backyard
backyard 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 backyard 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 backyard, 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.
thought my last rooster was taken from me today
The chicken-keeping life can deliver some truly *cluck-tastic* surprises, and sometimes, those surprises involve a whole lot of frantic searching and a dash of disbelief. One user, /u/Technical_Horse206, recently shared a tale that perfectly encapsulates this blend of chaos and humor: after a desperate search following their rooster’s disappearance, they found him snoozing peacefully in the laundry basket. Yes, you read that right! The relief (and perhaps a touch of frustration) is palpable in their story. This experience highlights the unpredictable nature of our feathered friends. For a deeper dive into the quirks of chicken ownership, check out our article "My granny has a thing for chickens and roosters," which explores another delightfully eccentric homesteading story.
Chicks hatched in garden bed
## Garden Bed Brood Bonanza! Talk about a cluck-tastic surprise! /u/EhlersDanlosSucks recently shared a truly egg-citing story: their hen decided a raised garden bed was the *perfect* spot for a brood. Five eggs and a generous helping of cherry tomatoes were involved – and today, four fluffy chicks emerged! Thankfully, Mom seems to have realized tomatoes aren't exactly hatchable. 😆 This quirky situation highlights the unpredictable nature of our feathered friends. Want to witness chicken antics in real-time? Check out our "Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam" for a constant dose of fowl play. It’s a reminder that chicken keeping is full of surprises, and sometimes, those surprises bloom right alongside your veggies!
What can a rooster eat from my kitchen?
## So, Your Rooster's Become a Houseguest? What Can He Eat From Your Kitchen? A rogue rooster staking out territory in your HOA? We get it – it’s cluck-tasticly weird! You're likely wondering if you can offer a little kitchen kindness to your feathered friend without a trip to the feed store. While bugs and worms are a rooster's staple diet, supplementing with safe kitchen scraps is perfectly fine. Think leftover cooked veggies (no onions or avocados!), grains like rice or oats, and even bits of fruit. Just avoid salty, sugary, or processed foods. He's probably quite the adventurer, as showcased in our recent piece, "A handsome prince I met out and about yesterday," where a reader shared a similar unexpected encounter!
Finally got their outdoor area finished to sit with them.
## A Moment of Peace (and a Shovel Scare!) Finally! After what felt like an eternity of cluck-tastic construction, the outdoor area is complete, and we can officially relax and enjoy time with our feathered friends. There's nothing quite like sharing a quiet moment amidst the coop chaos – until, of course, you realize you’ve left the shovel lying around. (Oops! 😬) It’s a reminder that even in the most idyllic chicken-watching scenes, fowl play can happen at any moment! Speaking of unexpected chicken behavior, you might find our article "why do my chickens do this when i pet them?" sheds some light on those quirky interactions. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’re going to go double-check for rogue gardening tools!
Your reminder that you don’t have to be a perfect gardener❤️🧑🏻🌾 #KrissysChickens
## Don't Strive for Perfection, Just Grow! ❤️🧑🏻🌾 #KrissysChickens Let's be honest: gardening isn't about flawless rows and prize-winning blooms. It’s about the joy of getting your hands dirty, the surprise of seeing something sprout, and the occasional (totally acceptable!) weed explosion. At #KrissysChickens, we believe in embracing the imperfect – because even a slightly wonky tomato tastes delicious. So, ditch the pressure and celebrate the small victories, whether it’s a single sunflower or a handful of herbs. Want a front-row seat to the gardening journey? Check out our "Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam" for a constant dose of farm life inspiration! Happy growing, friends!
Please help. ASAP
Losing a chicken so suddenly is understandably shocking, and our hearts go out to you. It's devastating when a seemingly healthy bird declines so rapidly, especially with the distressing symptom of blood in her vomit. Suspecting poisoning is a reasonable concern, given her history of escaping and potential access to harmful substances. While pinpointing the exact cause without a necropsy is difficult, ingestion of toxic plants or chemicals is a leading possibility. The rapid onset and twitching suggest a severe systemic reaction. We understand you’re taking precautions with your remaining flock, and that's wise. For more on the joys and surprises of raising chicks, check out our recent piece, "Chicks VS Grown(ish).