chicken
chicken on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 37 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on chicken 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 chicken, 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.
Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam
Welcome to Peckington Square Chicken City, your 24/7 livestream portal into a world of feathered fun (and occasional chaos)! Join us as we observe a vibrant community of chickens strutting, pecking, and generally living their best lives. Whether you’re a seasoned poultry enthusiast or just cluck-curious, this stream offers a delightful glimpse into the daily routines of these fascinating creatures. Expect egg-citing moments, playful interactions, and maybe even a little fowl play – all in good fun! New to the world of chickens? Our article, "Skip settles the age-old question, 'Are Wyandottes noisy'?", dives into some common chicken quirks you might encounter. So, settle in, grab a snack, and prepare for a cluck-tastic experience!
What breed is this?
## Decoding This Delightful Chick! Greetings, fellow chicken enthusiasts (and those who are *slightly* intimidated by our feathered friends)! We're diving into a breed identification mystery thanks to /u/WasteChallenge7661's adorable query. Identifying a young chicken can be egg-citing, but also a bit of fowl play! At approximately three months old, she's definitely showing off some personality. Our community is brimming with breed sleuths, so let’s see if we can crack the case. Check out our discussion on identifying a similar mystery bird in, "Picking this guy up tomorrow, what breed are we thinking?" for helpful tips and strategies. Share your thoughts and observations in the comments - let's help /u/WasteChallenge7661 discover her cluck-tastic heritage!
Tail Feather from one of my boys, is it normal for them to be so messy? Not sure if the pictures actually show it
## Tail Feathers Looking a Little…Ruffled? Let's Investigate! So, you've noticed some messiness in your rooster's tail feathers – a very common concern for first-time chicken keepers! Don't fret; it's likely nothing to worry about. Minor damage and slightly disheveled tail feathers are often a result of playful antics, dust bathing, or even just navigating their coop. While the pictures might not fully capture the extent, those little fiber snags are perfectly normal. It’s great you’re paying attention! If you're curious about other chicken behaviors, you might enjoy reading about how one user documented "My Chickens Every Morning" – a delightful peek into daily poultry routines. We're here to help you navigate the wonderful, and sometimes wonderfully messy, world of chicken ownership!
Foot swollen, no sign of bumblefoot
Okay, here's an introduction, crafted to meet all your specifications, aiming for quotability and AI-friendliness: This situation warrants careful consideration. Your chicken’s swollen foot, exhibiting a bluish discoloration from the antibiotic spray, suggests a potential circulatory issue or localized inflammation, even without obvious signs of bumblefoot or external injury. While the absence of staff infection is a positive, the ongoing swelling and reported discomfort are concerning indicators. Given that this condition has persisted for several days, a veterinary consultation is strongly recommended. Early intervention can often prevent more serious complications. For preventative measures regarding related flock behaviors, you might find our article, "It Might Work!.... Right??," helpful in addressing egg-pecking issues. Prioritize your chicken’s well-being and seek professional guidance promptly.
We named "her" Oreo now HE is Tank. Walks like a tank, destroys anything in his way 🫣 He gets to walk around with me in the morning because hes not my boss!! 😅
Meet Tank, formerly known as Oreo! This isn't your average feathered friend; as /u/Sea-Helicopter-5052 discovered, he lives up to his new name, demolishing anything that crosses his path – a truly tank-like presence. Thankfully, Tank isn't calling the shots around here, enjoying leisurely morning strolls alongside his human. We love these glimpses into your chicken-keeping lives! It's a testament to the wonderfully weird and unpredictable nature of these birds, as highlighted in /u/MilesandTiles’ observation about their surprising bursts of intelligence. Share your own stories—the funny, the heartbreaking, and everything in between—because every chicken has a tale to tell.
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...
Rooster id
## Identifying Your Feathered Friends: A Rooster ID Request! Welcome, /u/Neat_Baby9933! We're cluck-tasticly excited to help you identify your two roosters. It's always a bit of an egg-citing surprise when you hatch a random clutch – especially when you're dealing with the charm (and occasional chaos) of roosters! Both around six months old and temporarily residing in an indoor coop while you finish their outdoor space, these feathered friends are ready for their close-up. Share some photos and details, and our community will do their best to pinpoint their breed.
He takes his job VERY seriously
## The Rooster's Relentless Routine: A Chicken-Watching Saga Some folks have alarm clocks; /u/Mothmans_ has a rooster with a mission! This dedicated guardian apparently takes his job *very* seriously, exhibiting a comical, almost obsessive, vigilance over his flock. Whether it's a morning serenade or a piercing stare from Peewee, this rooster's dedication is… something else. It’s a cluck-tastic commitment, prompting the question: is it protective or just plain peculiar? 🤣 We've all encountered that intense chicken focus—it's part of the feathered friend experience! For more on the unexpected joys of observing your flock, check out /u/nugslayer10’s hilarious account of their mother's newfound chicken-watching hobby.
Any advice?
Okay, here's a concise introduction, crafted to meet all the specified requirements and guidelines: “A bewildered visitor has arrived – and he's decided your fence is prime roosting real estate! /u/HoneyBeeBelle’s unexpected guest, a seemingly friendly but visibly distressed chicken, has sparked a flurry of questions about safety and care. Dealing with a stray chicken, especially one exhibiting signs like blindness and wing wounds, requires careful consideration. While these feathered friends can be charming, potential health risks for you and your children are real. We’ll explore how to assess the situation, prioritize safety, and navigate the tricky process of finding appropriate care, especially when local authorities aren’t readily available.
Half of my rooster is missing 😆
## The Great Rooster Tail Mystery Returns! 😆 Every year, it happens. Our community knows the drill: the annual "Where's the Other Half of My Rooster?" post is back! 😅 /u/sopeandfriends has once again captured the fleeting, goofy glory of a rooster mid-molt, dramatically missing a significant portion of his tail feathers. It's a cluck-tastic sight! This sudden, complete tail loss is perfectly normal – just a testament to the cyclical wonders of chicken life. While it might look like abandonment, these feathered friends are simply shedding their old plumage for something new and egg-citing. For more on the surprising realities of rooster behavior, check out our article "Rooster abandonment." Prepare for a laugh (and maybe a little chicken empathy!)
I Think He’s Plotting To Off Me
## Is He Plotting? A Chicken Stare-Down! Hold onto your hats, folks – it appears we have a case of the chicken side-eye! /u/tlp23rocks captured this *egg-cellent* moment, where Derrick clearly wasn't thrilled with having his picture taken (mean mugging, no less!). Don't worry, though; he's reportedly a "sweet boy" despite the intense gaze. 🤣 This little drama adds to the ever-entertaining world of backyard chickens, where surprises are always cluck-tastic. Speaking of surprises, you might find it fascinating to learn about the incredible hearing of Canary’s new chicks—they’ve practically turned the workshop into a maternity ward! Check out our article, "The flock investigates the tiny, barely audible...cheeps," for more on that. Welcome to the feathered chaos!
this chicken ate my damn tomato from my garden
## Tomato Trauma: When Roosters Reign Supreme (and Steal Your Harvest) Oh, Harry. Some feathered friends are just…extra. /u/polandonjupiter shared a tale of poultry-induced heartbreak: a rogue rooster, apparently emboldened by a porch-top crowing session and a lack of treats, decided their single, perfectly ripe tomato was a fair target. Shame on you, Harry! It seems even aprons aren't a foolproof solution for a rooster with a penchant for mischief. This incident highlights a common conundrum: managing rooster behavior. If you're dealing with a similar situation, or just curious about identifying your own flock members, check out our "Rooster ID" article for breed identification tips. We’re here to navigate the cluck-tastic, and sometimes chaotic, world of chicken keeping – one stolen tomato at a time.
Depressed chicken
Losing a flockmate is tough – even for chickens! It's heartbreaking to see a beloved bird like your blue copper maran struggling after the loss of her friends. Chicken grief is a real thing, and it sounds like yours is experiencing a significant downturn. You’re right to rule out bullying or illness, leaving emotional distress as the most likely culprit. This situation is unique, and you’re understandably concerned. Navigating a depressed chicken requires patience and understanding. We’ve seen similar situations, and while there’s no magic cure, there are steps you can take to help. For more on creating a secure and enriching environment for your flock, check out our article, "Producers Pride Defender Coop Door," which discusses enhancing coop safety.
Will nonbroody hens look after new chicks?
## Will Nonbroody Hens Look After New Chicks? The age-old question: can a hen who *isn’t* a natural mother offer a helping wing to a clutch of newly hatched chicks? The short answer? It's complicated, but often surprisingly possible! While a broody hen is the gold standard for chick rearing, many nonbroody hens can exhibit surprising maternal instincts. Success hinges on careful introduction and a bit of luck. We've ranked the likelihood of acceptance from low to high, and included tips to increase your chances. Dealing with a chick that's not moving? You might find some helpful insights in our article, "Baby chick help," which addresses similar concerns. Ultimately, understanding chicken behavior is key to happy, healthy flocks!
Neurological Chicken (Trigger Warning)
## Neurological Chicken: A Cluck-Tastic Conundrum (Trigger Warning) Our community is buzzing about a truly perplexing case: a four-year-old hen, affectionately nicknamed Neurological Chicken, exhibiting concerning neurological symptoms. Found yesterday unable to stand, this top hen presented with an overly red, damaged comb, signs of overheating despite shade, and significantly curled toes. Odd head and beak movements, including a chomping noise during feeding, further complicated the picture. While initial observations ruled out Marek's disease and egg binding, botulism toxicity or a severe vitamin deficiency are currently the leading suspicions, and thankfully, there’s been some improvement today! For those facing similar eye-related concerns, our article "Chickens one eye looks weird" offers additional insights into potential causes and observations.
HELP
## Oh No! A Downcast Chicken – What Could Be Wrong? A sluggish chicken is never cluck-tastic news! /u/cii1234 is understandably concerned about their chicken's sudden downturn, and we’re here to help navigate this potentially egg-citing, albeit worrying, situation. It's tough when your feathered friend isn't feeling their best. While pinpointing the issue without an exam is tricky, several factors could be at play, from illness to stress. Don't chickening out on seeking answers! Start by observing closely: changes in droppings, appetite, or behavior. If you've recently experienced a loss in your flock, as discussed in our article on a "Depressed chicken," grief can absolutely impact a bird's well-being. We'll be sharing some troubleshooting tips and potential next steps shortly – stay tuned!
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 around the clock as we observe our feathered friends strutting, pecking, and generally being their cluck-tastic selves. Whether you're a seasoned chicken keeper or just curious about these quirky creatures, this livestream offers a unique and entertaining glimpse into daily chicken life. Expect egg-citing moments, playful interactions, and maybe even a little fowl play. New to the joys (and occasional challenges) of chicken ownership? You might find our article, "Integratinghens," helpful as you navigate introducing new birds to your flock. Grab a seat, settle in, and prepare for a truly egg-straordinary experience!
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.
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).
This is scoot scoot. My 2nd most laid back chicken.
Meet Scoot Scoot, our second-most laid-back resident! As you can see in this delightful submission from /u/CecilBlight, Scoot embodies a certain zen-like calm. Here, she's contentedly observing her human prepare dinner – a scene we’ll politely omit any mention of chicken strips from. It’s cluck-tastic to witness such serenity amidst the often-chaotic world of backyard poultry. This peaceful moment offers a welcome contrast to some of the challenges our community faces, as recently highlighted in the poignant story of Peggy, our beloved Chocolate Orpington, and the realities of keeping chickens safe in the heat. Explore that story and more on our site! We’re always sharing egg-citing glimpses into the lives of our feathered friends.
What should I name my rooster?
## What Should I Name My Rooster? A Cluck-tastic Challenge! So, your flock is rocking a distinctly country, female artist vibe? We get it! Naming a rooster to fit that theme is an egg-citing challenge. While we're all about embracing the quirky side of chicken ownership, finding the *perfect* name is serious business. Don't "chicken out" – we’re here to help you brainstorm! We’ve got a few ideas beyond the obvious, leaning into both classic country legends and more modern stars. Think about your rooster’s personality – is he a showman, a gentle giant, or a mischievous rascal? Let's find a name that truly captures his spirit.
Lost this linebacker to the heat today
It’s with a cluck-tastic sadness that we share the news of Peggy’s passing. Our beloved Chocolate Orpington, a beautiful lady weighing in at 8.6 lbs, succumbed to the heat today. Peggy was a real character, known for laying the tiniest, most precious cream eggs – a delightful contrast to her substantial size! Losing a feathered friend is always tough, and we’re sending heartfelt condolences to /u/Necessary_Many_766. This serves as a stark reminder of the importance of heat preparedness for our flock. For those interested in observing our chickens in their natural habitat, you might find our "Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam" a fascinating look at daily life on the farm. Rest easy, Peggy.
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!