How Much Do Chickens Weigh?

Chickens vary in weight and size, depending on the breed, gender, and age. Some chickens weigh more than others because they have larger muscles and bones. On average, most chickens weigh about 5.7 pounds.

The average weight of an adult hen is about 5.5 pounds, while that of an adult rooster is about 7.5 pounds. Chickens with a heavy plumage tend to weigh more than those with lighter featherings.

What is the Average Size of a Chicken?

Chickens also vary in size depending on sex, breed, and age. Chickens have a rounded and squat appearance. The average size of a chicken is less than 27.6 inches (70 cm) tall. The average length of small chickens is between 4.5 inches and 6.0 inches tall.

The average size of medium-sized chickens is between 5.5 and 8.5 inches tall, while the average size of large chickens is between 6.5 inches and 10 inches tall. However, some larger chickens are larger and taller than the standard breed.

What is the Heaviest Chicken Breed?

There are several heavy chicken breeds, but the world’s heaviest breed is the White Sully. This breed is a crossbreed of the large Rhode Island Reds alongside other large chicken breeds. White Sully roosters weigh approximately 8 kg on average.

According to the Guinea Worlds Record statistics, the heaviest White Sully rooster was named Weirdo. The roosters reported weight in January 1973 was 22 lb.(10kg). The rooster was so aggressive that it reportedly injured a dog and killed two cats. White Sully hens weigh approximately 6 kg, although some hens from this breed can be heavier.

Other heavy chicken breeds include the Jersey Giant chickens. These chickens originate from New Jersey, and they can grow as heavy as 13 pounds on average.

Like other breeds, Jersey Giant roosters are heavier than females since the average size of an adult Jersey Giant rooster is around 9 pounds, while the average weight of an adult hen is approximately 7.5 pounds. Despite their large size, these Jersey Giants are nonetheless docile and boast an excellent temperament.

Brahma chickens are equally large birds. They also hail from America, and they weigh approximately 12 pounds. Before the White Sully topped the list of the heaviest chickens, the largest chicken was the Brahma chicken named Merakli from Kosovo. It was the heaviest and largest chicken on record. The bird is reportedly to weigh 16.5 pounds. The chicken also stood at 2.8 feet tall.

Chicken Weight Chart by Age

Chicken weight and size vary depending on age. The older a chicken is, the heavier the bird is. It is prudent to know the weight of a chicken depending on its age so you can factor in the amount of feed to provide to the bird.

Also, consider that gender influences a chicken’s weight besides age. That’s why male chickens weigh more than females. Here is a chart detailing the weight of chickens depending on age:

How Much Do Bantam Chickens Weigh?

Bantam chickens are the smallest chickens in the world. The word Bantam refers to a variety of smaller chickens weighing approximately one and 2.5 lbs. Bantam chickens weigh between 20% and 30 % of standard chickens. Nonetheless, the weight of these small-sized chickens can vary depending on the variety.

There are two types of Bantam chickens: the true Bantams and miniatures. True Bantam chickens weigh between one and two lbs. Miniatures are the smallest chickens in the Bantam family.

Miniature roosters weigh around 22 ounces, while hens from this Bantam variety weigh approximately 20 ounces. Bantams won’t weigh over 2.5 pounds no matter the feed you give these birds and their living conditions.

How Much Do Broiler Chickens Weigh?

Broiler chickens are a special breed with a remarkably fast growth rate, hence suitable for slaughtering. There isn’t the actual weight of these chickens. Many factors can impact the weight and growth of broiler chickens.

For instance, age can influence the weight of your broiler chickens. Broiler chickens between 12 and 20 weeks old can weigh between 5.5 and 10 pounds, depending on their diet. Four weeks old broiler chickens weigh between 170 grams and 175 grams.

Diet will also affect the weight of your broiler chickens. Broiler chickens that eat high-quality broiler feed will likely mature fast and become heavier within weeks. Nonetheless, your broiler chickens won’t have a substantial weight if you don’t feed them high-quality feed or if you subject them to poor living conditions.

Gender also affects the weight of broiler chickens. Medium-sized broiler roosters weigh around 4.5 pounds, while adult broiler roosters weigh approximately 7.5 pounds. Some adult roosters can be heavier depending on their diet.

Medium-sized broiler hens weigh about 4 pounds, while large-sized broiler hens weigh about 5.5 pounds, although some broiler hens can weigh as heavy as 6 pounds, particularly if they get a proper diet.

How Much Do Baby Chicks Weigh?

At the time of hatching, most baby chicks weigh around 38 grams. Nonetheless, they become heavier as they age. For instance, the average weight of two-week-old baby chicks is 60 grams, while the average weight of one-month-old baby chicks is approximately 115 grams.

Some baby chicks from large chicken breeds tend to be heavier than those of small-sized breeds. Nonetheless, all baby chicks from different breeds usually have the same weight at the hatching time. However, weight can vary significantly within weeks of hatching as the baby chicks start consuming nutritious foods.

Conclusion

Chickens don’t have a standard weight like other creatures. The size and weight of these birds can vary significantly depending on age, diet, gender, and breed. Ideally, chickens should grow heavier as they age because the more they grow, the heavier and larger they tend to become.

Fortunately, chicken keepers can make their chickens grow heavier by providing the birds with high-quality foods.