Fat broiler Chick

[TT43]

My broiler chick (8 weeks) doesn't move much. Is it because she is so fat? Is that normal? I feel so bad for her.

 

[keesmom]

Well, first of all it's a "he" and not a "she". Are you not planning on butchering him soon?

 

[TT43]

Oh, lol. Well ty for that. No, we bought 4 babies from Tractor Supply and didn't know what kind...I'm new at this. But you're sure a rooster huh?

 

[Painted Calls]

Boilers are not meant to live past 8-14 weeks.

They can live longer with very strict diets, but it's not common for them to live over a year. I believe there is someone here that had a broiler live for a year or close to it. Organ failure (mainly heart) is what usually takes them.

 

[Three Little Bunnies]

I have seen broilers at shows who are six to eight weeks and only move to eat or drink. Process them soon, it is inhumane to keep them alive.

 

[mtnlady621]

I agree with all the above posts. Two years ago I had unannounced company on what was supposed to be butchering day. The next morning I had 2 dead....

 

[TT43]

Will do. I had no idea. He does run some with the other chickens but takes a lot of breaks. We were planning on eating some anyway

 

[rosemarythyme]

We were planning on eating some anyway

It'd be kindest to plan on butchering this one before he gets to the point where he cannot move.