Are Jersey Giants friendly with kids?

Generally, yes. Mississippi State calls them calm and docile and lists them as friendly, and the Livestock Conservancy describes them as calm and friendly. Their size can be a lot for small children to hold, and the Livestock Conservancy notes they can be noisy.

What color eggs do Jersey Giants lay?

Brown. UW–Madison lists brown, and the Livestock Conservancy gives a range from light cream to dark brown. The eggs are large to extra large.

How many eggs does a Jersey Giant lay?

About 150 to 200 a year, according to the Livestock Conservancy and Oklahoma State.

Are Jersey Giants cold hardy?

Very, says the Livestock Conservancy, though roosters' large single combs can get frostbite. They do not do well in the heat.

Do Jersey Giants need a bigger coop?

Yes. The Livestock Conservancy recommends larger nest boxes, more room on the roosts, and lower roost bars for these heavy birds.

Jersey Giant

Q: How big do Jersey Giants get?

The standard weight is 13 lb for a rooster and 10 lb for a hen (UW–Madison, UF/IFAS). The Livestock Conservancy says mature roosters reach 13 to 15 lb and hens 10 to 11 lb, with Black birds about a pound heavier than White.

A true giant from New Jersey: roosters reach 13 lb or more, with a calm, friendly nature and brown eggs.

Jersey Giant hen — Photo: Thomon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped

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Jersey Giant at a glance

Large and heavy

Status: APA breed, American class. Black admitted 1922, White 1947; Blue is also recognized.[1][2]
Origin: Developed between 1870 and 1890 by John and Thomas Black in Burlington County, New Jersey, when big capons were in demand.[3][4]
Egg color: Brown (the Livestock Conservancy says light cream to dark brown)[4][5][3]
Eggs per year: 150–200[3][6]
Egg size: Large to extra large[7][8][3]
Weight: Standard 13 lb rooster, 10 lb hen (the Livestock Conservancy says mature roosters reach 13–15 lb, hens 10–11 lb).[4][5][6][3]
Bantam: Yes, in Black and White.[2]
Temperament: Calm, docile and friendly; can be noisy.[8][3]
Broodiness: Some hens go broody and some don't; their size means they can crush eggs, so they aren't the best sitters.[3][4]
Cold: Very cold-hardy, though roosters' large single combs can get frostbite.[3][8]
Heat: Does not do well in the heat.[3]
Varieties: Black, Blue and White[2][4][7]
Conservation: Listed as Recovering by the Livestock Conservancy.[3]
How to spot one: Very large; black plumage with a beetle-green sheen, single comb, red earlobes, yellow skin, black shanks with yellow soles and no leg feathers.[5][3][4]

Facts no source backs up are left out. Updated October 26, 2026 (how we check).

The Jersey Giant is exactly what its name promises. Roosters weigh 13 pounds or more, hens about 10, and yet the breed is known for a calm, friendly nature.

Made in New Jersey

The Livestock Conservancy says John and Thomas Black developed the Jersey Giant between 1870 and 1890 in Burlington County, New Jersey. UW–Madison explains why: at the time there was demand for heavy birds for capon production. Illinois Extension says the foundation included Black Javas, Dark Brahmas and Black Langshans.

The Black variety was admitted to the American Poultry Association's Standard in 1922 and White in 1947 (Illinois Extension); Blue is recognized too.

Size: truly giant

The standard weight is 13 lb for a rooster and 10 lb for a hen (UW–Madison, UF/IFAS, Oklahoma State). The Livestock Conservancy says mature roosters reach 13 to 15 lb and hens 10 to 11 lb, and Blacks run about a pound heavier than Whites. Bantam Jersey Giants exist in Black and White.

Plan for the size. The Livestock Conservancy recommends larger nest boxes, more room on roosting bars, and lower bars. Our Laying Calculator uses its heavy-breed setting, since heavier breeds tend to mature later.

Eggs

Jersey Giants lay brown eggs (UW–Madison); the Livestock Conservancy describes a range from light cream to dark brown. Ohio State rates them large, and the Livestock Conservancy says extra large. Expect about 150 to 200 eggs a year (Livestock Conservancy, Oklahoma State). Log them in our Egg Log.

Temperament

Mississippi State calls Jersey Giants "calm and docile" and lists them as friendly. The Livestock Conservancy agrees, and adds a note for close neighbors: the breed can be noisy.

Broodiness

Some hens go broody and some don't, says the Livestock Conservancy, and their size means they can crush eggs. UW–Madison agrees they aren't the best choice for incubating and brooding.

Weather

The Livestock Conservancy calls them a very cold-hardy breed, though roosters' large single combs can get frostbite, and says they do not do well in the heat. Mississippi State calls them fairly cold-hardy.

Conservation

The Livestock Conservancy lists the Jersey Giant as Recovering, so raising them helps a heritage breed.

How to recognize a Jersey Giant

UF/IFAS lists a single comb, red earlobes, yellow skin and black shanks with no leg feathers; the Livestock Conservancy adds yellow soles and a beetle-green sheen on Black birds. The sheer size is the biggest clue.

Is a Jersey Giant right for you?

Choose Jersey Giants if you have cold winters, space for big birds and want a calm flock. In hot climates, look at a lighter breed. For another heavy, gentle bird, compare the Brahma; for a smaller glossy black hen, see the Australorp.

Compare egg colors on our free Egg Color Chart printable.