- The fryer chicken, also labeled broiler-fryer, is a young, tender chicken that is about 7 weeks old at butchering time. A fryer chicken usually weighs between 2 1/2 and 4 1/2 lbs. This type of tender chicken can be fried, broiled or grilled.
- The roaster chicken is older than a fryer chicken, and is between three and five months old at the time of butchering. A roaster usually weighs between 5 and 7 lbs. This meaty type of chicken is best roasted, but can be prepared by other methods as well.
- The capon is another type of chicken commonly found at the local butcher shop. A capon is a male chicken that has been castrated and then butchered between 16 weeks and eighteen months old. Capons weigh between 4 and 7 lbs. and have a generous amount of tender, flavorful meat. Capons are usually roasted.