The Jersey Giant is the largest purebred chicken in the US and maybe even worldwide! As the name suggests, they were developed in New Jersey between the 1870’s-1890’s. Like other large-breed chickens, Jersey Giants are known for being “gentle giants.” They are docile and known to be good around children, despite their large size. The  height of the hen is 16-20 inches, with the height of the rooster usually being 22-26 inches. Mature hens weigh about 11 pounds, while a rooster weighs around 13-15 pounds. Because of their large size, this breed takes a little longer to mature to a laying age, but the wait is definitely worth it! Jersey Giants are decent egg layers and produce 2-4 really large brown eggs a week. Black Jersey Giants have a beetle-green sheen in the sunlight that is truly beautiful.