9 week old chicken is HUGE

[Colberon]

We have had chickens in the past, but recently obtained new pullers; we have had chickens in the past, after taking a break for a few years. We have an almost 9 week old chicken who is more than double the size of the others. (Two of them are nearly two weeks older.). Any thought on why this could be? I just joined this forum tonight and I’m going to try to post a picture of her .

 

[sylviethecochin]

That would be a red broiler (meat chicken.) I'm pretty sure that's a male.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

That's a rooster, possibly some type of meat ranger type.

 

[Colberon]

I just posted another picture, we’ve had roosters in the past and she really doesn’t look much like my previous roosters or exhibit similar behaviors.

 

[Colberon]

Sorry, posted before picture loaded...

 

[Fluffnut]

I just posted another picture, we’ve had roosters in the past and she really doesn’t look much like my previous roosters or exhibit similar behaviors.

Each rooster has a different personality. He might just be a nice one. And he's young, so he hasn't had time to begin taking responsibility for his flock. Also, meat birds can have slightly different temperaments than layers. Of course, just because he's a meat bird doesn't mean he has to be eaten

 

[ChickNanny13]

At 9wks, it's a cockerel ... The size/color of his comb/wattles is a real tell - tale.

 

[Colberon]

Each rooster has a different personality. He might just be a nice one. And he's young, so he hasn't had time to begin taking responsibility for his flock. Also, meat birds can have slightly different temperaments than layers. Of course, just because he's a meat bird doesn't mean he has to be eaten

Ha Ha, Thanks,I don't think that we'll be eating him, I just told my daughter what I have learned and she was not happy... Thanks for your help!!

 

[Chickassan]

Yep, big red cockrel.

I just posted another picture, we’ve had roosters in the past and she really doesn’t look much like my previous roosters or exhibit similar behaviors.

He is only 9 weeks old give him another month or two.
He's just a kid right now.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! I agree with everyone here; he's a hybrid meat type cockerel.
These birds are meant to be in the freezer by eight to ten weeks of age, and tend to have very short lives if you try to keep them longer. They are very likely to develop heart failure, and/ or severe joint problems, because of their huge size and growth rate.
Mary