Jersey Giants thread for pictures and discussion

[wlhtx]

This is how she put it, which made logical sense to me:

"If it is really hot where you live, those new feathers on the youngsters are going to grow in a little slower than normal because feather growth responds to the ambient temps....if it is cold outside, feathers grow in faster. When it is hotter, birds will thin down their coats or, in this case, not put as much nutrition into growing feathers as they will into growing the bird because protection against the cold is not a priority. Fall/winter chicks always put feathers on faster than spring/summer chicks."

She then went on to show pics of chicks at the same age point, but one was born mid March, while the other was born later April. There was a noticeable difference between the two...

 

[FuzzyButtz]

Well I brought home my new Jersey today. So far she's very, very flighty. I really hope that changes! The breeder claims the Blues and Splashes tend to be in comparison to the Whites.

 

[3 NH reds]

Cute video. Mine are very verbal! I love it!

FuzzyB - can't wait for pics!

3NH - you may be surprised...even though they're so much larger, they are typically pretty docile. They may get run around quite a bit by your Comets, but they dont' typically put up much of a fight, so all should be calm in short order.

That is my worry, Giants are calm and will take it and the Comets are hell bent on beating other birds for some time. I have had broody birds that came out of the coop to brood and go back in and get beat up for a week, sometimes I found them staying on the roost all day afraid to move. But if I add multiple Giants they should stick together. Funny how my layers all form groups by the breed

 

[Tsumo]

My chicks are all the same size so i dont think its dwarfism and as for temps they are in my basement and its temperature controlled and never get above 75 down or below 70 down there. They are no longer under a lamp. I live in wisconsin and outside this last weeks has been high 90s 100 a few times. But like i said these chickens are not outside yet. And only one seems to be having delayed feathering. Sorry for any spelling errors im using my phone and have fat swollen fingers from being very pregnant.

 

[wlhtx]

Oh - bless your heart! I had both my babies in August and we live in TX where the temps are normally 90s-100s during the summer. I feel your pain in being heavily pregnant during this time of year!!! Swimming. Cool water and floating. That's the only place I could find relief.

 

[CAjerseychick]

If it were me, I'd not give her eggs if I was leaving town for four days. Especially since she's proven herself to be not-so-reliable.

Some hens are just clumsy broodies. I had this same discussion with a friend yesterday. Some are simply not cut out to be a good broody, unfortunately. I had a splash Giant hen at one time that swore to me up & down that she wanted to hatch some eggs. I gave her a small clutch, and she ended up eventually breaking every one of them. I think she was readjusting herself too much, and literally stomped on them or smashed them together or something. It was heartbreaking, because it was evident that she thought she wanted to be broody...but just didn't really have it in her. I work, and so every morning and every night after work, and then before bedtime, I'd go in & check on her, and she'd have some eggs under her, some around her periphery, and at least one beside her, but she wouldn't be sitting on it.

A good broody shouldn't need to be checked on like that, at least not in my opinion. Sorry to sound like such a downer; but, I really wouldn't put much hope out there that she'll be a good broody for you. They are SOOOO hard to come by! Worth their weight in gold, a good broody!

Hey Wynette,
thanx for the reply--didnt realize I got an answer! I have been lurking on the Hatchalongs since I been back--
I also went on vacation with relatives-- well I got back and she is sitting again (DH not so great about collecting eggs)-- and sadly I go out of town for 2 or 3 days evey 10 for work....

I think the issue was she is soo docile (the hen that stole her first clutch is a tiny little thing I think they made a mistake and slipped her in by accident, she is black but looks nothing like a Giant) and this Hen is my largest she is a Big girl--
anyways the update is.... 24 days later-- we have a lively healthy chick since yesterday and another pipped (is it stuck?)-- she sat tight in a nest box the whole time....
there are 4 more eggs should I toss them before.... I leave for work tommorrow at 10am ? (Back Sat eve)....
She is making these purring noises she seems so contented to finally have a baby....

 

[Framac]

Here is the cross beak rooster, and his hatchmate hen They are 5 months old.

 

[FuzzyButtz]

My Jersey finally stopped trying to run thru the fence at the sight of me, but is still very flighty She's averaging 1 Medium sized egg every 2 days. Is this normal? I've had her for 1 week.

 

[Wynette]

My Jersey finally stopped trying to run thru the fence at the sight of me, but is still very flighty She's averaging 1 Medium sized egg every 2 days. Is this normal? I've had her for 1 week.

You cannot make a judgment on a bird after just one week. To say she's "averaging" 1 egg every 2 days...honestly, after 7 days, you cannot even mathematically average yet.

She needs time to settle in.

Some Giants lay larger eggs, some lay smaller - just like in any breed. Mine are not flighty; I would not say they are lap chickens, either, but they are probably the most docile of the birds on my property. My line lays XL - Jumbo eggs; but I do cull for that trait, as I prefer larger eggs.

I'm sure your hen will settle in & calm down with more time; if you really want to get her to cozy up to you, begin offering treats. First, sprinkle them on the ground in her run; then, go and sit in the run & sprinkle the treats around your feet, each time you do this, put the treats closer. Then, see if you can get her to eat from your hand. It takes time...remember that chickens are a prey animal - that means that they are always on high alert. If nothing else, chickens teach you patience! BEST of luck, and post some pics of your new girl!

 

[Wynette]

Here is the cross beak rooster, and his hatchmate hen They are 5 months old.

From what I can see in this pic, he looks pretty nice, Framac. Tough to tell, as I can see by the angle of his shanks that he's not standing up as he should be. I like that nice, long, and flat back. And, I particularly like his tail. I'm with you - I see no crossbreak from the headshot! Interesting. I'm not as keen on the blue pullet, but again, it could be a difficult pic to make any sort of assessment on. Do they both have yellow under their feet? I'm sure they must.

(are you a farrier?)