by Angie Pollock

Created on: June 12, 2009

As the name implies, the Jersey Giant is a large poultry breed. The black variety of this breed was developed in New Jersey during the 1880s. John and Thomas Black of New Jersey are accredited for creating black Jersey Giants by crossing several other breeds including Black Javas, Dark Brahmas, Dark Cornishes, and Black Langshans. The white and splash variety were later created while the blue variety took well over 60 years to perfect by Kansas breeder Mrs. Golda Miller. As of 2009, the American Poultry Association (APA) only recognizes the black, white, and blue varieties.

The Jersey Giant is known for its size. At one time, it was not uncommon for roosters to be caponized (castrated) so they would grow to enormous sizes - up to 20 pounds. This dual purpose bird excels as a meat bird but is not popular as a commercial broiler due to its poor feed-to-meat conversion. For meat production, these birds typically reach harvestable size at about eight to nine months of age. Due to their large frame, the Jersey Giant is often used as a roasting bird. The hens produce very large brown eggs and tend to not only lay more eggs than other breeds, they also tend to have a longer laying season.

This breed is cold-hardy and is known for its docile temperament. The hens go broody without complication and are very attentive mothers. The average weight size ranges from 8 to 13 pounds with the roosters typically weighing more than hens. Bantams of this breed range from 34 to 38 ounces.

Black Jersey Giants have a black tinted beak with yellow on the tip. The eyes are dark and the toes and shanks are dark willow to black with yellow on the bottom of the feet. The plumage has a lustrous green sheen. White Jersey Giants have a yellow shaded beak, dark brown eyes, and toes and shanks that are dark willow and yellow on the bottom of the feet. The wattles and earlobes for both color variations are red.

The Jersey Giant was recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA) in 1922. Both the standard and bantam classes are acknowledged by the APA and the bantam is recognized by the American Bantam Association (ABA) but has not been included in its "Bantam Standard". As of 2009, the Jersey Giant poultry breed is on the conservation list under the "watch" status.

References:

STOREY'S ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO POULTRY BREEDS, by Carol Ekarius, copyright 2007.

http://www.albc-usa.org/cpl/jerseygiant.html

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