Jersey Giant

A Black Jersey Giant rooster looks alert while walking in a chicken run area.

This chicken is supersized! The Jersey Giant, as its name implies, was developed in New Jersey and is a true giant of the chicken world. Although created as a dual-purpose fowl (valued for both meat and eggs), it isn't used on commercial farms because it takes 6 months for them to grow to full size, whereas commercial strains can reach their desired size as early as 5 weeks of age. The Jersey Giant is good-natured and hens are decent brown egg layers.

Origins/History:

Class: American
Type: Large Fowl
Size: Very Heavy (8+ lbs)
Rarity: Rare
Purpose: Dual
Recognized Varieties: Officially recognized colors: Black and White. Unofficial: Blue, Splash

Egg Facts:

Egg Laying: Good (3/wk)
Egg Color: Brown
Egg Size: X-Large

Fancy Features:

Comb Type: Single Comb
Crested: No
Feathered Legs: No
Number of Toes: 4

Suitability to Backyard Life:

Cold Hardiness: Hardy in winter
Heat Tolerance: Not especially heat hardy
Bears Confinement: Bears confinement well
Especially Docile: Yes
Setter/Broody: No
Personality: Docile and easygoing