Info about Jersey Giants

[bigz1983]

Hey everyone do any of you guys on this forum own any Jersey giant
chickens?

I have been doing some research on the Jersey giant chicken and read that the breed can't fly. So could low fencing can contain them?

Are they large enough or tuff enough to take on or defend themselves against a hawk?

I was just wondering that if I built a well fenced(but open top)large chicken run/pen that could keep out dogs/coyotes if the Jersey giant could be safe with a open top run?

 

[A1Blues]

Hi in our experience with having Jersey Giants since 1977 .... while birds are young and growing they can fly over a 4-5 foot fence since full weight is not yet achieved. Young growing birds can be picked up by a hawk. At maturity the Jersey Giants seem very smart and will run and take shelter if a Hawk is present. They will make an alert sound when this occurs. Jersey Giants take 2-3 yrs to reach full maturity. Our hens at maturity up to 12 pounds with Cocks weighing up to 25 pounds. Hope this helps. Web www.mariasjerseygiants.com

 

[bigz1983]

Hi in our experience with having Jersey Giants since 1977 .... while birds are young and growing they can fly over a 4-5 foot fence since full weight is not yet achieved. Young growing birds can be picked up by a hawk. At maturity the Jersey Giants seem very smart and will run and take shelter if a Hawk is present. They will make an alert sound when this occurs. Jersey Giants take 2-3 yrs to reach full maturity. Our hens at maturity up to 12 pounds with Cocks weighing up to 25 pounds. Hope this helps. Web www.mariasjerseygiants.com

Thanks for the info that helps alot.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

I have a young BJG right now, and she's flying some. Seems to enjoy trying... And due to hawks, I'm planning on covering the top of my run with bird wire. I know that even as an adult, if a hawk struck, it may not be able to take off with her or my brahmas, but they wouldn't be any match for a hawk either...

 

[A1Blues]

Thanks for the info that helps alot.

You are welcome! Maria Hall

 

[bigz1983]

I have a young BJG right now, and she's flying some. Seems to enjoy trying... And due to hawks, I'm planning on covering the top of my run with bird wire. I know that even as an adult, if a hawk struck, it may not be able to take off with her or my brahmas, but they wouldn't be any match for a hawk either...

Oh ok. Those hawks are a pain. I'm trying to find a way to have a open top run without worrying about hawks getting my chickens.

I thought maybe if a jersey giant was big enough to defend itself against a hawk then I wouldn't need a top and plus the bonus that it couldn't fly out.

Must be the jersey giants sheer size isn't enough to deter a hawk?

 

[Frazzemrat1]

Not always, I've seen hawks go after rabbits bigger than they can carry away. They'll eat as much as they can at that moment and either leave it, or carry it away after they've fed. This is especially in the spring when they're feeding chicks.

As my neighbor's lost their entire flock to owls I'm being quite careful. But I think they had an open air run and coop... I'm not certain.

 

[A1Blues]

All young growing animals are more susceptible to predators . If young they are lighter weight and can be picked up easier. I have not seen a hawk pick up an adult before but I have seen the remains of body parts from a young bird hanging in a tree behind the chicken coop. So i would exercise caution.

 

[bigz1983]

Not always, I've seen hawks go after rabbits bigger than they can carry away. They'll eat as much as they can at that moment and either leave it, or carry it away after they've fed. This is especially in the spring when they're feeding chicks.

As my neighbor's lost their entire flock to owls I'm being quite careful. But I think they had an open air run and coop... I'm not certain.

Dang predators.. I guess there is no safe way to have a open top chicken run.