Raising Jersey Giant chickens can be a rewarding experience, especially if you're looking for a large, dual-purpose bird known for both meat and egg production.
Origin: United States (New Jersey, late 1800s)
Size: One of the largest chicken breeds—roosters can weigh 13–15 lbs, hens 10–12 lbs.
Purpose: Dual-purpose (meat and eggs)
Egg Production: 150–200 large brown eggs per year
Temperament: Calm, docile, friendly
Hardiness: Cold-hardy due to their size and dense feathering
Coop Space: At least 6–8 sq ft per bird indoors
Run Space: 10–15 sq ft per bird outdoors
Roosts: Use wide roosts (2x4s with rounded edges)—their large size makes them prone to bumblefoot or keel damage on narrow perches
Nesting Boxes: 12"x12" boxes, filled with soft bedding; one box per 3–4 hens
Ventilation: Good airflow without drafts (they’re cold-tolerant but not immune to respiratory issues)
Jersey Giant hens typically start laying at 6–7 months
Eggs are large to extra-large and brown
They can go broody, especially in spring—great for natural hatching if you want chicks
Starter Feed (0–8 weeks): 20–22% protein crumbles
Grower Feed (8–18 weeks): 16–18% protein
Layer Feed (18+ weeks): 16% protein with added calcium
Supplements: Grit and oyster shell (free-choice) for digestion and eggshell strength
Treats: Vegetables, fruits, mealworms—but limit to 10% of diet
Water: Always provide fresh, clean water; their large size means they drink more
⚠️ Note: Jersey Giants grow slowly compared to commercial meat birds (like Cornish Cross). They take 6–9 months to reach processing weight—but the meat is flavorful and less fatty.
Bumblefoot: Due to their weight, keep litter dry and roosts smooth and low (<2 ft high)
Leg/Keel Injuries: Avoid high jumps or wire flooring
Parasites: Regularly check for mites and lice; dust baths help prevent infestations
Worming: Rotate pasture if possible and deworm as needed (especially in humid climates)
Winter: Their size and feathering make them very cold-hardy—just ensure dry bedding and draft-free ventilation.
Summer: Provide shade, plenty of water, and cooling options (frozen treats, misters). They can struggle in extreme heat due to their bulk.
If breeding, maintain a ratio of 1 rooster per 8–10 hens
Jersey Giants mature slowly, so wait until 8–10 months before using roosters for breeding
Eggs for hatching should be collected daily and stored properly (<7 days at 55°F, 75% humidity)
Pros:
Gentle temperament—great for families
Excellent foragers
Long-lived (6–8+ years)
Impressive table birds with high meat yield
Cons:
Slow growth rate
High feed consumption
Require more space than average breeds
May accidentally crush eggs or chicks due to size
Start with pullets if your main goal is eggs—they’ll be more efficient than cockerels.
Use deep litter method in the coop for easier maintenance and natural composting.
Give them enrichment (perches, dust baths, treat dispensers) to keep them active and reduce boredom.
If you're raising Jersey Giants for meat, consider pasture-raising them—they’ll develop better flavor and texture than confined birds. For egg layers, they’re reliable producers with a calm demeanor that makes them a joy to keep.
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