scandiafowl
Songster
Love this thread. I don't have BJG yet, but I have already decided I want them. I don't know how many breeds I have looked at but for some reason these gentle giants have sealed themselves in my heart. I plan on 25 hens for meat and eggs, and at least one roo (I don't want fighting roos), or would it be okay with 2 since they seem to be more mellow than other breeds? He will have freedom, but my girls will be in a pen. I will place him with a few hens to be picky with my breeding. I will be getting so many because I have a huge extended family, and we all love eggs and fried chicken. I know these are slow growing breed and I am okay with that. If I understand correctly it takes about 2 years for them to be fully grown, but approximately how many months until hens normally start laying eggs? Are these hens good brooders and mamas or should I get another breed ( I was told a silkie) for a brooder?
I have four too with my pullets right now and there is no fighting. You need to plan on up to two years for maturity, yes.
Mine hatched in June this year and am not expecting eggs until spring. They may surprise me.
If you want eggs quickly you may want to add some layers to the flock, i.e. Red Stars, Australorps.
The issue with Jerseys is their size sometimes crushes their eggs. But they are known to be good parents.
I have a blend of the Jerseys and known faster egg layers.
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