Leghorn or Cornish cross… or other

[Megwags]

I got three chicks at TSC as “leghorn pullets”, the same day I got three TIR pullets. The “leghorns” are now twice as big as the RIR and I’m worried they were actually meat birds. I purchased them one week ago. Thoughts?

 

[MysteryChicken]

I got three chicks at TSC as “leghorn pullets”, the same day I got three TIR pullets. The “leghorns” are now twice as big as the RIR and I’m worried they were actually meat birds. I purchased them one week ago. Thoughts?

They maybe Cornish X. Definitely bigger then the red chicks.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Thoughts?

Welcome to BYC!

Mix ups happen all the time.

Is there any way to get a weight on them? I have used a kitchen scale.

 

[Ridgerunner]

At one week with that difference in size they pretty much have to be meat birds. Even if the "RIR" chicks were mistakenly bantams those yellow are not Leghorns. I'm sorry, you have meat birds.

 

[Megwags]

Welcome to BYC!

Mix ups happen all the time.

Is there any way to get a weight on them? I have used a kitchen scale.

What would the weights show? I could get them, but are there guidelines for weights at certain ages?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

What would the weights show? I could get them, but are there guidelines for weights at certain ages?

Certainly.. They may be 8 pounds by 8 weeks old where as heritage birds *may* not reach that weight in their first year.. and certainly not before 16 weeks in even *most* prolific growers.

I do agree though.. even thinking they might be standard Rocks.. or from larger eggs.. the size difference looks immense already.. and is probably as clear of indicator as any other could be. The growth itself will tell you well before putting them on any scale.. I just seem to overthink and over complicate things at times.

 

[NatJ]

What would the weights show? I could get them, but are there guidelines for weights at certain ages?

Comparison can tell you a lot.
If you weigh the chicks now and make a note, then do it again at several later points, you will see if they are growing at very different rates.

For example, if the red chicks double their weight in the same time the white ones quadruple theirs, that would be a pretty good sign that the white ones are meat birds.

 

[Coops Dad]

I have a brooder full of two-week old Cornish Cross chicks. Here's a pic of them at 7 days.

 

[Coops Dad]

Those bald-ish looking patches at your chick's shoulders makes me lean towards CX.

 

[Megwags]

I have a brooder full of two-week old Cornish Cross chicks. Here's a pic of them at 7 days.
View attachment 3772105View attachment 3772106

Are their feet pale or orange? Mine are orange and someone said they aren’t CX if they have orange feet I just wish I knew.