← All breeds
Jersey Giant chicken breed portrait

Illustration (AI rendered)

Jersey Giant

The largest pure chicken breed.

🐣 Beginner friendly❄ Cold hardy
Egg color
brown
Eggs / year
200
Egg size
extra large
Purpose
dual
Class
American
Size
jumbo
Hen weight
10 lbs
Rooster weight
13 lbs
Temperament
calm, docile, gentle
Noise level
quiet
Origin
USA
Lifespan
6-8 yrs

About the Jersey Giant

Jersey Giants are known for their impressive size, standing as the largest pure chicken breed. They have a calm and friendly temperament, making them great for families. Their feathers can be black, blue, or white, with a deep breast and broad back. This size and gentle nature make them unique among dual-purpose breeds.

History

The Jersey Giant was developed in the United States in the late 19th century by Pennsylvania breeders. They aimed to create a large bird capable of providing meat while still laying a decent number of eggs. The breed quickly gained popularity and spread throughout the country due to its usefulness on small farms.

Care tips

Jersey Giants are hardy and adapt well to various environments, but they do require ample space to roam due to their large size. They are not known to be broody; however, they thrive on social interaction. A balanced diet is crucial to support their growth and egg production.

Color varieties

blackwhiteblue

Fun facts

  • Jersey Giants can weigh up to 13 pounds, making them incredibly heavy for a chicken.
  • They were originally bred to replace turkeys as a meat source in the U.S.
  • Jersey Giants are good layers, producing around 150-200 brown eggs per year.
  • Their calm demeanor makes them excellent pets and great with children.
Reviewed by the ChickenCoops.ai Editorial Team
Content is written and reviewed by our team of backyard chicken keepers, veterinary technicians, and community moderators. Aggregate data pulls nightly from our own platform. Last reviewed July 13, 2026.