Huge difference in size - pic added

[Sesame]

These are my first chickens and they are about 3-4 weeks old. I got 7 chicks (now 8) and they were all around the same size. A few were a smidge bigger. I was told they all hatched within 5 days of each other so I figured the slightly bigger ones were the older ones. Well now they are IMO vastly different sizes! I have 4 that are really big and 4 that look like the big ones did 2 weeks ago. Is that typical? They are mixed breeds. Not really concerned about it, just wondering. Also have no idea on gender.

 

[debilorrah]

The smaller ones are probably bantams! I love the bantys!!

 

[fastpat]

Quote:
I received 26 Partridge Rocks the same day, all were day old chicks. Now, at one week, there are substantial differences in size, some appearing almost twice the size of others. I was concerned that maybe there was too much feeding pressure at the one feeder, so bought a second chick feeder just in case. I can't tell that that was really the issue. I think it's just a variance within the normal range. Some of them now have 1.5 inch wing feathers, others only 1/4 inch and that's not correlated to their size either.

In your case, the size differential is probably related to both the difference in their time of hatching and variances within the breed.

 

[Sesame]

You are probably right, it just seems the bigger ones are growing a lot faster but the little ones are getting bigger too. Here is a pic.

 

[Short Rooster]

I think you should let me have them for a while! I will let you know how fast they are growing.
Just kidding, they are great looking kids. I bet they are spoiled to death.

 

[TheNewMrsEvans]

That really is a big difference! If you are worried I might separate the small ones into their own brooder to allow them to eat/grow. Do you know which breeds were mixed to get them?

 

[feathered fannies farm]

In my batch of chicks that I ordered from MM I had ordered 10 standard light brahma pullets. And there are 2 of them that are way bigger than the rest of the LB's and bigger than most of the other breeds I had ordered. Hopefully they are not roo's. I have never had trouble with the sexing from MM, but I'm beginning to wonder.?? I guess time will tell. Maybe just going to be big gals.

Tammy

 

[Sesame]

Thanks! I'm sure the little ones will catch up some day. None of them look like babies anymore

Maybe I should get a few more hehehehe