birds
birds on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 20 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on birds 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 birds, 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.
This situation took them way longer to handle than it should have😭🐦 #KrissysChickens #Quail
Oh. My. Cluck! This situation definitely took longer to resolve than anyone anticipated – we’re talking some serious fowl play here! 😭🐦 Our feathered friends at Krissy's Chickens and Quail kept us on our toes, and we appreciate your patience as we sorted things out. It’s all smooth sailing now, and the flock is back to their usual egg-cellent selves. For a deeper dive into the daily happenings at Peckington Square, be sure to check out our 24/7 livestream cam – you never know what you might see! We're committed to keeping you updated on all things chicken and quail, so stay tuned for more cluck-tastic adventures. #KrissysChickens #Quail
New rooster time
## New Rooster Alert: Buff Orpington to the Rescue! Big news, fellow chicken enthusiasts! After a less-than-ideal relationship with my previous rooster (😬), I’m welcoming a new feathered friend to the flock: a Buff Orpington! Research consistently points to this breed as a calmer, more agreeable option for those of us who prefer not to feel like prey when venturing into the yard. But let's be honest, does *anyone* truly agree with research about rooster temperament? I’m curious – how many of you disagree? Share your experiences in the comments! For those experiencing similar broody behavior, you might find some helpful insights in our recent article, "Nearly all my hens are broody." Let the cluck-tastic rooster adventures begin!
My granny has a thing for chickens and roosters.
## Granny's Coop & a Whole Lot of Cluck: Welcome to the Kitchen! Wayward_Wayfinder has unearthed a delightful situation: their granny’s passionate devotion to chickens and roosters has transformed her kitchen into a veritable haven – a "witches' brewer" of feathered delights! We're diving headfirst into this quirky corner of farm life, celebrating the joys (and potential chaos) of a chicken-centric household. Whether you’re a seasoned poultry enthusiast or simply appreciate a good laugh, you're in the right place. We’ll explore everything from coop antics to the occasional surprise visitor. Speaking of surprises, you might find our article, "Ummmm I think we have a goose in our coop," equally entertaining—it highlights just how unpredictable life can be with feathered friends!
New rooster in the flock 😍
## Meet the New Sheriff in Town! 😍 The flock just got a whole lot louder (and possibly more opinionated)! A huge welcome to the newest rooster, submitted by /u/SatanikRaccoon – check out the adorable photo [link]. Adding a rooster is always an *egg-citing* development, bringing fresh energy and, let's be honest, a whole new level of crowing. Are you experiencing some unexpected hen behavior now that you've added a rooster? You might find some helpful insights in our article, "Why my hen sitting on her egg attack me every time I even touch her?" It's a cluck-tastic read! We're thrilled to see our community growing and sharing their feathered friend adventures. Share your rooster introductions with us – we love seeing them!
Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam
Welcome to Peckington Square Chicken City, your 24/7 livestream portal into the wonderfully chaotic world of backyard chickens! Join us anytime to witness the cluck-tastic antics of our feathered residents – from their egg-cellent foraging adventures to their surprisingly dramatic dust baths. Whether you're a seasoned chicken keeper or simply curious about these quirky creatures, this livestream offers a front-row seat to their daily lives. It's a delightfully unpredictable experience, and we’re here to share the joy (and occasional bewilderment) with you. Ever wonder about the ideal environment for your own flock? Our article, "What Is The Best Temperature For Your Chickens???" dives into the specifics to keep your birds happy and healthy. So, settle in, grab a snack, and prepare for a fowl-tastic time!
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!
People using "free range" as an excuse for birds to be in the road. Then comments proceed to defend it.
## The "Free Range Road Hazard" Debate: A Cluck-tastic Conundrum The recent Reddit thread sparked by /u/osirisrebel highlights a growing tension: the perceived conflict between "free range" chicken practices and road safety. While consumers often associate "free range" with idyllic farm scenes, the reality can sometimes involve birds wandering onto roadways, creating potential hazards. The comments section reveals a passionate defense of free-range systems, often framing it as a necessary component of ethical animal husbandry. However, the issue raises a legitimate question: how can we balance animal welfare with public safety? Unbiased opinions acknowledge the value of free-ranging while also recognizing the need for responsible flock management to minimize risks.
Waiting for her turn to lay an egg
## The Cluck Stops Here: Nesting Box Expansion! Isn’t it egg-cellent to witness the simple joys of chicken life? Right now, I’m hard at work building another nesting box – our feathered friends are patiently waiting for their turn, and I’m endlessly charmed by their quiet anticipation. It’s a cluck-tastic reminder of the natural order! Providing comfortable spaces for laying is key to happy hens, and a little extra room never hurt anyone (especially when dealing with a brood!). If you're new to the world of broody hens and baby chicks, you might find our article, "Tips for new broody chicken mama?" helpful as you navigate this exciting phase. Stay tuned for more updates on our ever-growing flock!
My rooster likes to sing for me
## Morning Serenades from a Feathered Friend! Isn't it cluck-tastic when your chickens bring a little joy to your day? /u/jellyfishs0up recently shared a delightful moment: their rooster singing for them! It’s a reminder of the quirky, often unexpected, brilliance of these feathered friends. We all know chickens can be delightfully weird – sometimes seemingly oblivious, and other times displaying surprising intelligence, as /u/MilesandTiles so aptly put it. Rooster vocalizations are a common topic, and our article, "Skip settles the age old question, "Are Wyandottes noisy"?," dives into the specifics of different breeds and their tendencies. Whether it's a morning serenade or a general chorus, celebrating these moments is all part of the fun of chicken keeping!
RIP Marto, your crowing was missed this morning ❤️
It’s with a cluck-tastic sadness that we share the news of Marto's passing yesterday. Our first and only rooster, Marto held a special place in our hearts—and a uniquely grumpy role in our mornings. Rescued as a chick last year, he blossomed into a protector of his flock and a surprisingly vocal complainer when breakfast was late. We'll dearly miss his signature "crow song," a sound often mimicked around our house, and the hilarious sight of him crowing from high places (thankfully, we captured those moments on video!). Marto wasn't the most confident rooster, but he knew how to bond, and he certainly knew how to make an impression.
Chicken (the pigeon) did NOT want to be involved in today’s egg collection but I can’t let her hatch
Today’s egg collection presented a…spirited disagreement. Chicken, our resident pigeon-hearted hen, made it abundantly clear she had absolutely no desire to participate. Honestly, who can blame her? Wrangling chickens can be a bit of fowl play! But a chicken’s gotta do what a chicken’s gotta do, and I can't let her hatch a plan to avoid duty. It's all part of the cluck-tastic chaos of running Peckington Square Chicken City. If you're curious about how I keep track of which hen is responsible for each egg, you might enjoy our article, "Here’s how I know which chicken laid each egg I collect!" Join us for the 24/7 livestream and see the feathered frenzy for yourself.
Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam
Welcome to Peckington Square Chicken City, your 24/7 livestream portal into the wonderfully chaotic world of our feathered friends! Join us around the clock as we observe the daily dramas, hilarious antics, and surprisingly complex social lives of our beloved flock. From morning dust baths to evening roosting rituals, you'll witness the cluck-tastic reality of chicken living. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or simply curious about these fascinating creatures, there's always something egg-citing happening. Ever wonder what a newly hatched chick sounds like? Our flock recently discovered just that, turning the workshop deck into a makeshift waiting room – you can read more about their investigation in our article, "The flock investigates the tiny, barely audible from outside cheeps...
The flock investigates the tiny, barely audible from outside cheeps from the chick that Canary just hatched in her crate inside the workshop.
The workshop has become quite the cluck-tastic maternity ward! Our feathered friends possess surprisingly acute hearing, and the entire flock has gathered on the deck, patiently awaiting news of Canary’s newly hatched chick. The tiny cheeps, barely audible from outside, have captivated everyone – it’s a genuine moment of fowl play! We’re keeping a close watch, because let's be honest, even seasoned chicken enthusiasts experience a flutter of anticipation (and maybe a touch of "chickening out" nervousness) when new life arrives. For a deeper dive into egg-laying adventures, check out our recent article, "TJ laid an egg, straight into the incubator it goes." Stay tuned for updates as this little one makes its debut!
TJ laid an egg, straight into the incubator it goes
## TJ's Big Moment: A Straight-From-the-Hen Egg! Cluck-tastic news, folks! TJ, one of our feathered friends, has delivered a beautiful, straight egg – and it’s headed directly into the incubator! A perfect egg is always egg-citing, and we’re eagerly anticipating the potential for some new additions to the flock. A huge thanks to /u/SatanikRaccoon for sharing this delightful moment with us. Want to learn more about what makes our chickens so special? Check out our "Compilation of my favorite Peewee clips and explanation why his tail is pink :) (sound!)" for a deeper dive into our flock's personalities. Stay tuned for updates as this little egg’s journey unfolds!
What breed of chicken?
## The Mystery Hen: Identifying a Chicken When the Label's Lost So, you’ve got a chicken of unknown lineage – a delightful predicament many of us face! /u/AggravatingAd2613 recently shared their story of a particularly boisterous and substantial hen, acquired from a feed store with a lost label. Described as non-aggressive but exceptionally vocal, this “Rooster” hen is also the flock's reigning heavyweight, producing rich, dark brown speckled eggs. The quest? To find a rooster with similar size and presence to deter predators. While a definitive breed ID remains elusive, the description points towards a potential mix, possibly incorporating heritage breeds known for their size and egg color. For those exploring the complexities of integrating different breeds, our article, "Integratinghens," offers valuable insights.
Chicks VS Grown(ish)
## Surprise! Tiny New Arrivals: Chicks vs. Grown(ish) A delightful, and slightly chaotic, twist has unfolded for /u/MoistYogurtcloset929! Their broody hen surprised them with a clutch of adorable chicks, creating a charming contrast with their existing flock. Witness the “Chicks vs. Grown(ish)” dynamic as these fluffy newcomers navigate life alongside their larger, more experienced feathered friends. It’s a cluck-tastic scene of miniature mayhem and burgeoning friendships! This unexpected hatch raises all sorts of questions about integration and growth – a topic we explore further in "My most beautiful grow out!", which details one user's successful silkie cross. Join the conversation and share your own experiences with surprise hatches and growing flocks!
air is full of wildfire smoke. will my birds be okay?
Wildfire smoke blanketing the air—especially with the current situation from Canada—is a genuine concern, and it's completely understandable you're worried about your feathered friends’ delicate lungs. That burning sensation in your eyes is a clear sign of the air quality's impact, and your birds are likely experiencing similar discomfort. While bringing six chickens indoors presents a logistical challenge, especially with a full garage, there *are* steps you can take. Prioritize providing them with clean, fresh water to help flush irritants. Consider offering supplemental Vitamin C. If possible, create a shaded, sheltered area where they can escape the worst of the smoke. For more insights into unexpected avian situations, check out our article, "Chicken traumatized," which addresses the impact of stress on poultry.
Just showing off some chickens <3
## A Cluck-tastic Flock! 🐔❤️ Feast your eyes on this delightful display of poultry pride! /u/Golden__River is showing off their impressive crew – a vibrant bunch of 28 chickens, including a couple of handsome roosters. It's a truly *egg-citing* sight, and a testament to the joys (and occasional chaos!) of backyard chicken keeping. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just starting to consider welcoming feathered friends to your homestead, this post is sure to bring a smile. Speaking of roosters, be sure to check out our recent article, "Dumping aggressive roosters is cruel and cowardly," for important considerations on responsible flock management. Join the conversation and share your own chicken love stories in the comments!
The claw
## Decoding Chicken Claws: A Quick Guide Ever wondered about those surprisingly sharp appendages on your feathered friends? Chicken claws are more than just quirky features; they’re essential tools for scratching, perching, and even digging! This post, submitted by /u/alphaky1e, dives into the anatomy and function of chicken claws, exploring everything from trimming techniques to identifying potential health concerns. Understanding claw care is a cluck-tastic step towards happy, healthy chickens. For those new to the world of backyard poultry, our article "What kind of breed is he?" offers helpful insights into identifying different chicken varieties, which can sometimes influence claw characteristics. Get ready to unravel the mysteries of these fascinating fowl features!
Sweet roo needs new home
## Sweet Roo Seeking a Cluck-tastic New Home! Oh dear, fowl play! /u/channing_333 is on the hunt for a loving new home for their delightful silver laced Wyandotte rooster. A homeowner's association has unfortunately forced a rehoming, and we're hoping our community can help this sweet boy find his forever flock in the NoCo (Northern Colorado) area. If you or someone you know is looking for a charming rooster companion, please reach out to /u/channing_333 directly! It's always a bittersweet moment when a feathered friend needs a new start, but we're confident this handsome guy will bring egg-citing joy to his next family.