Breed Profile: Jersey Giant

Photo of Kassandra Smith

Kassandra Smith

Senior Editor • Backyard Chicken Coops

Last Updated: 01 September 2020

Jersey Giant

John and Thomas Black created the Jersey Giant; with the intent of replacing the turkey, the kind of poultry used primarily for meat at the time. Crossing Black Javas, Black Langshans, and Dark Brahmas produced them. The American Standard of Perfection pronounced the Black Jersey Giant a breed in 1922. White Jersey Giants arrived later in the year 1947. Black Jersey Giants are, on average, 450grams heavier than White Jersey Giants. Though the breed's present size is considerable, they obtained greater mass in the past.

If you really want to see a giant chicken, Brahmas can weigh up to 14 pounds (6.35kg) for hens and 18 pounds (8.16kg) for roosters!! Check out this viral giant chicken video that shocked the world

plump-jersey-giant-chicken

HISTORY

  • Origin: American
  • Size: 4.5-5.8kg
  • Rarity: Rare
  • Purpose: Dual-purpose
  • Recognized Variations: Back and White, Blue Splash

EGG FACTS

  • You can eggspect extra large, brown eggs from your extra large bird. 
  • This giant chickens will produce 200 eggs on average annually. 

FEATURES

BACKYARD BEHAVIOUR

  • Hardy in Winter: Yes
  • Especially Docile: No
  • Personality: The Jersey Giant is docile and friendly but not to an excessive extent. They are very hardy birds that are quiet and protective of their chicks making them good mothers and overall gentle giants. 

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Sources and further reading