Why is this chick growing so fast???

[TheChickenGirl16]

Am I crazy, or is this chick insanely fat???

I’ve had these chicks for like two weeks, and I think they were a little bit under a week old when I got them.
If it helps for size comparison, these two chicks opposite each other came from the same bin at TSC on the same day, and were labeled “White Leghorn”

I’ve not really ever seen this little guy eating more than the others, it just seems to grow twice as fast.
Does it have an eating disorder, or what?
My dad had a thought that horrified me…he said that it could be a Cornish Cross, instead of a Leghorn! I hope he’s wrong! Is this possible?
Here are a couple more photos:

Any thoughts?

 

[fluffycrow]

Unfortunately, I agree with your dad. This chick is a Cornish X.

This mix up seem to happen from time to time

 

[DonyaQuick]

Cornish cross mixups can happen...but since I don't see current ages and weights or birds right next to each other, I will also toss out that some cockerels can also grow really fast and be double the weight of their siblings within a few weeks.

 

[BlueTheBrahma]

Afraid that’s no leghorn my friend. Indeed a Cornish cross. You can see how it is at 8 weeks old, it will be huge then. Sometimes the most humane thing to do it slaughter at this age, as their extra size is harmful to themselves, but other people have had them live a longer life.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I agree, CornishX. If you do not wish to process and eat it, I suggest you find someone who will and rehome it ASAP. It's the kindest thing. At 8 to 12 weeks its legs won't support it and it could suffer organ failure and worse.

 

[TheChickenGirl16]

This is all so sad! Thank you guys for your help. I will look into rehoming this poor little guy. Pretty sure it’s not a leghorn cockerel, as my other leghorns all have pretty slender bodies.
The bare skin on the thigh is a sure giveaway.
RIP Patsy

 

[TheChickenGirl16]

Is the fate of all Cornish Cross chickens, to quickly grow huge and than be processed? Or do you think that I could separate her inside the pen, and try to give her less food, and more exercise?
Do Cornish cross chickens Evan lay eggs,(should they live a full and happy life)?

 

[BlueTheBrahma]

Is the fate of all Cornish Cross chickens, to quickly grow huge and than be processed? Or do you think that I could separate her inside the pen, and try to give her less food, and more exercise?
Do Cornish cross chickens Evan lay eggs,(should they live a full and happy life)?

They don’t lay many eggs, and some are unable to due to their body size. Some do, however.

Yes, they are crossed in such a way that their genetics results in unnatural growth rates. You could try a lower protein food, but this would be no good for the laying hens. Separating her would not be good for her mentally.

Some people do ‘rescue’ meat birds from farms and think they are being virtuous. They are not, the chickens live in pain and cannot function normally, unfortunately slaughter is more humane most of the time.

You could wait and see, but it’s not like a chicken can speak and tell you it’s in pain, it’s just the sad reality that they probably will be.

I’m sorry to be so negative but it’s a very unfortunate reality. I’m sorry you’ve had to deal with this through no fault of your own.

 

[TheChickenGirl16]

They don’t lay many eggs, and some are unable to due to their body size. Some do, however.

Yes, they are crossed in such a way that their genetics results in unnatural growth rates. You could try a lower protein food, but this would be no good for the laying hens. Separating her would not be good for her mentally.

Some people do ‘rescue’ meat birds from farms and think they are being virtuous. They are not, the chickens live in pain and cannot function normally, unfortunately slaughter is more humane most of the time.

You could wait and see, but it’s not like a chicken can speak and tell you it’s in pain, it’s just the sad reality that they probably will be.

I’m sorry to be so negative but it’s a very unfortunate reality. I’m sorry you’ve had to deal with this through no fault of your own.

Thank you for your sympathy. I’m still noticing that she’s growing twice as fast as the others. I guess, if she was a cockerel, it would be easier for me to process it on my own.
I appreciate you sharing what you know.