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The Jersey Giant chicken is an American breed developed in the late 19th century by John and Thomas Black in New Jersey, USA. Originally bred to replace turkeys as a source of meat, Jersey Giants are the largest chicken breed. They were recognized by the American Poultry Association in 1922 (black variety) and 1947 (white variety).
- Very large-sized birds
- Black, white, and blue varieties
- Single comb, red wattles, and earlobes
- Yellow skin and legs
- Typically weigh around 10-13 pounds for males and 8-11 pounds for females
- Broad, deep body with a long, rectangular shape
BREED & ORIGIN
Jersey Giant
&
New Jersey, United States
LIFE EXPECTANCY
6-10 years
HEIGHT & WEIGHT
Height:20”-26” (51-66 cm)
&
Weight: Roosters: 13 lbs (5.9 kg)
Hens: 10 lbs (4.5 kg)
Chick (0-8 weeks)
Pullet/Cockerel (8-20 weeks)
Layer/Rooster (20+ weeks)
LOW
MEDIUM
HIGH
Temperament
Calm, friendly, and gentl
Activity Level
Moderate, good foragers
Climate Tolerance
Adaptable to various climates, but need protection from extreme cold due to large size
Genetic Traits
Hardiness, good egg production
Egg Laying Capacity
Moderate; 150-200 eggs per year
Broodiness
Low tendency
Feeding
A balanced diet is essential for their health and productivity. A commercial layer feed should be supplemented with access to grit and oyster shell to ensure strong eggshells. They benefit from free-ranging to consume insects and plants.
Housing
Jersey Giants require spacious housing with good ventilation. A minimum of 6 square feet per bird inside the coop and 12 square feet per bird in the run is recommended. They need sturdy roosts and nesting boxes due to their large size.
Health
Jersey Giants are generally hardy birds with few health issues. However, their large size makes them prone to leg problems. Regular health checks for common poultry ailments such as mites, lice, and respiratory infections are important. Maintaining a clean living environment can prevent many health problems
Breeding Practices:
When breeding Jersey Giants, select birds with desirable traits such as good egg production, proper body conformation, and typical color patterns. The incubation period for their eggs is about 21 days.
Raising Chicks:
Jersey Giant chicks are hardy but grow slowly compared to other breeds. Provide a warm brooder environment (starting at 95°F and gradually decreasing) until they are fully feathered at about 8-10 weeks. Offer chick starter feed and clean water. Gradually introduce them to the flock when they are big enough to integrate smoothly.
Nutritional Needs:
Jersey Giants require a balanced diet to support their egg production and maintain their size. Commercial layer feeds usually meet their needs. Supplement with grit for digestion and provide access to fresh greens when possible.
Jersey Giants were developed to provide a large meat bird, and they remain valued for their dual-purpose qualities. They are popular with small-scale farmers and backyard chicken keepers for their large size and good egg production.
Culturally, the Jersey Giant represents an important part of American poultry history as a breed developed specifically to meet the needs of early American farmers.
Category |
Details |
|---|---|
Origin |
New Jersey, United States |
Temperature |
Calm, friendly, and gentle |
Common Health Issues |
Generally healthy, but prone to leg issues due to large size |
Commercial Use |
Used for both egg and meat production, especially in small-scale farming |
Backyard Use |
Popular for good egg production, large size, and friendly nature |
Breed Standards |
Admitted to American Poultry Association's Standard of Perfection in 1922 (black) and 1947 (white) |
Exhibition |
Judged based on breed standards including feather color, comb type, and overall condition |
Role in Culture |
Significant in American agricultural heritage |
Population Status |
Listed as "Watch" by The Livestock Conservancy |
Conservation Efforts |
Ongoing efforts to preserve the breed |
Breeding Practices |
Breeders focus on selecting birds with desirable dual-purpose traits and maintaining genetic diversity |
Fertility Rates |
Generally good |
Parasite Control |
Standard poultry parasite control measures apply |
Market Value |
Chicks typically cost $4-$8 each |
Cost of Raising |
Approximately $40-$50 per chicken per year, depending on feed costs and housing |
- Large size for meat production
- Good egg production (150-200 eggs per year)
- Calm and friendly temperament
- Hardy and adaptable to various climates
- Good dual-purpose breed (eggs and meat)
- Slow growth rate compared to other meat breeds
- Prone to leg problems due to large size
- Requires more space and feed
- Less common, may be harder to find
- Not as prolific in egg-laying as some specialized breeds
Yes, Jersey Giants can make good pets due to their calm and friendly nature.