Black Jersey Giant Chicken

The Black Jersey Giant chicken was originated in Burlington County in the State of New Jersey during the 1880’s. A good heavy breed but slower to grow than some breeds before surpassing them in weight and size. They are slow to mature and have a poor feed/weight conversion, which explains why they aren’t popular as a commercial broiler, although they were popular in the late 1800’s for chickens for meat. It is the largest of the dual purpose chicken and eventually excels as a meat chicken and a fairly good laying hen. When grown the black feathers take on a green sheen within the black color. These chickens were admitted to the American Standard of Perfection in 1922 and both varieties (whites and blacks) are noted for willow colored or nearly black legs and toes. We offer this chicken breed in a production line and not a show line.

Breed Facts

• 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 1922
• ALBC: Watch Status, Considered a sustainable heritage chicken breed.
• Breeder Farm Source: Hatchery® Poultry Breeding Farm has been developing our bloodline/strain of production type (non exhibition type) Black Jersey Giant since 1979.