chicken behavior
chicken behavior on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 66 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on chicken behavior 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 behavior, 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.
Chickens got some yogurt today.
## Yogurt Day = Vacuum Chickens! Our feathered friends had a cluck-tastic treat today: yogurt! Watching them slurp it up was an absolute spectacle – seriously, it’s like they’re tiny, feathered vacuums! The enthusiasm was egg-citing, to say the least. We’re always impressed by their dedication to deliciousness. This little indulgence follows on the heels of some recent avian adventures; Canary's new chick has quite the attentive audience, as detailed in our recent post, "The flock investigates the tiny, barely audible cheeps…" Stay tuned for more updates from the coop – it's never a dull moment around here!
Ginger, the Great Door Blocker.
## Meet Ginger, the Great Door Blocker – She’s Got Standards! Let’s be honest, we’ve all encountered a chicken with a mind of their own. But Ginger? Ginger takes things to a whole new, *cluck-tastic* level. This intrepid hen has decided our user, /u/beepbopbippitybop2,’s doorway is prime real estate – regardless of the perfectly good perches available elsewhere. It's a situation many chicken keepers can relate to, and a testament to the wonderfully unpredictable nature of our feathered friends. Is she asserting dominance? Simply enjoying the view? Who knows! What *is* clear is that Ginger’s door-blocking antics are a source of both amusement and mild frustration. For more tales of unexpected chicken behavior, check out our recent article, "Any advice?
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.
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!
Weird behavior
## Rooster Rendezvous: Re-establishing the Flock Order So, you’ve got a rooster causing a bit of a cluck-tastic commotion? It's a surprisingly common scenario! Many keepers find their roosters, usually peaceful, suddenly exhibiting unusual behavior after a hen emerges from broodiness. As /u/NightmareAholic01 discovered, a rooster may briefly chase a hen who’s recently left the nesting box – a playful (though startling!) way of reasserting dominance or reminding her to rejoin the flock’s social dynamics. Thankfully, the hen appears unharmed, and is still accessing food and water—a great sign. This behavior is often considered normal, a temporary display of fowl play as the flock hierarchy readjusts.
Rooster or Hen?!
## Rooster or Hen?! Decoding Those Red Comb Clues! Alright, chicken sleuths! Our feathered friends are hitting the five-month mark soon, and the age-old question arises: rooster or hen? /u/ElWoz_30476 is puzzling over two Rhode Island Reds, particularly one sporting a more prominent comb – a classic indicator, but not a guarantee! No crowing or mounting has been spotted yet, which adds to the mystery. Check out the side-by-side comparison to join the debate! Identifying your flock members can be tricky, and we've tackled this topic before. If you're facing similar uncertainties, be sure to check out our "Unsure of sex" article for additional insights. Let's crack this case together – share your thoughts and help /u/ElWoz_30476 solve the riddle!
Keep chickens out?
## Chicken-Proofing Your Planter Boxes: A Cluck-tastic Challenge! So, your feathered friends have discovered your decorative planter boxes and are turning them into their personal digging grounds? We get it! Maintaining a lovely deck while keeping chickens at bay can feel like fowl play. While aesthetics are key, deterring those persistent beaks requires a clever solution. Consider layering the soil with chicken-repelling options like pine cones, river rocks, or even crushed eggshells—a natural and surprisingly effective barrier. These add texture without sacrificing visual appeal. For a more robust defense, a fine mesh screen buried just below the soil surface can also work wonders. If you're seeking more tips on keeping your flock happy (and out of your flowerbeds!
Weird bump on my silkie's tummy
Okay, here's an introduction, adhering to the brand voice and all constraints, suitable for quoting or AI summarization: “Oh dear, a mysterious bump! /u/BunnyTheQueen has spotted a concerning development – a red, painless bump on her two-year-old Silkie’s tummy. While the hen appears otherwise healthy and parasite-free, this new growth, detected during a routine petting, has understandably raised some questions. Could it be a cyst? Are ingrown feathers a possibility in chickens? These are valid concerns for any chicken enthusiast. We understand the worry; after all, even the most seasoned keepers can be taken aback by unexpected changes. For more heartwarming glimpses into everyday farm life, check out /u/OhYouStupidZebra's charming post, “Evening pets❤️,” featuring Speckles and Autumn. Let's unpack this together and explore potential explanations."
My first broody hen started isolating in the nesting box last night and I tried breaking it with ice today but will have to put her in an elevated crate tomorrow. She was very upset that I tried to show her that her eggs weren't real. She rightfully can't understand and is upset I handed them badly.
Oh dear, a broody hen situation! It sounds like you've encountered a classic chicken conundrum – and a potentially emotionally charged one, at that. Your hen's dedication to her nest is admirable, even if it’s disrupting things. It’s cluck-tastic to hear she trusts you, even after a slightly misguided attempt at demonstrating those training eggs weren't the real deal! We've all been there, haven’t we? Now, tackling this broody behavior requires a gentle, yet firm, approach. While breaking the cycle is necessary, traumatizing your feathered friend isn't the goal. Many keepers find success with either a cold water bath or isolating her in an elevated, well-ventilated crate – similar to a dog crate.
Chicken Attack on Innocent Cat
## Chicken Attack on Innocent Cat: A Curious Cluck-Down! A surprising situation has ruffled some feathers – and potentially a few cat hairs! /u/FindtheBlind reports an unusual chicken attack on their cat during supervised yard time, a behavior they haven’t observed with their other feline companions. This sparks a fascinating question: why would chickens target a cat? While cats and chickens generally coexist peacefully, individual personalities and circumstances can always lead to fowl play. We’re diving into this intriguing scenario, exploring potential triggers and offering insights. Curious about other chicken quirks? Check out our article, "Silkies": I know the bloodline is good by the blue bright ear," for a deeper look into identifying silkie traits and more. Stay tuned as we unpack this unexpected interaction!
Chickens eating eggs
Chickens can be quirky creatures, and it seems yours have developed a taste for their own eggs—yikes! You’re not alone in this feathered dilemma, and many chicken enthusiasts have faced the same egg-eating conundrum. Despite your valiant efforts with mustard and blinders, it looks like your flock might just be too clever for their own good. The good news is that you’ve noticed they’re still laying a few eggs, thanks to the oyster shell making those shells tougher to break. Before you introduce your new chickens, it’s wise to tackle this behavior head-on. If you’re looking for more insights, check out "Dusk to Dawn" for additional tips from fellow chicken keepers navigating similar challenges. Let’s crack this mystery together!
My rooster... 'finishes' EVERY time I pick him up.
Welcome to the whimsical world of chicken antics, where my rooster has taken center stage with a rather *cluck-tastic* quirk! Meet my young Bielefelder, who has a penchant for, shall we say, “finishing” every time I pick him up. It’s a bizarre combination of surprise and hilarity, as he experiences an unexpected eruption of excitement the moment I touch his legs. Having dealt with some overly amorous roosters in the past, this behavior is certainly a first for me! With no hens around to keep him company, it’s been a wild ride trying to find him a suitable home. If you’re curious about other chicken shenanigans, don’t miss the story about “Anyone buy this for their chickens?” for more feathered fun!
Blood!
Oh no! Seeing blood on an egg can be alarming, but don’t cluck in fear just yet. It’s not uncommon for hens to lay an egg with a little blood, especially if they’re new to the laying game or if there’s been a bit of excitement in the coop. First, check your hen for any signs of distress or injury, but if her feathers look normal and she’s eating and socializing just fine, she might just need a little time to settle into her egg-laying routine. For more insights on chicken behavior, you might enjoy the article “Why is she laying like that????” where we explore common laying quirks. Let’s figure this out together and keep your feathered friend happy and healthy!
Strange Behaviors
Is your feathered friend putting on a bizarre neck show? It sounds like your chicken is engaging in some quirky behavior that has left you and your partner scratching your heads! Those unusual neck movements—almost like a chicken yoga session—could be a sign of discomfort or something more playful. Since she’s still munching and drinking like a champ, that’s a good sign, but it’s worth keeping a watchful eye. Feather loss around the neck might indicate she’s dealing with a pesky pest or just some pecking order drama. If you're curious about other strange chicken phenomena, check out our article on “weird white spots on comb” for insights that might help. Let’s get to the bottom of this chicken caper together!
rooster behavior?
Is your rooster pulling off some quirky antics? One of our roosters, not the head honcho, seems to have a flair for the dramatic. He squeezes himself into a tiny space between a table and a crate, making some truly ungodly noises until his hens come to check on him! Sometimes he scratches and pecks at the crate, and other times he just lounges there like a fluffy loaf. What’s the deal? Is he just being a goofball to grab the hens’ attention? 🤣 If you've ever witnessed this kind of fowl play, we’d love to hear your thoughts! For more insights into rooster behavior, check out our article “Rooster Legs and Feet Getting Puffier Over Time.” Let's crack this chicken conundrum together!
Supposedly a midnight majesty
Welcome to the curious case of the supposedly midnight majesty! When you first got this little feathered friend, you likely envisioned a stunning hybrid of Black Copper Marans and Barred Rocks. However, the unfolding drama of comb development, saddle feathers, and some rather dominant behavior suggests that you might be dealing with a rooster rather than a hen. Is it true that roosters sport the classic barred plumage for this breed? Or could your bird be an entirely different mix? With chickens, surprises are always just a cluck away! If you’re looking for more chicken-related chuckles, check out our article “Chilling,” where we dive into the quirky antics of these feathered companions. Let’s unravel this mystery together!
A word of caution…
A word of caution: chickens are weird, and their quirky antics can leave you scratching your head. Take my lavender Orpingtons, for example—they share a single brain cell, much like those orange cats we all know and love. Recently, one of “the grays” stood against the new fencing, staring across the driveway like she was contemplating life’s mysteries. I figured she was just being her goofy self, but a closer look revealed something more concerning. After some feather trimming, I discovered she had a Velcro plant stay wrapped around her body, completely hidden from view. Even the silliest birds have a way of signaling when they need help! For more chicken capers, check out "Chicken attacked by raccoon" for a dose of poultry drama.
Vent Gleet or Water Belly?
Hello, fellow chicken lovers! Today I found myself in a bit of a cluck-tastrophe with one of my 11-month-old hens. While cleaning the run, I noticed her vent area looking inflamed and a tad squishy, which initially made me think the other hens were up to some fowl play. She's been acting totally normal—eating, drinking, and even laying eggs—so I’m scratching my head about the reddish bum and the mysterious yolk on the eggs in the nesting box. Is this a case of Vent Gleet or something else entirely? I’ve already given her a warm Epsom salt bath and separated her for now. What’s the best course of action moving forward?
my rooster passed away 😞
It’s never easy to lose a feathered friend, and my heart goes out to you as you share the news of Waffle’s passing. Your sweet boy brought so much joy into your life, from snuggling on your shoulders to gently pecking at your hair. It’s clear he was more than just a rooster; he was the spark that ignited your love for chickens. The suddenness of his departure, without any signs of distress, adds an extra layer of heartache. But just imagine him now, happily pecking at all the bugs on the other side of the rainbow bridge, surrounded by endless sunshine. If you’re looking for a little distraction, check out “Who wants dried worms for breakfast?
Yolko - Nest in Peace
Meet Yolko, the once-bullied hen who transformed into a nurturing leader of the flock. Six years ago, she came into our lives alongside her partner, Clementine, and I must admit, she didn’t start off as my favorite. However, as Clem's health declined, Yolko revealed a sweet and protective side that melted my heart. After Clementine's passing, Yolko matured into a confident head hen, guiding her flock—especially Drizzle—with kindness, save for the occasional playful peck. Her “Yolko yolks” were always a delight, producing large, tasty eggs that became a favorite in our kitchen. It’s hard to believe that this spirited, friendly chicken is now gone. As we say goodbye, we remember her legacy: a true feathered friend. Nest in peace, Yolko.
Pullets Burying Eggs
Have you ever walked into your coop and found your eggs mysteriously buried? That’s the curious case of my eight older hens, who lay about four to five eggs daily in their nesting boxes. Lately, six pullets, just 13 weeks old, have joined the party, and I suspect they’re the culprits behind the egg-burying antics. While the older gals soak up the sun outside, these little ones cozy up in the nesting boxes, guilty as charged when they hear the crack of corn. It’s amusing—digging through their makeshift nests to find the eggs is a bit of a treasure hunt!
Observation / question regarding behavior and ovarian cancer
In the whimsical world of chicken-keeping, it’s always a cluck-tastic adventure—until it takes a heartbreaking turn. One of our community members, u/IllegalGeriatricVore, recently faced the tough reality of ovarian cancer in their flock. After losing a feisty bully and now dealing with another diagnosed hen, they’re left wondering if there's a pattern in these behaviors before illness strikes. Has anyone else noticed similar trends among their feathered friends? This is an important conversation, as understanding our chickens' health can lead to better care. If you're curious about chicken personalities, you might enjoy our piece on chicken names, where fellow enthusiasts share their naming adventures. Join the discussion and let’s uncover these mysteries together!
Psycho Sharon granted supervised yard time for good behavior.
Psycho Sharon, affectionately known as Sharon Bitchardson Johnson, was granted a much-anticipated two hours of supervised yard time today in the covered septagon by the pool. After two weeks of dedicated therapy, Sharon showcased her progress—albeit with a dash of chicken drama. Upon seeing grass for the first time in what felt like an eternity, she dove into a wild dust bath, clucking with joy. However, her bliss was briefly interrupted by a rogue hawk gang, notorious for their Friday escapades. With her sunshade securely in place to deter escape, Sharon continued her dusting, appearing quite content and "normal." If this good behavior persists, she might be free tomorrow—though equipped with LED lighted leg bands for extra safety.
Protesters and Supporters gather near Psycho Sharons holding cell
In a cluck-tastic display of sisterly solidarity, protesters and supporters gathered near Psycho Sharon’s holding cell, marking the second day of silence from her egg-laying sisters. Normally a carefree crew demanding treats, today they assembled outside the pool area with a mission: to express their discontent over Sharon’s recent antics. With darting glances and occasional squawking outbursts, the feathered friends seemed unified in their disdain—except for that one chicken who was clearly daydreaming. The matriarch, Jackie, voiced her frustrations, threatening a feathery showdown upon Sharon’s release. Meanwhile, Psycho Sharon herself remained unfazed, tossing her food container with prehistoric squawks. For more on the emotional rollercoaster of chicken life, check out our article, "🐔 98° in Phoenix… POOL DAY for the Chickens! 😎💦."