Jersey Giants thread for pictures and discussion

[countrydream7]

wow that seems like a lot of money I think I paid for 4 20.00 thru Meyers hatchery what is the diff first time at this

 

[countrydream7]

getting jersey giants from Meyers hatchery anyone order from them and how are there chicks first time owner

 

[draye]

getting jersey giants from Meyers hatchery anyone order from them and how are there chicks first time owner

The few Black Giants I've seen from Meyer Hatchery were way under weight and crooked toed. I will have to say though there were others breeds mixed in with them and some of them had crooked toes also, so I thjink that may have been a incubator thing.

 

[Wynette]

If you're wanting some nice backyard layers, you'll enjoy the birds from commercial hatcheries; however, if you're wanting to breed, show, preserve a heritage line of them, you'll want to get some birds from a breeder who knows what they're doing. If that's what you're interested in, a really good place to start is by attending some local APA-judged shows in your area. Look at the Giants on display, after they have been judged & the placings are marked. If you like what you seen, hang around the cages & try to speak with the owner of the birds you like, and possibly make arrangements to get some birds or hatching eggs from them.

 

[countrydream7]

great idea wish I would have known sooner ordered jg from Meyers hatchery should be getting any day well when I start again will remember this

 

[Wynette]

countrydream, it's never a bad idea to start with hatchery birds to see if you like the breed, or chickens in general. Many folks "poo poo" buying hatchery birds and are all arrogant about heritage type birds; I view the hatchery stock and the heritage as both having their place. Some folks simply want some fun birds that lay yummy eggs - hatchery stock is just fine for that, and often lays much better than the heritage type since the hatchery birds are mostly bred for good egg laying capability. I always recommend to anyone just starting with chickens to start with hatchery stock for the first couple of years and see if they like them, long term. Take care of them for a few seasons - all year long - and be sure that you can afford them, that you don't mind taking care of them through the winter, and can deal with basic medical issues such as injuries, parasites, etc. Once you're sure you like them and want them long term, THEN seek out some nice quality heritage-bred birds.

 

[8machines]

countrydream, it's never a bad idea to start with hatchery birds to see if you like the breed, or chickens in general. Many folks "poo poo" buying hatchery birds and are all arrogant about heritage type birds; I view the hatchery stock and the heritage as both having their place. Some folks simply want some fun birds that lay yummy eggs - hatchery stock is just fine for that, and often lays much better than the heritage type since the hatchery birds are mostly bred for good egg laying capability. I always recommend to anyone just starting with chickens to start with hatchery stock for the first couple of years and see if they like them, long term. Take care of them for a few seasons - all year long - and be sure that you can afford them, that you don't mind taking care of them through the winter, and can deal with basic medical issues such as injuries, parasites, etc. Once you're sure you like them and want them long term, THEN seek out some nice quality heritage-bred birds.

Thank you very much. I have been feeling pretty bad, not wanting to show my birds or talk about them, including my Jersey Giants because they are Hatchery. You have made me feel better. One of my Jersey's is getting very big around while the other is smaller. I started fermenting their feed, give them lots of fresh grass, extra grains, garden squash and other treats. She looks good.
I only want eggs, nothing else, and she lets me hold her. Her name is Buttons. The other is Bows but she is much more shy. Thanks again.

 

[K Epp]

Thank you very much. I have been feeling pretty bad, not wanting to show my birds or talk about them, including my Jersey Giants because they are Hatchery. You have made me feel better. One of my Jersey's is getting very big around while the other is smaller. I started fermenting their feed, give them lots of fresh grass, extra grains, garden squash and other treats. She looks good.
I only want eggs, nothing else, and she lets me hold her. Her name is Buttons. The other is Bows but she is much more shy. Thanks again.

You will find some very nice established breeders who are kind in their comments. Wynette is one of the best and gave you some great advice. Don't worry about your birds put pics on for us. If you want to see a mess go back a few months and look at what I was sold. Sadly I trusted someone on off Craig's List.... January will be my year anniversary for having chickens.

 

[goose4]

What kind of temperament do JG roosters have? I bought 2 chicks this spring along with the other chicks this spring. I was hoping for hens and started calling them Snooky but it looks like we have 2 Situations. Their saddle feathers are not as obvious as some of my other roosters and one started crowing this AM. They seem to mature slower than the other chickens. He sounded like he was being strangled. The girls were not impressed. I am worried about the girls they are half again as big as the other chickens and they are only 4 months old. We have a lot of RIR, Buff Orpington, Wyandotes etc.

 

[countrydream7]

well for some reason they lost my chicken order from the hatchery I placed in july so now I will order from a breeder maybe it was meant to be this way ...so disappointed when all was set in place