Trouble walking

[shmccarthy]

Is it normal for a meat bird to have trouble walking? He isn't sick or anything, his feet just seem way too big for his body. I have never had a broiler chicken before and I got him for free when he was 2 weeks old. He seems just so clumsy and steps on everything when he does walk. And his feet seem to go in every direction.. Is this nothing to worry about or should I be concerned?

 

[RoostersCrow HensDeliver!]

If you mean difficulty walking as in waddling like a duck, that's completely normal. How old is he? My biggest males packed on the pounds the last few weeks I had them, I butchered them at 8 weeks but probably should have done it sooner because some got up to 15 lbs.

 

[shmccarthy]

He's about 6 weeks and yeah he just seems to waddle like a duck, when's the best time to butcher them?

 

[RoostersCrow HensDeliver!]

You can probably butcher whenever. Depends on how much meat you want. I would suggest butchering before he turns 12 weeks though.