Black Jersey Giant Chicken The Black Jersey Giant chicken originated in Burlington County, New Jersey, during the 1880s. This heavy breed is known for its impressive size, although it grows slower than some other breeds before eventually surpassing them in both weight and size. While they are slow to mature and have a less efficient feed-to-weight conversion, making them less popular as commercial broilers today, they were highly regarded in the late 1800s for meat production. The Black Jersey Giant is the largest of the dual-purpose chickens, excelling as both a meat bird and a fairly good egg layer. As they mature, their black feathers develop a distinctive green sheen. This breed was officially recognized in the American Standard of Perfection in 1922, with both black and white varieties noted for their willow-colored or nearly black legs and toes. At The Chicken Coop Company, we offer this breed in a production line rather than a show line. Mature males typically reach a weight of 11-14 pounds with The Chicken Coop Company bloodline.Newbie notes: It’s normal for some white feathers to appear during their first and second feathering stages, but by the sixth month, they should have solid black feathers. Health and Care: Hardy and Resilient: The Black Jersey Giant Chicken is known for its hardiness and resilience in various climates. They are able to tolerate both hot and cold weather relatively well, though, like all chickens, they require proper shelter from extreme conditions. Their size gives them a natural resistance to cold temperatures, but they should still be housed in a well-ventilated, draft-free coop during harsh winters. Disease Resistance: Jersey Giants are robust chickens that are generally disease-resistant, but like all poultry, they should be regularly checked for parasites, such as lice and mites, especially around their larger feathers. Their large size and solid body structure help make them more resistant to certain health issues, but regular health checks and a clean environment are important to their overall well-being. Low Maintenance: These chickens are relatively low-maintenance in terms of day-to-day care. They require a balanced diet, fresh water, and a clean living space. Due to their large size, they need space to move around, and they tend to be less active than smaller breeds. Their large bodies mean they need a bit more room to roam in order to stay healthy and happy. Egg Laying: Excellent Egg Producers: The Black Jersey Giant Chicken is an excellent egg layer, known for producing large eggs consistently. On average, hens will lay around 250-280 large brown eggs per year. Their egg production is relatively consistent, making them a great choice for families or small farms looking for a reliable source of fresh eggs. Seasonal Laying: Like most chickens, the Black Jersey Giant may experience a reduction in egg production during the winter months when daylight hours are shorter. However, providing supplemental lighting in the winter can help maintain egg production throughout the year. Large Brown Eggs: The eggs produced by the Black Jersey Giant are large and brown in color. Due to their size, the eggs are perfect for personal consumption and are often used for cooking and baking. Temperament: Gentle and Friendly: One of the standout qualities of the Black Jersey Giant is its docile and gentle temperament. These birds are known for being extremely calm and easygoing, which makes them great pets and companions for families, children, or first-time chicken keepers. They are less flighty than other breeds, making them easier to handle. Sociable: The Black Jersey Giant is generally sociable and gets along well with other chickens. They are peaceful, non-aggressive birds that tolerate other breeds and do well in a mixed flock. Despite their large size, they are not known for bullying or dominating smaller chickens. Affectionate: These chickens can also be quite affectionate toward their owners. Many people find that Black Jersey Giants enjoy being handled and will even come to their owners for attention. Their calm demeanor makes them excellent candidates for pets in backyard settings. Less Active: While the Black Jersey Giant is a large and strong bird, they are less active compared to other breeds, meaning they don’t require as much exercise or space to roam. They are content in a spacious but relatively low-key environment. Appearance: Impressive Size: The Black Jersey Giant is one of the largest chicken breeds. Hens typically weigh around 8-10 pounds, while roosters can reach a weight of up to 13-15 pounds. Their large size and solid build give them a majestic appearance, making them stand out in any flock. Black Plumage: The Black Jersey Giant features solid black feathers with a slight greenish sheen that shines in the sunlight. Their deep, glossy black coloration adds to their striking appearance. Their feathers are smooth and dense, providing a sleek and polished look. Broad and Sturdy Build: The Black Jersey Giant has a broad chest, wide back, and strong legs, which contribute to its impressive physique. They are well-proportioned birds, with a deep body and solid frame, giving them an elegant yet sturdy presence. Small Comb and Wattles: They typically have a small single comb and red wattles, which complement their overall appearance. These features are proportional to their size and do not dominate their faces, keeping the bird’s look elegant and refined. Large, Strong Legs: Due to their size, the Black Jersey Giant has strong legs that support their weight. Their legs are thick and muscular, allowing them to move around with relative ease despite their large frame. Frequently Asked Questions: What color eggs do Black Jersey Giants produce? Originally bred for meat production, the Black Jersey Giant requires a significant amount of time to reach its full size. Despite this, they are also valued for their ability to lay large brown eggs, particularly excelling in egg production during the winter months. How large do Jersey Giant chickens grow?As their name suggests, Jersey Giants are among the largest chicken breeds. Roosters usually weigh in at an impressive 13-15 pounds, while hens typically range from 10-12 pounds. Their bodies are notably long and broad, featuring a deep chest and a well-rounded overall appearance. At what age do Jersey Giants begin laying eggs?Jersey Giants typically start laying eggs between 8 months and a year old, although some owners have observed their hens beginning as early as 5 months. Known for their excellent cold-hardiness, Jersey Giants are well-suited to winter egg production. However, it's important to note that the large single combs on roosters can be prone to frostbite during colder months. Are Jersey Giants noisy?Jersey Giants are known for being relatively quiet compared to other breeds. Their calm and low-noise nature makes them a great option for urban farms and more densely populated areas. Black Jersey Giant Facts Poultry Show Class: American Class Weights: Hen—-10 lbs Rooster——13 lbs Pullet—-8 lbs Cockerel—–11 lbs Purpose and Type: Primary production, Egg Laying & Pet/Secondary meat source Egg Shell Color: Brown Egg Production: 180-260 eggs per year (estimates only) Egg Size: Medium Temperament: Docile Gender Accuracy: 80-85% Fertility Percentage: 65-80% Broody: Setter Mating Ratio: 9 Females to 1 Male Roost Height: 2 to 4 feet Country of Origin: United States, New Jersey APA: Yes, Recognized by the Standard of Perfection in 1922 TLC: Recovering Status, Considered a sustainable heritage chicken breed. Breeder Farm Source: Poultry Breeding Farm has been developing our bloodline/strain of production type (non exhibition type) Black Jersey Giant since 1979.
