My new chick looks engorged...please help!!

[NewFlocker]

 

[katbriar]

Some other details might be helpful: what breed, how old, how long have you had it and how long has it looked this way?

 

[NewFlocker]

Not sure about the breed, they were bought at Tractor Supply and given to us by a friend. I have 4 others of the same breed and the rest are Barred Rock. I've had them about a month and only notice this about a week or two ago. This appears to be the rooster of the bunch, and is hot to the touch. He stands fine, but just seems so much bigger than the rest of his kind.

 

[katbriar]

I'd put my money on his being a cornish x then. Cornish x (cross) are raised as meat birds and have been bred to grow super fast. He probably is twice as big as the others you got at the same time?

Their bodies grow faster than their feathers and so they look bare. They do tend to be hotter natured. They will need less heat sooner than other birds the same age. And they feel warm to the touch because the lack the feathering to insulate them in the same way as the other birds.

If you don't mind the fact that you got a meat bird, congratulations. He'll be full sized and ready for the table in 8 to 10 weeks.

Check out some pictures of cornish x and see if they don't look like your guy.

 

[NewFlocker]

Wow, I never would have imagined. That would explain a lot. Thanks a million