Jersey giant chickens
The Jersey giant chicken breed, which appeared not so long ago, is considered one of the record holders in terms of weight, as it gives a sufficient yield of meat products.
Jersey giant
About Jersey giants
The Jersey giant egg and meat breed of chickens appeared on American poultry farms around the 20s of the last century. She was bred in the process of crossed Brahm chickens the Orlington breed and representatives of the Langshan.
The Jersey Giant chickens owe their fame to their very high weight. Layers can gain about 4 kg, for males a good average weight is up to 6-7 kg.
The Jersey giant breed was registered in 1922 as a distinct type of poultry.
Initially, the birds only had black plumage. The consolidation of the results obtained in America at the genetic level took place in England, where the representatives of the breed received various shades, not only black, but also red (tomato-colored), white and even blue colors appeared. Subsequently, the egg-meat breed received its distribution throughout the European territory, continuing to participate in a variety of experimental crosses. the poultry industry of Russia got acquainted with the rare breed of chickens Djersky giant a little later.
Exterior signs
Description of the breed of Jersey giant chickens begins with an indication of their large size and muscular build. Despite the powerful constitution, the representatives of the giants are distinguished by gracefulness, moving on long, wide-set four-toed paws. Their bodies are quite long, outwardly resembling broiler, with a wide dorsal region, developed shoulders, a well-built belly and a deep chest.
Among the color of the plumage, there are 3 main colors that are most often found in the breed:
- the traditional black Jersey giant has a blue tint of the feather, the color of the beak is similar to black, the metatarsus with a yellow tint,
- white with yellow metatarsals and a beak pierced with dark veins,
- blue with an ash tint, the dark beak of which is marked with a yellow spot at the very tip, the metatarsus are close to black with a yellow bottom.
The tail of Jersey chickens is formed by numerous crescent feathers, densely set, located at a 45-degree angle relative to the dorsal region. All photos of the Jersey giant breed show a sleek, shiny chicken tail as a kind of bird decoration.
The description from the photo and video about the Jersey giants is noteworthy in that the layers are not much different from the roosters, only slightly squat and smaller in stature. but chickens can be distinguished along a lush tail, set slightly lower than that of roosters. The Jersey giant roosters can also be recognized by their larger heads.
The main feathers of birds of the described breed are densely set and smooth. The tail is wide and long; it adjoins the body from the sides rather tightly.Divided into 6 teeth, the scallops of the Jersey Giant are leaf-shaped, set straight upright, as are the scarlet lobes, like a fresh tomato. The iris of the eye is usually dark brown, close to black. The eyes are round in shape, rather large in size, protruding.
Jersey colors affect the prices at which they can be purchased.
Productive features
The Jersey giant has a high rate of gain in body weight, serving as a supplier of large quantities of chicken meat. By the age of 1 year, males can gain weight up to 5 kg. By the time the egg-laying process begins, the chicken weighs about 3.5-3.7 kg.
Jersey chicks are characterized by the intensity of gaining body weight in the initial 5 months, gradually decreasing the growth rate. On average, Jersey Giant chickens continue to grow until they reach the age of 1.5 years.
After five months of age, keeping chickens becomes less profitable. The price of products ceases to justify the investment costs, since a lot of feed is eaten, and the growth rate is significantly reduced.
Oviposition of females begins at seven months of age, providing up to 180 pieces for a period. Jersey eggs with a strong brown hue. The weight of each egg from a Jersey breed layer ranges from 55-60 g. Selling prices for hatching eggs range from 100 rubles per piece.
Creation of conditions for containment
Among the intricacies of keeping Jersey Giant chickens, the need to gain weight in the first year of life, especially the first 5 months, stands out.
Walking
Keeping Jersey requires considerable walking space, especially during the warmer months, in order to provide birds with access to grass, pebbles and insects. However, even in the conditions of open-air cages, the Jersey are able to gain the required weight and provide the expected productivity from them, subject to the planting rules: no more than 2 birds per 1 sq. m area. The advantage of arranging walking pastures is that they do not require high fences, since the Jersey, due to their large weight, practically do not fly.
Premises
In winter, the room where chickens are kept should warm up to 10-12 ° C, although reviews of poultry farmers note that a decrease in temperature to -5 ° C does not significantly affect egg production... Among the prerequisites is regular ventilation to provide fresh air. For the outflow of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide compounds released during the life of chickens, some poultry farmers install a gas outlet, cutting it in from the bottom of the wall of the poultry house. In the poultry house, the floor is lined with straw or sawdust.
Food
Jersey chickens are fed 2 to 3 times a day, giving preference to wet mixes made from compound feed. Coarse grains are the best option for them. A prenight feeding regimen will improve the quality of lay and add weight. In the daily diet of the meat giant, it is recommended to include up to 40% of corn cobs, up to 40% of millet and about 10% of oil cake, shell rock and vitamin supplements.
Growing young animals
For chickens, the conditions are somewhat different. Young animals in the diet should have a sufficient amount of calcium, vitamins A, D and E. Newborn chickens are placed in a warm place where the temperature does not drop below 28-26 ° C, there are no drafts and there is no excess moisture.
Often, poultry farmers use dry compound feed or wheat bran. Among the main points to look out for during the first days of chicks' life is the constant availability of warm drinking water, to which it is recommended to add glucose.
Newborn chickens are fed up to 6 times a day, starting in the first days with chicken yolk, gradually switching to feed mixtures intended for young chicken.
For chickens in the first months of growth, during the formation of the skeleton, calcium feed is required, which can be in the form of crushed limestone. Small shell rock helps to ensure the normal functioning of the digestive system, especially when whole grains are included in the diet of birds.
Advantages and disadvantages for breeding
The advantages of the breed that are important for the price of poultry are:
- high productivity and growth rates,
- stable egg production,
- easy adaptability to changing conditions of detention,
- quality characteristics of eggs and meat,
- high percentage of vitality.
Among the disadvantages that lead to the culling of birds in the breed, reducing prices for individuals:
- the presence in the plumage of a color that is not typical for the breed,
- light color of the eye iris,
- inconsistency of the plus points with the breed shade,
- low weight indicators,
- physique inappropriate for the breed.
Among the disadvantages of the Jersey breed, reviews of poultry farmers distinguish:
- the need for a large space for keeping birds,
- loss of taste of meat in individuals older than a year,
- predisposition of the breed to obesity.
In addition, Jersey Giant chickens are prone to mycoplasmosisTherefore, poultry farmers recommend carefully observing the birds in the first 2-3 months. Newly acquired chickens and adults are kept in quarantine separately from the entire livestock.