White Jersey Giant

White Jersey Giant

The White Jersey Giant chicken was developed in Burlington County, New Jersey, during the 1880s. Renowned for its impressive size, this breed takes a bit more time to reach full maturity compared to others but eventually surpasses most in both weight and stature. As the largest of the dual-purpose chicken breeds, the White Jersey Giant is highly prized for its meat production. Recognized by the American Standard of Perfection since 1947, this breed is characterized by its willow-colored or nearly black legs and toes. The chicks start off as a smoky gray color but mature into striking white-feathered adults.

The development of the White Jersey Giant involved combining the genetics of several large breeds, creating a chicken that grows at a slower pace but ultimately becomes about one-third larger than most other heavy breeds. The hens are particularly noteworthy, laying around 240 extra-large eggs annually. While these birds mature relatively quickly in their early stages, they take a bit longer to reach a marketable weight for meat compared to other breeds.

Temperament:

• Calm and Gentle: White Jersey Giants are known for their calm and gentle temperament. They are typically very friendly and tolerant of human interaction, making them excellent for families and those new to raising chickens.
  
  
• Docile and Non-Aggressive: These birds are non-aggressive, and roosters are generally not as territorial or dominant as other breeds. This makes them a good choice for mixed flocks. They tend to be more laid-back, and while they may be less social with other birds compared to some smaller, more active breeds, they do get along with other chickens.
  
  
• Quiet and Peaceful: White Jersey Giants are relatively quiet compared to more vocal breeds. They are not prone to excessive crowing or loud noises, making them suitable for suburban or urban farms where noise may be a concern.
  

Appearance:

• Size: The White Jersey Giant is a large breed, as their name implies. Roosters can weigh between 13-15 pounds, while hens weigh around 10-12 pounds. This makes them one of the largest chicken breeds, and their size can be quite impressive.
  
  
• White Plumage: As the name suggests, the White Jersey Giant has pure white feathers, which gives them a clean and elegant look. Their plumage is dense and smooth, and they are considered quite beautiful because of their striking appearance.
  
  
• Sturdy Build: Despite their large size, they have a sturdy, well-proportioned build. They have broad shoulders and deep bodies, with a calm and stately appearance. Their large size can sometimes make them appear a bit heavy or clumsy, but they move gracefully for their size.
  
  
• Single Comb: Like many large breeds, White Jersey Giants have a single comb and wattles, though their comb may droop slightly due to their size. The combs are typically medium-sized and red, with matching wattles and earlobes.

How large can White Jersey Giant chickens grow?
White Jersey Giant chickens, along with their black and blue counterparts, are known for their impressive size. The breed, recognized in white in 1947 and in blue in 2003, can see mature roosters reaching a weight of 13-15 pounds, making them one of the largest chicken breeds.

What color eggs do Jersey Giant chickens produce?
Jersey Giant hens lay large brown eggs and are particularly reliable during the winter months. While their egg production is moderate, they are valued for their robustness and cold-hardiness. These hens, which also come in black and blue varieties, have legs that are typically willow-colored and may occasionally go broody.

Is the Jersey Giant the largest chicken breed?
Yes, Jersey Giants hold the title of the largest breed within the American Class, making them a standout among chickens for their size.

• 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, see FAQ)
  
• 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 1947
  
• TLC: Recovering Status, Considered a sustainable heritage chicken breed.
  
• Breeder Farm Source: Cackle Hatchery® Poultry Breeding Farm has been developing our bloodline/strain of pure White Jersey Giant Chickens since 1982.