Jersey Giant colours

[FoxhallFarm]

Hi there. I'm really hoping someone out there can help me. Yesterday I went to a really great poultry sale where I fell hard for what I was told was a jersey giant cockeral, app 1 1/2 years old. Well the upshot was that while my back was turned, my lovely brother bought him for me. I was and still am thrilled as he really is a handsome fellow, but I'm slightly worried about some flecks of gold colouring in his hackles. Is this totally undesirable? everything else about this bird seems spot on... he has a magnificent well spiked comb, med sized wattles, nice rectangular shape, dark eyes and yellow on the underside of his feet. I have never had this breed before but would really like to breed from him if possible. He looks fully grown but his spurs are quite small so I believe he is the age I was told he is. Please help if you can, much appreciated, thanks.

 

[gumpsgirl]

Can you post some pics? That would really help people help you determine what is what with him. What color is he?

 

[DTchickens]

Quote:
If you mean gold as in brassy i don't think that it would be too horrible.. That shows up in a lot of breeds that are a black variety "i hear". But seeing that they are supposed to be black it'd be a defect, and if you were to breed him for showing the best bet would be to find a solid black female (with good type as well if possible) and breed to her.

Pictures would help to tell though.

 

[FoxhallFarm]

Thanks guys. I' mreally sorry I don't have pics yet but all I can say about him is that according to every referance pic I have looked at so far he looks to be a perfect specimen except for the gold in his hackles. The rest of him is jet black. I will try to have pics later.

 

[gumpsgirl]

Can't wait to see the pics!

 

[NYREDS]

As far as showing is concerned the gold in the hackle is a major problem. As a breeder it's a good thing. Many breeders of black varieties will periodically use a male like that the maintain good sheen on pullet feathers.

 

[FoxhallFarm]

Thanks Nyreds. you have put my mind at rest. Even though I never show any of my birds I still don't like to cross breed or breed poor examples of any breed. I'm glad to know that I will be able to breed off this rooster as soon as I find some suitable hens(not very common in this country) as he is just stunning in every other respect and his beetle sheen is something else!

 

[Sugar Sand Farm]

DH is just starting in Blue and Splash jersey giants. They are so beautiful. We only have 3 month olds but so far they look very good. He had to go back to the breeder for more as the first 12 he bought were pullets lol He sw a beautfiul Blue and Splash cockerel that he plans to go back and get. Have to build a coop for them first lol

 

[FoxhallFarm]

Yeah from what I have seen of Jersey Giants so far I think they might quickly become a favourite breed of mine (just don't tell my silkies!) , they are handsome in all the colours I've seen.