JERSEY GIANT

Product Description

A breed developed in the United States and named after New jersey, its state of origin. The jersey Giant was created as an alternative to turkey and is the largest known breed – hens mature to 10 pounds (4.5 kg), cocks to 13 pounds (6 kg). and caponized cockerels reach a whopping 20 pounds (9 kg). Raising jersey Giants for meat production turned out to be uneconomical because they put most of their energy into developing a strong bone structure before they start fleshing out at about six months, and take as long as nine months to reach a reasonable size for harvesting.

They remain popular, however, for their huge size, calm disposition, and cold hardiness. The jersey Giant has a single comb, may be large or bantam, and comes in a few color varieties, of which black and white are the two most common. For such a large breed, the hens are good layers of brown-shell eggs and make wonderful broodies, although their eggs may take a day or two longer to hatch than other breeds.