4/14/12

Jersey Giants coming to the neighborhood

Sustainability is a big thing these days.  People are growing more food in their gardens and everybody is interested in backyard chickens.  I have kept chickens for 6 years since I sold a house here in Jupiter Farms and found a place for their play set, rabbit, pool and some other things, but could not find a home for their chickens.

So, I took them.

6 years and 19 birds later I am still at it.  And I'm always meeting people who want to get some birds and need advice on the care and feeding thereof.  My girls produce about a dozen eggs a day.

Chickens can be fascinating friends.  They are very social and curious and will hang around you every time you are in the yard if you will let them.

About a year ago, my new neighbors moved in with 2 horses, 2 miniature donkeys and a couple of chickens.  Well, they did not have the sturdiest of cages and the local predators soon gave them a personal invitation for dinner.  So they are replenishing the flock... with Jersey Giants.

Jersey Giants were originally bred to replace turkeys.  In fact, the roosters can get to 17 pounds.  They are docile and friendly by nature and good layers and breeders.  You see, in the world of chickens, each breed is known by these characteristics.  Just like any other animals be they horses, dogs or humans.

However, roosters do crow.  Loudly.  And at all hours if they feel like it.

So for the next few months while the chicks are growing all is quiet.  Roosters can't crow until they are mature.  Then they have to "find" their cock-a-doodle-do by practicing.

So I guess we are in for some crowing.  But if they breed, and the roosters always do their part it's the hens that don't sit the eggs (called broody) maybe there will be some extra birds that can cross the fence and come live over here. 

If living in Jupiter Farms sounds like fun...it is!  You can see all Jupiter Farms homes for sale at my website Coastal Florida Real Estate where all homes and pictures are there in real time.  Or for personal, Farms resident service, you can call me at 561-762-4073 or coastalflrealestate@gmail.com.  Or head over to my You Tube channel where there are over 150 videos on the Jupiter lifestyle.