Jersey Giants thread for pictures and discussion

[naillikwj82]

We have been perusing this post, and thinking about spring 2012. White giants for meat birds with capons as the end result. Has anyone done this with hatchery giants? Thanks.

 

[kathyinmo]

Quote:
The thing is, Jersey Giants grow so darn slow. Really, it is 2 years before you really see their full potential. Personally, I don't think they would be a good meat bird.

 

[ChicwannaB]

I would like to get my flock to all WHITE Chantecler's (or incubate some buff Chantecler eggs) and Black Jersey Giants,but I do so love my barred rocks, they just lay such a small egg!! (pout) I have till spring to think it over.....and change my mind.

 

[Wynette]

Quote:
The thing is, Jersey Giants grow so darn slow. Really, it is 2 years before you really see their full potential. Personally, I don't think they would be a good meat bird.

Agreed. Unless you are wanting to breed them anyway. The breeder I got my really nice stock from caponizes almost all of the males she does not use. I think it's a good use for them, even better - they are not getting put out "on the market" if they aren't good for breeding forward, and you can also continue to watch them grow out, which always gives good information about your flock overall.

 

[TheSpiceGirls]

I just wanted to 2nd how slowly the Jersey's grow. My girl eats like a chick. She is a PORKER. If you are concerned about feed costs, that's something to consider. I just have the one so it's not an issue for me.

But she sees treats and is SOOOO aggressive about getting them all that she's become a bully. It's like she's afraid this is her last meal. They have a HUGE feeder with high quality feed, that they like and eat. And I give them a healthy treat every day. They almost always get a big scoop of BOSS scattered in the leaves so they have to hunt for those. And then I'll give them some chopped up spinach or parsley. They LOVE greens. Meal worms every few days.

It's a real problem now with the BO going through a hard molt and she gets one big peck from the JG and just walks away from food. She's lost a whole pound. That's a quarter of her weight. It really scares me.

 

[ChicwannaB]

here's pics of my JG, IT is at 25 weeks now so almost exactly half a yr old...This is all the same bird...:
first, this is what Im thinking might be a spur...

and here's the big guy himself...he's not aggresive at all, all the hens shove him around, but the rooster doesn't seem to bother with him. Good thing too. Ive never heard him crow tho.

I had named this bird Penelope after one of my distant grandmothers, may be having to change it to Sir Richard after Grandpa now. What do you experts think??

 

[poularde]

I am no expert, but that is definitely a boy! He is quite handsome.

 

[ChicwannaB]

Quote:
oh thank you for the fast reply. He's too sweet to get rid of. I guess he'll be Sir Richard now then, instead of Penelope. They must be named after my ancestors!!

 

[ChicwannaB]

wonder what I'd get if I crossed him with my Light Brahmas, seen in the background of one of the pics, they already lay HUGE double yokers.

 

[ChicwannaB]

Im going to take him to church with me next week to get him weighed on the scales. He'll be 6 months old on Wednesday.