You can buy Jersey Giant chickens from local hatcheries, poultry shows, or online retailers specializing in heritage breeds like Murray McMurray Hatchery.
Jersey Giant chickens are prized for their massive size, gentle temperament, and excellent egg production. If you’re looking to add these gentle giants to your flock, this guide covers the best hatcheries, breeders, and tips for raising them successfully.
Top Hatcheries for Jersey Giant Chickens
Cackle Hatchery
Cackle Hatchery offers Black Jersey Giants with a proven bloodline developed since 1979. Their production-type birds (non-exhibition) mature to 11-14 lbs for roosters and 8 lbs for hens. Customers report excellent hatch rates and healthy chicks with the distinctive green sheen in their black plumage.
Key details:
- 180-260 brown eggs per year
- Recognized by APA Standard of Perfection
- Slow growth rate but excellent final size
Visit Cackle Hatchery for current pricing and availability.
Meyer Hatchery
Meyer Hatchery is currently taking orders for their 2025 hatching season. Their Jersey Giants are known for docile temperaments and good laying performance. Many backyard keepers report these birds become the gentle leaders of their flocks.
Notable traits:
- Excellent forager abilities
- Calm disposition around children
- Good winter hardiness
McMurray Hatchery
McMurray offers both Black and White Jersey Giants. Their birds are bred for dual-purpose qualities, making them excellent for both egg production and meat. Many customers report hens beginning to lay as early as 5 months.
Special considerations:
- Require sturdy roosts (low to ground)
- Need extra space due to size
- Excellent free-range abilities
What to Expect When Buying Jersey Giants
Growth Rate
Jersey Giants grow slower than commercial broilers but eventually surpass them in size. They typically reach:
| Age | Weight |
|---|---|
| 8 weeks | 4-5 lbs |
| 6 months | 7-9 lbs |
| Adult | 8-14 lbs |
Temperament
These birds are famously docile. Many owners report they’re among the calmest in mixed flocks. Some hens even serve as peacekeepers, breaking up squabbles between other chickens. Learn more about managing chicken pecking order.
Egg Production
While not the most prolific layers, Jersey Giants produce consistently:
- 180-260 large brown eggs annually
- Some hens lay through winter
- Eggs average 55-60 grams
Care Requirements for Jersey Giants
Housing Needs
Due to their size, Jersey Giants need special accommodations:
- Low roosts (12-18 inches off ground)
- Extra-large nest boxes (12×12 inches minimum)
- 4 sq ft per bird in coop
- 10 sq ft per bird in run
For more on coop sizing, see our guide on coop size for 10 chickens.
Feeding
These large birds have specific nutritional needs:
- Starter feed for first 8 weeks
- Grower feed until 20 weeks
- Layer feed with 16% protein for adults
- Extra calcium supplement for laying hens
Why Choose Jersey Giants?
Dual-Purpose Qualities
While slow-growing, they eventually provide excellent meat yields. The dark meat is flavorful and moist, similar to heritage turkey.
Predator Resistance
Their large size deters many predators. Many owners report their Jersey Giants serve as flock protectors, keeping watch for hawks and other threats.
Longevity
With proper care, Jersey Giants often live 6-8 years, much longer than commercial hybrids. They remain productive layers for 3-4 years.
For those in warmer climates, consider how chickens stay cool during hot weather.
Buying Tips
Order Early
Popular hatcheries often sell out months in advance. Many are already taking orders for 2025.
Consider Shipping
Most hatcheries ship via USPS with excellent success rates. Chicks can survive 2-3 days in transit with proper packaging.
Start with Chicks
While more work, starting with chicks allows proper socialization. Jersey Giants raised from chicks often become extremely tame.