chick
chick on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 9 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on chick 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 chick, 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.
Incubating eggs, air cell vanished?
## Decoding Early Chick Deaths & Vanished Air Cells: A Cluck-tastic Conundrum Losing eggs during incubation is a heart-wrenching experience, and /u/Barefootcactus is facing just that. They’ve experienced several early deaths (days 6-9) and discovered an egg with a completely vanished air cell, despite the developing chick appearing otherwise normal. Maintaining consistent temperature (99°F) and humidity (45-55%) is crucial, but fluctuating humidity, potentially exacerbated by external temperature swings, could be a key factor. Relying solely on the incubator's built-in readings, without independent verification via a separate thermometer/hygrometer, introduces another potential variable. This situation highlights the delicate balance required for successful incubation. For those dealing with similar chicken care challenges, you might find our article, "Need help immediately!!!
What breed is my chicken??
## Mystery Chicken Alert! Decoding Your Black & White Beauty So, you’ve got a chicken conundrum! You were expecting a Black Copper Maran, but your feathered friend arrived with a splash of white spots instead. Don’t worry, you’re not alone – chicken identification can be trickier than a game of fowl play! Feather feet are a helpful clue, but it doesn’t quite point to a standard Maran. Several breeds can display that striking black and white speckled pattern, and early development can sometimes obscure breed characteristics. We’ll explore some possibilities and help you narrow it down. If you're dealing with a clutch of chicks and unsure of their origins, you might find some helpful insights in our article, "Chick Pics," which addresses similar identification challenges.
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.
Any ideas how to help out my little guy?
Oh dear, a tiny chick in distress! It sounds like you’re already doing all the right things – warmth and food are absolutely key for a day-old chick. It's cluck-tastic that you intervened to give him a helping hand. Let's troubleshoot! Ensuring proper hydration is crucial; try offering a shallow dish of unflavored electrolytes mixed with water. Also, make sure the heating plate isn't too hot – a comfortable 95°F (35°C) is ideal. Worried about identifying the gender? Our article, "Roo or hen?", might offer some helpful clues as your chick grows! We're sending all the good vibes and egg-citing wishes for your little guy’s speedy recovery. Keep us updated – the community is here to offer support!
Love this little weirdo
Meet this little weirdo – a truly unique naked neck chick! Broody moms can be *mean*, as /u/Responsible_Data7336 discovered, making a clear picture tough to capture. Despite the challenges, this chick is undeniably captivating, especially considering it's the sole survivor of a Plymouth Rock hen who, in a bit of fowl play, pilfered a clutch of eggs. We're obsessed! This heartwarming story highlights the joys and occasional frustrations of chicken keeping. Curious about creating a relaxing outdoor space for your flock? Check out our article, "Finally got their outdoor area finished to sit with them," for inspiration and a cautionary tale about rogue shovels. It's cluck-tastic!
Update- we have life!
Life update! Following a chilly night, we sadly lost one of Franky’s chicks, a stark reminder of the challenges of raising feathered friends. However, the remaining chick is thriving and adorable, and the three eggs under Franky are progressing nicely – a week or so until they’re ready to hatch! We’ve had a bit of a relocation saga, but after a rather unconventional “airlift” maneuver (yes, we literally moved Franky and her nest!), she’s happily settled into a new, cozy pen. This experience highlights the unpredictable joys of chicken keeping! If you've ever encountered similar challenges, check out our article, "Hens with poop on their butt," for insights into common chicken care issues.
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.
Why do these two look perpetually electrocuted?
## Why Do These Two Look Perpetually Electrocuted? You're not alone in noticing that peculiar, perpetually startled look in some chicks! /u/tdubs702's query about their week-old chickens highlights a surprisingly common phenomenon. Often, this "electrocuted" appearance stems from a condition called "piloerection," where tiny muscles at the base of the feathers cause them to stand on end. It's essentially a chicken version of goosebumps! While it *can* sometimes indicate stress, in many cases, chicks simply outgrow it. However, as /u/tdubs702 observed, sometimes they don't. Keep a close eye on their overall health and behavior. For a deeper dive into chicken care and observation, check out our 24/7 livestream, "Peckington Square Chicken City," for a constant view of feathered friends!
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.