Mottled Java
One of the oldest American breeds, the java was developed in the U.S. from stock that came from the far east. The breed was very popular for meat and egg production in the mid to late 1800s. The java also played a large role in the development of other breeds such as the Jersey Giant, Rhode island Red and Plymouth Rock.
When more exotic breeds were intoduced into the country and commercial growers began to develop their own specialized strains of meat and egg producers, the java's popularity began to decline. The breed was nearly extinct by the 20th century. Thanks to the efforts of preservationists and the increasing awareness for the importance of heritage livestock breeds, the java is making a comeback. The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy just recently moved the java from its critical list to its list of threatened breeds. A big step in the right direction.
The java is an ideal farmstead fowl. It is a general purpose bird. Males weigh 9 to 9.5 pounds and hens weigh 6.5 to 7.5 pounds. Cockerels grow out slower than specialized meat breeds, yet produce a ample amount of meat in a reasonable amount of time. Hens are good layers of large brown eggs. The temperament of the java is calm and docile. The roos are tractable and easy to manage. Hens will go broody and are good mothers. Javas are excellent foragers and can get much of their own food. They need very little supplemental feeding if allowed to free range. The breed is very hardy in inclement weather and are disease resistant.
This is the newest breed to join my flock. Their self sustaining abilities really drew me to the breed. I chose the mottled variety for their beauty and in hopes that the broken up black and white pattern may provide some camoflauge from predators. I am starting my flock with 2 beautiful cockerels and 7 pullets. I plan to add to my flock with chicks in the spring as well as hatching some of my own. My girls won't start laying until Feb. of '10, but my hopes are to start hatching from them in April. Hatching eggs will be available in limited numbers. Started birds may be available late summer. |
