Giant chick?

[wf1992]

What's going on here? These are 2 of my 2-week-old ameraucanas. All my chicks are about the same size - with this one, glaring exception.

The big one is slower feathering, and slower moving, spending more time than the others sitting down. It doesn't run around like the others, and generally seems like the leg muscles are too weak to support it, as if they haven't kept pace with the rest of the growth spurt. I don't remember there being any discernible size difference when we got them. Is this normal? Healthy? I'd hate to find out later there was something I should have done, if I'd only known...

 

[ChickNanny13]

That's a big size difference, sorry I can't help you but I know someone with more experience & answers will peep in. It's legs look like it should handle it's weight, it's possible due to it's size in need of vitamins .... Are your chicks from a breeder or feed store?
Waiting to see what other have to say

 

[Meg-in-MT]

Haha, wow. That is a big difference! You people who get these pictures of chicks standing next to each, as if it's no big deal, boggle my mind. Wish I could add something constructive but... That's all I've got

 

[Wishing4Wings]

The big chick doesn't look like it has a pea comb, so probably a different breed. Jersey Giant maybe?

 

[Skipper81]

That's very true
One chick pulled genes from Mom other chick pulled genes from Dad
Parents are probably way different in size

 

[Wishing4Wings]

I'm assuming the big guy got mixed up at the hatchery.
Completely different breed.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

That's very true
One chick pulled genes from Mom other chick pulled genes from Dad
Parents are probably way different in size

It's not that....they are two different breeds entirely.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

It's not that....they are two different breeds entirely.

X2 and considering the thick legs and comb growth you may have a cockerel

 

[wf1992]

Anybody think I should worry about the way the big one totters around so much slower than the others? Maybe they'll even out. I have no prior experience with chicks, so just don't know what to make of the size difference.

To my knowledge, the breeder doesn't have any large breeds. Nor do they have any other variety of black chicks that would be easily confused. Their ameraucana line is bred for eggs, not showing, so I suppose size and clean faced wouldn't be considerations for them. Sure does make me wonder what hopped the fence to father that one tho!

 

[Skipper81]

You should name him t-rex