Black Jersey Giants

Black Jersey Giants were initially bred as table birds by the Black brothers of New Jersey. In their composition were Black Javas, Black Langshans, and Dark Brahmas. Initially called Black's Giants, they were developed between 1870 and 1890. They later received the APA standard of perfection in 1922, but never fulfilled their dream as a table bird because soon afterward the broad-breasted turkey was developed. Although they did not reach their market potential they are still good roasters. Another thing to note about them is to make sure that your water/food bowls are high enough so that they do not kick dirt into them, as they are the largest purebred chicken in the world.

• Appearance: Black Jersey Giants have black feathers, with a green tint. They may also have some very dark brown in the shanks. They have a red single comb, red earlobes, yellow skin, a beak that at the base is black with a slight yellow tint at the tip, along with dark brown eyes.
• Weight: Rooster-13 Hen-10 Cockerel-11 Pullet-8* These chickens will grow at the same rate as other chickens, but will not fill out until later in their life, so they are not used commercially.
• Purpose: Black Jersey Giants are a dual-purpose chicken.*
• Origin: New Jersey, America
  
• Common: Watch
  
• Egg Color: Light Brown
  
• Egg Size: X-Large
  
• Eggs a week/year: 3-4 a week/175-185 a year. This is more than most large chicken breeds.
  
• Broody: Yes*
• Confinement: Good, they are mellow by nature, and don't fly very high because of their weight.
  
• Compatibility: Good, as with any other chicken they will participate in a pecking order, and might end up towards the bottom because of their more laid-back attitudes.
  
• Hardy: They are rather cold hardy with their large frame, but may not be as heat hardy for the same reason.
  
• Bantam: Yes*
• Personality: They are laid-back and mellow by nature, but will not be as intimidated as other chickens might be because of their size.*

Black Jersey Giants are a fun chicken to have in your backyard. They can grow to large sizes, but also may be very useful as well. They are good foragers, and would do well with other pets.

Photo courtesy of Flickr user: winsomebulldog
Information courtesy of: http://www.albc-usa.org/cpl/jerseygiant.html
http://www.slowfoodusa.org/index.php/programs/ark_product_detail/jersey_giant_chicken/
http://nationaljerseygiantclub.com/QA_giants.html
http://www.poultrypages.com/jersey-giant.html
*For more information on terms above see Key to Chicken Entries