one roo on those hens. Having 2 roosters will likely make your hens loose their saddle feathers because of the mating frequency of having that ratio 2:9.

Just out of curiosity, which color Jersey Giant are you planning on? What black selling cross do your hens come out of?

-Caleb

 

[dfales77]

Sorry maybe I wasn't clear, we want to add 2--3 jersey giant hens, trying to keep out the roosters. My wife just loves the breed and thought it would be an interesting add to our flock

 

[ChickenGuy512]

Ohhhh I see. I would think that the pecking order would be reestablished when you integrate them, but other than that, once the pecking order is established, you should be okay. Jersey's tend to be pretty calm and docile, but will likely make the top of the pecking order because of the significant size difference. Many people say not to mix such dramatic size difference in one flock, but if your wife love the giants, you might as well give it a shot.