Jersey Giant lovers

[CrspyChkn]

I also don't know if I said it here, but some of mine started at around 4 months, others around 6, and the rest around 8 months due to molting when they were starting to show signs of lay.

 

[AGeese]

Mine are basically feathered hogs.

 

[AprilWC]

It must depend on bloodline. The breeder of these birds mentioned most of her's begin to lay at 7-8 months, although some start earlier. She also said that depending on time of year she has some wait until 10 months to lay!

It's blurry, but I caught this close up of the sheen on one of my girls yesterday. I sometimes get distracted from what I go outside to do just because I want to watch the birds.

And my cockerel is now 6 months old and looking really nice:

 

[CrspyChkn]

It snowed a few days to a week ago and I have not gotten an egg since.

 

[Tonyroo]

Doesn't the name Jersey giants imply there bigger sized chickens compared to all standards?

There needs to be a comparison size chart.

 

[CrspyChkn]

Yes, Jersey Giants are the largest breed of chicken. They are the second tallest. The hens grow to about 8-10 pounds on average while the roosters grow 10-13 pounds. When caponized they can grow to 20 pounds. Here is a Jersey Giant next to a Rhode Island Red:

and one next to a turkey:

The turkey picture is from BYC, and the Rhode Island Red picture I took from Pinterest. I believe it is originally from a poultry breeds book that I don't remember what it is called.

 

[CrspyChkn]

Hatchery birds tend to be on the smaller size due to being bred for eggs rather than meat.
More eggs = more chicks = more $$$$

 

[Tonyroo]

Yes, Jersey Giants are the largest breed of chicken. They are the second tallest. The hens grow to about 8-10 pounds on average while the roosters grow 10-13 pounds. When caponized they can grow to 20 pounds. Here is a Jersey Giant next to a Rhode Island Red:
View attachment 3353768
and one next to a turkey:

The turkey picture is from BYC, and the Rhode Island Red picture I took from Pinterest. I believe it is originally from a poultry breeds book that I don't remember what it is called.

These pictures are impressive. Almost makes me want to get some. Just for the size of the breed.

 

[CrspyChkn]

That is the reason why I got them too, and it seems that they have much more personality than my other girls. They are also more aware of predators. They enjoy being outside more than the others, will actively hunt mice unlike the others, and can respect a boundary if requested to stay. I personally have blue ones, because they are pretty in my opinion and Tractor Supply had no black ones. We were planning on getting 5 of both. I think I read somewhere that the black ones tend to be slightly larger than the blue and white ones, but I have no evidence to prove that.

 

[Tonyroo]

I think I would want a breeder stock, just to get the maximum size. It's slim picking for that right now.