Currently in the world there is a huge number of the most diverse breeds of chickens. They differ from each other according to various criteria and indicators: areas of productivity, color, live weight, weight of eggs laid, character, and others.
A special and interesting breed of chickens is the Jersey Giant. They were bred by an ordinary farmer named Dexter Wuham in America about a century ago in the state of New Jersey. Their main distinguishing feature is already visible by name – these are very large birds. To breed them, the farmer crossed Java and Brahma with dark plumage, as well as Indian fighting and Croad Langshans. The Jersey Giants arrived in European countries five years after they were introduced. At first, only the British began to breed them, and then the Germans and the Dutch.
The weight of adult chickens can reach four and a half kilograms, roosters gain up to six and a half kilograms of live weight. The annual egg production of laying hens is about 180 eggs. But the main products of these birds are rather large volumes of meat, which has excellent taste. The plumage color is represented by three shades: white, black and “lace”. Jersey giants are excellent hens, they have a well-developed maternal instinct, they take care of their offspring, but because of their large size, hens often crush eggs. Therefore, the chicks are either incubated by another hen, or the eggs are laid in incubators.
These feathered pets are distinguished by a calm character, energy, quickly adapt to any conditions of detention and climate. However, for their maintenance, cultivation and walking, a lot of space is needed. The bird has a broad back, large shoulders and chest, strong legs and a well-developed belly.
