Jersey Giants thread for pictures and discussion

[Wynette]

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Mine typically begin around 24 - 26 weeks. I do not push them to mature by feeding layer pellets at 18 weeks like some folks do, though...I always wait until I see that first egg, and then I begin feeding layer pellets.

 

[kathyinmo]

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Does feeding layer feed make them mature faster? I did not know that.

 

[Mrs. Fluffy Puffy]

When can JG eat layer pellets?

 

[Wynette]

Yes, it does, Kathy. I just recently read an article about it in Backyard Poultry magazine. It makes their repro system mature more quickly, and you can end up with issues later such as prolapse, internal laying, and becoming egg bound - also, hens can get hernias from pushing too hard - I've actually got a hen with a hernia now, and it's not a pretty sight. She's a lovely girl, though, and she'll stay around, until she begins to have problems laying (which she will eventually). I was told by my avian vet, who I took her to for diagnosing the problem, that this can be caused from laying earlier than she should have. She's an old hen, and I've had her for several years now. It was due to the hernia problem that I began researching it more, and made changes in my feed regimen. Don't want to go through that again if at all possible! I feel a bit relieved when they don't begin laying early at this point! Then again, there's my little Wheaten Ameraucana, who is 43 weeks and has yet to bless me with an egg...hmm......

Mrs. Fluffy - the very best way to handle the "when to feed layer" question is - when you see that first egg from that batch of hatchlings. Then, switch over to layer feed.

 

[Mrs. Fluffy Puffy]

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Okay, Thanks!

 

[kathyinmo]

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Thanks for sharing this information! I am happy to know of this. I had actually considered feeding Layer pellets to a group of multi-age pulllets (15 weeks to 25 weeks old). I am glad I did not do that, and instead gave them Flock Raiser. Good information. Thanks again!

 

[Wynette]

That's what we're here for - to share info., right? I do exactly what you described, Kathy - I also put oyster shell out, and cross my fingers that the young ones don't eat much of it, as that can be hard on their organs. From what I've learned, they typically will not eat the oyster shell until they're ready to lay and need the extra calcium. But, if you feed flock raiser to adult hens, it doesn't have enough calcium in it for them to make eggs. However...if none are laying yet, it doens't matter anyway!

 

[txmel]

hi this is my first time posting on this thread and i was wondering if anyone had purchased there jersey giants from js seed supply in new jersey, on ebay. if any one has could you post some pics of what your chickens look like. i purchased some eggs and cant wait to see what hatches out

thanks so much!

 

[Bluemoon420]

I posted a little while ago, but thought I would share again. Wynette was gracious enough to contact me ( we don't live too far from her ) about test hatching some blue jersey giants eggs for her. They are a cross of Maria Hall, and her blues. Some are starting to pip now, and we have our camera ready to go. I promised to post here with pictures, and updates.

So, this is update number 1. We have pips!

More to come soon hopefully.

Thanks Wynette

Bluemoon

 

[Wynette]

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WOOOT!!!! Yippee!!! Thanks for the update, Chelsea! (these guys will actually be blue/black/splash, but most should be blue or splash, as I only have one black hen in that pen). Can't wait to see what you get!