Do you know that the Java hen is the second oldest hen breed?
Javas are an previous heritage breed developed in the US within the early 1800s however originated from the Java Islands earlier than then.
Sadly, the breed isn’t properly documented.
In response to the Livestock Conservancy, they’re listed as crucial, making them a comparatively uncommon breed.
Javas are gradual growers who make wonderful homestead birds due to their dual-purpose properties.
The breed was used to develop the Jersey Giants, Rhode Island Reds, and Plymouth Rocks.
That is actually an ideal breed with many functions and constructive attributes.
I’m particularly keen on their calm personalities and robust foraging instincts, however the breed has by no means gained the recognition of so many different American Heritage chickens.
On this article, let’s study extra concerning the Java Hen and whether or not these beauties could be match on your yard flock.
Java Hen Background and Historical past
In response to the Livestock Conservancy, Java Chickens got here from the Isle of Java within the early 1800s.
Folks transported them to a younger America someday between 1835 and 1850, although some people imagine they arrived in America before this.
Javas are the second oldest breed within the US, solely following the Dominique.
Britains imported their first Javas in 1885.
Java Hen Breed Commonplace Look
Javas are available in 4 colours, although solely two are accepted by the American Poultry Affiliation (APA) within the Commonplace of Perfection.
Black and Mottled are accepted by the APA.
Auburn and White weren’t accepted, although White was quickly accepted till 1910 when it was eliminated.
This was as a result of it too intently resembled the White Plymouth Rock.
Javas have an oblong form however with a barely sloped topline. The backs are lengthy, and so they have well-rounded breasts. The feathers are tight.
A well-bred Java ought to have the primary level of its comb proper above its eye, not its beak.
They had been developed from chickens with a pea comb (all Javas are actually single combs).
Black Java
It’s simple to mistake a Black Java for a Black Jersey Big.
They’ve shiny, iridescent black feathers with a slight inexperienced sheen.
They’ve a extra sensible sheen than a Jersey Big, solely rivaled by the Langshan.
Black Javas have a shiny purple single comb, black shanks, a black beak, and yellow pores and skin. The underside of their ft ought to look yellow.
The eyes are darkish brown to black.
Mottled Java
Mottled Javas are black with splashes (additionally referred to as mottles) of white all through the physique.
These colourful variations add some curiosity to your flock and should make it simpler so that you can establish people.
Sometimes, the feathers are white with black ideas.
Over time, because the chicken ages and molts, an increasing number of white will develop, making it simple to differentiate the elders in your flock.
Their legs are gray to blue with yellow soles. The eyes are purple.
White Java
White Javas are exceptionally just like White Plymouth Chickens.
One of the best ways to differentiate a White Java from a Plymouth is the physique form reasonably than colour.
Search for the primary level of the comb to be in keeping with the chicken’s eye reasonably than the nostril.
The White Java may also have an extended again, rounder breast, and far tighter feathering (extra feathers per sq. inch).
White Javas should not but admitted to the APA, although devoted breeders are working to get them acknowledged within the Commonplace of Perfection.
Auburn Java
Auburn Javas had been used to develop the Rhode Island Purple, probably the most standard breeds in America as we speak.
It’s possible you’ll sometimes hear Auburn Javas known as “Purple Java” or “Brown Java.”
Auburn Javas are tough to seek out, however devoted breeders are working to convey them again to the APA for acceptance.
A captivating six-page PDF is masking the historical past and projected way forward for Auburns, which you could find right here.
Breeders have taken Auburns and made them into “double browns” or “double laced” and “darkish brown,” “mahogany,” “gold,” and “ginger” shades and plumage patterns.
Breeders have made stunningly lovely penciling, barring, spangling, and partridge patterns with homozygous predictability.
Java Chicks
Mottled Javas are white or yellow chicks with black eyes, black splashes on their backs, and yellow-orange ft and beaks.
Their physique shapes are similar to Rhode Island purple chicks.
Java Hen Measurement and Weight
Most Java roosters weigh 9 and a half kilos, whereas the hens weigh seven and a half kilos.
Even rarer than the usual Java chickens are the bantam Javas. These weigh 36 ounces as roosters (about 2.25 kilos) and 32 ounces as hens (two kilos).
Java Hen Character and Temperament
It’s a disgrace that the Java hen isn’t standard as a result of their personalities are pleasant.
It’s uncommon to discover a chicken equally adept at foraging and free-ranging as they’re candy and docile.
Normally, you may have a child-safe chicken or a self-sufficient one—however not each.
The Java hen is the exception to this rule, so I’m hoping their inhabitants will bounce again.
The hens are inclined to go broody about yearly, and they’re good moms who hold monitor of their chicks and lift them properly.
Chicks hatched and raised by their moms reasonably than people and incubators are a bit extra flighty, however you may win them over with sufficient time and treats.
Java Hen Egg Manufacturing
Java hens lay about 150 to 180 massive eggs which are tinted (gentle brown) to darkish brown.
They begin laying later than many breeds, round six months previous however will proceed laying for a few years longer than different heritage breeds.
Javas will persistently lay into their fifth and sixth years of life.
They may also proceed laying eggs into the winter should you present an extra gentle supply and ample feed.
ALSO READ: Hold Hens Laying Eggs By The Winter
Java Hen Meat Manufacturing
Javas chickens develop slower than many different heritage breeds.
Nonetheless, the meat has taste, and so they’re nice foragers.
This implies they’ll supply portion of their food plan independently.
Javas are able to hitting 7.5 to 9.5 kilos at full maturity as hens and roosters, respectively, count on weights of 5.5 to eight.5 kilos as younger broilers.
Getting them to their potential complete weights takes extra time and feed than most breeders really feel is price it.
Java Hen Widespread Well being Issues
Java chickens have a robust immune system and have few well being issues.
Their slower progress price permits them to construct a greater immune system and maintain stress and unfavorable situations properly.
Most heritage breeds are typically naturally more healthy and hardier.
Easy methods to Hold Java Chickens Wholesome
Preserve a Secure and Clear Coop and Run
Usually clear the hen coop to take away droppings, previous bedding, and any leftover meals.
A clear setting helps forestall the expansion of dangerous micro organism and parasites.
Use the deep litter technique if that fits your life-style.
If not, strip, clear, and disinfect the coop no less than a few times a 12 months.
Present correct air flow to scale back moisture and ammonia ranges contained in the coop.
This may forestall a number of respiratory infections, frostbite, and lots of sicknesses usually.
Test for and restore any holes or gaps that will enable predators or pests to enter.
Ensure that the coop and run have ample house for the variety of chickens you might have.
That’s no less than 4 sq. ft of coop house per hen.
Javas, like most heritage breeds, wish to have the liberty to hunt for his or her meals for no less than just a few hours a day.
Allow them to have time in your yard, or supply a bigger run to encourage them to maneuver round.
Feed a Nicely-Rounded, Full Eating regimen
Supply a balanced and nutritionally full feed formulated for the particular wants of chickens.
You may select between pellet or crumble varieties from industrial feeds or make your feed at dwelling.
Present recent and clear water always.
Chickens may be vulnerable to dehydration; water is essential for digestion and total well being.
They want about 75% water, and their meals sources typically solely present 5-15% of their water wants each day.
Chickens ought to all the time have entry to wash and recent water 24/7, particularly throughout excessive temperature swings.
Complement their food plan with kitchen scraps, fruits, and greens, however keep away from feeding them something poisonous, similar to onions, garlic, chocolate, or citrus.
We have now a complete information to hen treats for you right here.
Calcium is necessary for eggshell manufacturing. They need to all the time have entry to oyster shells or crushed lime.
Give Them House on Pasture or To Free Vary
Like most heritage breeds, Javas worth self-sufficiency and their potential to forage.
They’d respect loads of time to be within the forest or on pasture to hunt for their very own grains, bugs, and grasses.
Whereas they are often joyful in stationary coops and runs, they could respect hen tractors and rotational grazing greater than many different breeds.
FAQ About Java Chickens
What Coloration Are Java Hen Eggs?
Java hens lay tinted to darkish brown eggs which are massive.
Anticipate every hen to put round 150 to 180 eggs per 12 months from the time they’re six to eight months previous till they’re six to eight years previous.
Are Java Chickens Warmth Tolerant?
Java chickens tolerate the warmth properly and simply deal with most temperature fluctuations.
They’re properly fitted to hotter climates and can forage even throughout the hottest days of summer time.
At What Age Do Java Chickens Lay Eggs?
Java chickens begin laying eggs barely later than different breeds.
Most Java hens will produce their first eggs round six to eight months previous.
Are Java Chickens Pleasant?
Java Chickens are very pleasant, docile, and candy.
You may belief them round your babies, pets, and guests.
They don’t seem to be flighty and simple to tame and befriend, particularly should you increase the chicks from hatching eggs.
Are Java Chickens Uncommon?
Java Chickens are uncommon. The preferred incubators within the US don’t carry them.
As of February 2024, they aren’t provided by Murray McMurray, Cackle Hatchery, California Hatchery, Hoover’s Hatchery, Meyer Hatchery, or Purely Poultry.
Privett Hatchery does have Java chicks out there.
Java Hen Breed Profile Abstract
Java chickens are a improbable previous heritage breed that constructed and developed a number of key standard breeds within the US, however their numbers should not doing properly.
I absolutely imagine they deserve extra recognition, particularly because of their plumage, candy personalities, and self-sufficient tendencies.
With that mentioned, I perceive why many individuals don’t need to spend money on gradual growers who “solely” lay about 150 to 180 eggs a 12 months, particularly when there are hens able to producing 300+ eggs per 12 months, that are extra frequent now.
I’m excited to see how their inhabitants modifications over the following few years.
Their devoted breeders are making exceptional progress, and I imagine (hope?) the breed will survive.
RELATED READS:
