- Jersey Giant
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Jersey Giant Conservation status Watch Country of origin USA Classification APA American Traits Weight Male 13 lbs. Weight Female 10 lbs. Skin Color Yellow Egg Color Brown Comb Type Single Notes Meat breed Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) The Jersey Giant is a breed of chicken originating in the United States in the late 19th century by John and Thomas Black. The intent of the breed was the replace the turkey as the primary meat poultry breed. Named for their state of origin (New Jersey) and their large size. Jersey Giants are largest purebred chicken breed.[1] Cocks average 13 lbs. and hens 11 lbs.
The Black Jersey Giants were pronounced a breed in 1922 by the American Standard of Perfection. Their lineage includes were produced by crossing Black Javas, Black Langshans, and Dark Brahmas. White Jersey Giants arrived many years later during the year 1947. The Black Jersey Giants are averaging a pound heavier than the White Jersey Giants. For a time, they raised as capons and as broilers by the meat industry, they grow much slower than today's more common meat birds, and are thus not widely used in the industry any longer.
In Europe the breed fell out of favour to such an extent that they nearly became extinct, however in the mid 80's a breeder in the UK: Sam Hay in Shropshire located the last surviving trio and decided to save them. He built up some stock but was they were suffering the ill effects of inbreeding and so he was very fortunate to find out that Dutch Chicken breeder Jaap Beekman had the last few Jersey Giants in The Netherlands. The two were able to share stock and reintroduce the breed to both countries. Within a few years Jersey Giants were regular winners at rare breed poultry shows. [1]
Jersey Giants went extinct in Australia in the 1950s, only a few decades after they were introduced to Australia.
They lay extra-large brown to dark brown eggs, and lay fairly well for being a large breed. There is also a newer color variation known as the Blue Jersey Giants. Jersey Giants are extremely friendly, as they are good with pets, they like people, and the cocks are rarely aggressive.
References
- ^ Jersey Giant Chicken American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.
External links
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