Meat chickens?

[ktownjeep]

These birds are about six weeks old.
Dont know what breed.

 

[Barb Schuetz]

I couldn't tell you. BUT, not to take away from your question- Does anyone know a sure fire way to tell a meat chick from a white wyandotte? Or any other white breed for that matter?

 

[4H kids and mom]

I think the only real way to tell is their growth. However, if you are feeding a normal chick starter their growth will be slower than if they were fed a higher protein meat bird starter, so it will be hard to tell until they feather out more. By around 2 or 3 weeks you should have a good idea. I'll tell you that awhile ago I had posted about a chick that I wasnt sure if it was a Cali white roo of a meat chick because the hatchery had shipped them all together. I thought for the longest time that he was a meat chick so in with the meat birds he went. Now (as you know) he has shown himself to be a Cali white roo, with his lovely large comb.

And he is now going on 5 weeks old. All I can say is have patience and watch their feathers as they come in. Meat birds will be slow to feather out on their backs and wing shoulders and breasts (You saw my 5 week old meat chicks. They are still bald in areas). Other white chicks will get a more even feather growth.

PS...If they end up being meat chicks and you dont want them, we'll trade a few back if need be.

I was 'told' by F&F that they were White Wyandottes, but who knows... lol Let me know!

 

[4H kids and mom]

PS...To the original poster...they look alot like my Cornish cross birds, yes. Thats about the size mine would be at 6 weeks if they were fed a normal chick starter feed. I can tell by their "meaty breasts". Normal chicks do not fatten there at that age.

 

[spock78]

I'm just guessing because I'm so new at this but, I think they are Cornish Xs also. They look just like mine & mine are 5wks. I just now was finally able to get the high protien food for them. Before they were getting 18-20% protien & free ranging. Now they are getting 28% protien & still free ranging.
I'd show a pic but I don't know how to do it here, YET!!