Java
Dual purpose · United States · 🌱 Beginner friendly
The Java is America's second-oldest breed, a big, unhurried homestead bird that grows slowly and forages like it's getting paid. It fell out of favor when faster commercial breeds arrived, but conservation flocks have pulled it back from the edge.
Eggs per year
150–180
Egg color
Brown
Egg size
Large
Hen weight
6.5–7.5 lbs
Temperament
Calm and self-reliant
Broodiness
Sometimes broody
Did you know?
The Java's genes run through much of American poultry — it helped found both the Plymouth Rock and the Jersey Giant.
Is the Java right for your flock?
Expect roughly 150–180 brown eggs a year from a healthy hen in her prime — production dips during molt and the short days of winter, and eases off as she ages. Planning space? A Java hen runs 6.5–7.5 lbs, so size the coop with our coop size calculator and estimate the feed bill with the feed cost calculator.
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Keeping Javas?
Give every bird a profile in PoultryPal — track their eggs, weight, and life events, and see who's really your best layer.
