Jersey Giant Chickens
The Jersey Giant is the largest chicken variety, weighing in at 13 pounds for a rooster and 11 pounds for a hen. these weights are averages and in order to reach that potential weight, the birds do need to be selectively bred.
Jersey giants were first bred by Thomas and John Black between the 1870s and the 1890s in the town of Jobstown, New Jersey. They bred specifically for weight, not paying much attention to color at the time, as they specialized in a high demand growing poulty market. During this time, the Jersey giants were a cross between Black Javas, Black Langshans, and Dark Brahmas. The Black Brothers created a wonderful reputation in the birds they created.
As the birds were more in demand, the birds were called “Giants” in 1895. An expert caponizer found the Black Brothers farm during this time and due to the birds’ uniform size, he recommended the birds being called “Black Giants,” being referred to the name of the founders.
In 1917, Dexter Upham of New Jersey wanted to improve the Black Giants further and create a standard. The Black Giants were renamed Jersey Giants: Their purpose was to take over the turkey industry by their enormous size.
Blue Jersey Giants developed on Mrs. Golda Miller’s Farm. She raised White Jersey Giants (a sport that came out of the Blacks) and saw some grey flecks on one. This bird was bred to a Black Jersey giant on her friend’s farm. The result was a splash. She bred the bird again, and the Blue Jersey Giants were developed.
Our Breeders consist of Blue/Black/and Splash in one pen and pure Black Jersey Giants in another pen. The Jersey Giant is on watch status with the Livestock Conservancy.
