Where does their name come from? Although these birds do have beautiful black plumage, the "black" in their name actually refers to the two men who developed the breed, John and Thomas Black. "Jersey" refers to the state of New Jersey, where breeders originally raised them.
Are there any special care requirements for this breed? Because they are so large, if you plan to add them to your layer flock, ensure that your nesting boxes can accommodate their size. You may also need to place some roosting bars lower to the ground so they can easily jump on and off.
Are Black Jersey Giant roosters good flock additions? If your zone allows roosters and you want a male in your flock, this would be a good breed to consider. With handling and socialization from a young age, they can be quite friendly roosters.
Will this breed lay speckled eggs? Speckling is determined by the way the egg rotates inside the hen when pigment is deposited. It can also be caused by excess calcium. While there is no breed that specifically lays a speckled egg, Black Jersey Giant eggs have been known to be speckled.
Will Black Jersey Giant hens go broody? There is a chance they can go broody, but they are not typically as broody as other breeds.
What do Black Jersey Giant chicks look like? While they will be all black when they become fully feathered, baby chicks may have some white or yellow patches until they develop their adult feathers.
Is this a recognized breed? This large breed was recognized by the APA in the 1920s. They developed a breed standard, and listed the white, black, and blue variety as the standard of perfection.
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