Jersey Giants thread for pictures and discussion

[MargaretYakoda]

If you got her from a reputable breeder then she might grow some more. But my guess is, since she's merely mid sized, that you got her from a hatchery.

A jersey giant should NOT be smaller than a Brahma. That's certain.

Agreed. JG's grow slow, but are always big, huge body size, actual weight they put on late, at a yr though should be biggest birds in your flock.

Or, perhaps, they were obtained from a listing on Ebay or Craigslist. There's a LOT of crap out there. Jersey Giants are becoming popular and unscrupulous people are selling birds that are far below standard.

 

[SpinChicky]

Thanks for the info! I bought it from a well known company that sells day old chicks. I've placed orders with them for 3 or 4 years' worth of chickens and have always had great birds. The last batch, however, arrived in a box with a different hatchery's logo on it, and those chickens have never performed well. We've decided we probably won't order from the company again. I'm glad to know I'm not imagining my JG's size is too small!

 

[MargaretYakoda]

Thanks for the info! I bought it from a well known company that sells day old chicks. I've placed orders with them for 3 or 4 years' worth of chickens and have always had great birds. The last batch, however, arrived in a box with a different hatchery's logo on it, and those chickens have never performed well. We've decided we probably won't order from the company again. I'm glad to know I'm not imagining my JG's size is too small!

If you want great giants, join the club! http://nationaljerseygiantclub.com/index.cfm/home
They do have a breeder directory. Find someone who really knows their stuff and you'll be Ah-MAZED!

 

[JerseyGiantChic]

Nice topic!
Is it normal breeding JG so late (in the USA)?

For giving the JG chick to grow up, we do not breed late. Our JG are the way they should be, bit the selection is hard. Not good not for breeding, used for eggs and meat, they have a free love before there end.

 

[SpinChicky]

Just discovered that I can look at the bottom of my Jersey Giant's feet for confirmation... they are pinky white, leaving me to believe that perhaps I was sent something other than a Jersey Giant? Like maybe an Australorp...

 

[cabinchicky]

Yup bottom of foot should be yellow.

 

[MargaretYakoda]

Just discovered that I can look at the bottom of my Jersey Giant's feet for confirmation... they are pinky white, leaving me to believe that perhaps I was sent something other than a Jersey Giant? Like maybe an Australorp...

Yup. Sounds like australorp.

You could try getting a refund from the hatchery. Probably won't happen, but it will let them know they screwed up.

 

[ChickenChaser9]

Yup bottom of foot should be yellow.

This. I bought two dozen from Murray mcmurray and about 1 in 3 had pinkish feet. I dont think commercial hatcheries are all that careful with rhier breeding programs.

 

[apajudgeca1962]

Several years ago I bought chicks from a breeder in Florida. Photos they had showed birds that looked HUGE paid a fortune for the chicks. I have BIG Barred Rocks. Males 9-10 lbs females 8-9. My rocks dwarfed these "Giants". I have been at 3 JG Nationals last several years. I have seen VERY FEW the size of Mrs Millers when I was at her place in the 80s. But, although stature is important. Weighing them is as big an issue.

 

[MargaretYakoda]

Several years ago I bought chicks from a breeder in Florida. Photos they had showed birds that looked HUGE paid a fortune for the chicks. I have BIG Barred Rocks. Males 9-10 lbs females 8-9. My rocks dwarfed these "Giants". I have been at 3 JG Nationals last several years. I have seen VERY FEW the size of Mrs Millers when I was at her place in the 80s. But, although stature is important. Weighing them is as big an issue.

There is a LOT of crap out there.... And sometimes it's hard to tell if a breeder is reputable or not.

I even saw one Ebay ad that claimed their birds were Jersey Giants because the seller lives in New Jersey. The birds looked nothing like Jersey Giants. But she was asking $50 a dozen anyhow.