My giant question

[SmallFlocker207]

I have 23 black jersey giant chicks i recieved from my local hatchery about a week ago, they are only a week old but they are already growing significantly. I was curious when they will reach FULL, ADULT, SIZE. I can't wait till they are ten pounds (as advertised from the hatchery) and i would like a heads up on when they are jersey GIANTS.

 

[brahmabreeder]

From my understanding they will grow for 18 months. Plus the chances of hatchery birds reaching the standard Jersey giant weight is slim. So 18 months max.

 

[SmallFlocker207]

How heavy do you think the will get?

 

[brahmabreeder]

Hard to say for sure but my best guess would be around eight pounds. That's about where my brahmas were when I got them from the hatchery compared to the ones I have now. That was for the male I had too the hens weighed around 6.

 

[Reurra]

I have a JG hen and she is around 8lbs. She will be turning a year the last week of April, and she is laying.

 

[SmallFlocker207]

none the less, thats still a big chicken

 

[TurtlePowerTrav]

If you want REALLY big birds, you need to get non-hatchery stock from a breeder. For example, I have two BO hens from a hatchery, one is 5lbs and one is 6lbs. SOP says they should be 8lbs. Now I have a Breeder Quality Splash Orp rooster. He is 12lbs and will probably gain another pound(he is only 11mo). Hatchery birds in general will be smaller, but that does not make them any less of a chicken. Half my flock is hatchery stock. Just love them and give them the best life you can.

 

[SmallFlocker207]

when do you think they will be out of their chick down coat and into their feathers. I live in ohio, it gets pretty cold up here but i was wondering when they would be ok to rome around in 75 degree weather.

 

[TurtlePowerTrav]

when do you think they will be out of their chick down coat and into their feathers. I live in ohio, it gets pretty cold up here but i was wondering when they would be ok to rome around in 75 degree weather.

It takes 5-8 weeks for most birds to feather out. But if it is that warm where you are you can take them out for a while, just be sure to supervise/protect them

 

[brahmabreeder]

If you want REALLY big birds, you need to get non-hatchery stock from a breeder. For example, I have two BO hens from a hatchery, one is 5lbs and one is 6lbs. SOP says they should be 8lbs. Now I have a Breeder Quality Splash Orp rooster. He is 12lbs and will probably gain another pound(he is only 11mo). Hatchery birds in general will be smaller, but that does not make them any less of a chicken. Half my flock is hatchery stock. Just love them and give them the best life you can.

x2