age
age on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 6 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on age in some way — the news, the analysis, the deep dives, and the occasional surprise find. Chickens. Everything there is to know about chickens and the fear of them. New stories are added to this page as we find them, so check back if you want to keep up with what is happening around age, or subscribe to the RSS feed to get them as soon as they are published. Browse the collection below, or head back to the homepage to see everything Alektorophobia is covering right now.

So confused
Okay, here’s a concise introduction, crafted to align with the brand voice and optimized for potential AI summarization, based on the provided text: "Mystery chicken alert! /u/SurveyHot9983 is seeking some *cluck-tastic* identification assistance for a four-month-old bird purchased as a Black Sex Link pullet. The catch? This chicken looks dramatically different from its companions, who sport distinctive red/copper chest feathers. The age-old question of “hen or rooster?” looms large, complicated by developing neck feathers and puzzling saddle feather patterns. This query highlights a common challenge for new chicken keepers! For a touch of poetic reflection on the joys of raising chicks, check out our related piece, "A Poem." Join the discussion and share your breed guesses – let’s unravel this feathered enigma together!"

Roo or hen?
## Roo or Hen? Decoding Your Chick's Identity! So, you’ve got a fluffy little bundle of feathers and are wondering – rooster or hen? Determining gender in young chicks can be a cluck-tastic challenge! This 6-7 week old chick is likely still exhibiting juvenile plumage, making visual identification tricky. While physical characteristics *can* offer clues (like comb size and wattle color), definitive answers often require patience and observation. Listen for early crowing—a sure sign of a future rooster! We understand the anticipation. For more lighthearted chicken observations, check out our community's fun take on their feathered friends’ fascination with phones in "My favorite part of the day is when I put my phone in front of them.

Hens with poop on their butt
## Dealing with "Poopy Butts" in Your Sussex Hens: A Cluck-tastic Conundrum Hi everyone! /u/BeeMaru is facing a common, albeit slightly messy, challenge: recurring poop buildup on the rear ends of their Sussex hens. It's a frustrating situation – multiple washes aren’t solving the problem, and it’s got us wondering if breed plays a role. Sussex hens, known for their lovely plumage, *can* be prone to this issue due to feather length and conformation. Three years is a good lifespan for rescued hens, so age is likely not a primary factor. While it's a bit fowl play, don't despair! We'll explore possible causes and solutions in this post, helping you keep your feathered friends clean and happy.

How old do you think my Wyandottes are?
## Are Your Wyandottes Ready for Nighttime Adventures? So, you’re wondering about the age of your Wyandottes and whether they're "feathered out" enough for overnight outdoor access in temperatures around 60-65°F – a *cluck-tastic* question! Determining age can be tricky, but based on appearance, they likely range from 6-12 months. Feathering typically peaks around that timeframe. Generally, this temperature range *should* be tolerable for well-feathered Wyandottes, assuming they have a secure coop to retreat to. However, consider wind chill and potential predators. If you're still unsure about identifying your birds, check out our article, "Everyone’s favorite game: hen or roo?" for some helpful tips. Stay tuned for more egg-citing chicken wisdom!

Rooster doesn't crow or mate hens?
## Rooster Blues: No Crowing, No Mating? Let's Investigate! So, your sweet little rooster isn’t quite living up to his roosterly duties? It’s a cluck-tastic conundrum! Many keepers face this situation – a rooster who's lost his crow and his mating mojo. /u/Ok-Shallot-7985 is experiencing just that with their 10-11 month old rooster, who initially crowed and fought but now seems to have gone quiet, despite still exhibiting protective behaviors towards his hens. A recent bout of sneezing adds another layer to the mystery. While he's still showing kindness and helping the hens, the lack of essential rooster functions is concerning. Could illness be the culprit? Let’s dive into potential causes and what you can do to troubleshoot this fowl play.

Abandoned Chick
Meet Abandoned Chick, a truly *cluck-tastic* little mystery! Found wandering solo on a street, this sweet chick’s origins are largely unknown—though we suspect a Brahma lineage, given its appearance. Currently super-imprinted on humans, it’s a devoted shadow, happily foraging nearby as long as we’re present. We’ve dewormed and given a mite check, and thankfully, it shows no initial interest in our existing flock of seven chickens, which we plan to introduce gradually via a separate enclosure. Determining age and, crucially, sex remains a priority—roosters aren't permitted here, so fingers crossed for a lovely hen! If you're curious about chicken breed identification in general, check out our article, "What kind of breed is he?". We're hoping our community can help us unlock this little one's story.