chicken behavior
115 stories filed under chicken behavior on Alektorophobia. The newest of them: “When Yogurt Meets Chickens, It's a Clucking Vacuum Showdown”, “Ginger's chosen spot is the door, and she's not budging”, and “Harry's Revenge: The Tomato Heist That Ruffled Every Feather”. Yogurt for the flock, and they're going at it like tiny feathered vacuums. Ginger, the Great Door Blocker, has decided that the coop's threshold is *the* place to be. Chickens. Everything there is to know about chickens and the fear of them. The list below is every chicken behavior story on Alektorophobia, newest first.
When Yogurt Meets Chickens, It's a Clucking Vacuum Showdown
Yogurt for the flock, and they're going at it like tiny feathered vacuums. I love watching these goofballs discover a new treat, there's something so cluck-tastic about seeing them suck down every last drop with zero shame. It's messy, it's loud, and honestly, it's the kind of chaos I live for. If you're new to the chicken life, brace yourself: their enthusiasm for snacks is unmatched, and they will absolutely judge you if you're slow with the refill. For more feathery fun, check out our piece on "Six fluffy chicks have hatched, egg-cellent news from our feathered friends!" because, let's be real, there's no such thing as too much baby bird energy in one day.
Ginger's chosen spot is the door, and she's not budging
Ginger, the Great Door Blocker, has decided that the coop's threshold is *the* place to be. Never mind that there's a perfectly good roost just three hops away, she's planted herself like a feathered boulder, and you're not getting past without a polite game of footsie. Honestly, I respect the commitment. There's something almost heroic about ignoring every other option just to claim the one spot that makes everyone's life harder. It's not laziness, it's a power move. For anyone who's ever been outsmarted by a chicken's sheer stubbornness, you'll find kindred spirits in our piece on "Chickens Got Her Good! A Backyard Poultry Adventure." Ginger may not care about your schedule, but she's definitely the boss of this one.
Harry's Revenge: The Tomato Heist That Ruffled Every Feather
Well, folks, we have a genuine fowl crime on our hands. Harry, the rooster in question, apparently decided that the only ripe tomato in the garden was his for the taking. According to the story, he was up on the porch crowing for treats, got nothing, and then went straight for the harvest. That's not just hunger, that's petty revenge with a side of spite. I can't help but laugh, though I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't be plotting my own feathered friend's downfall in the same situation. Harry knows he's guilty, and honestly, the audacity is almost impressive. For anyone who's dealt with a crafty chicken, this is peak backyard poultry chaos.
Can Nonbroody Hens Still Be Clucky Foster Moms?
Ah, the eternal question that's ruffled more than a few feathers: will your non-broody hens step up and play auntie to a batch of fluffy newcomers? It's the chicken version of asking a cat to look after puppies, possible, but expect some hissy fits. The short answer? Don't count on it. Non-broody hens are typically too busy scratching, pecking, and living their best free-range lives to play substitute mom. They're not mean about it, mind you, they're just not interested in the whole "raising the kids" gig. That maternal switch usually flips only in broody girls, the ones who've gone full hawk-eyed, chest-puffed, "don't you dare touch my eggs" mode.
Mr. Respectful Rooster Turns into a Broody Hen Chaser
Well, isn't that just the pecking order polka? Your rooster's little chase after your broody hen sounds more like a "welcome back to the flock" than fowl play. It's actually pretty egg-citing that he's giving her the business now that she's rejoined the free-roaming crew. I mean, three months of peace and then this? Classic chicken drama. It's great to hear she's injury-free and that you're on top of her health. Honestly, it sounds like you've read the situation perfectly; a little re-establishing of the social ladder is normal. And hey, congrats on that first fertilized egg! Seeing those veins is a cluck-tastic milestone.
Comb Confusion: Is That a Rooster or a Hen in Disguise?
Well, look at those combs! With the big day on the 24th, I can practically hear the suspense clucking in the air. That first Rhode Island Red is certainly rocking a mighty prominent headpiece, which has my gut squawking "rooster." But here's the funny thing about chickens: they love a good plot twist. No crowing and no sneaky mounting yet, so our feathered friend might just be a very fancy lady. It's a classic game of fowl hide-and-seek, and we're all just guessing. For anyone deep in the throes of a similar backyard mystery, you might get a kick out of our piece on a different kind of poultry adventure, "Chickens Got Her Good!
Cluck off, feathered fiends: saving our fake plants from fowl play
Well, isn't this the classic chicken conundrum? Those fake planter boxes seemed like a clever idea, but your feathered friends have turned them into their personal digging playground. I get it, dirt everywhere is enough to make anyone cluck in frustration. The trick is to make the space unappealing without sacrificing your deck's vibe. Try laying down some heavy-duty wire mesh or chicken wire just beneath the dirt's surface. Chickens hate unstable footing, so they'll quickly lose interest. You could also top the soil with smooth river rocks or large pine cones, which are uncomfortable for their feet but still look natural. It's a simple fix that keeps things tidy and, honestly, it's a lot less stressful than a game of fowl hide-and-seek every morning.
When Your Silkie's Tummy Talks Back: A Bump Mystery
"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."
Broody and Betrayed: My Egg-Splaining Ice Breaker Backfired
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.
Feathered Frenzy: My Cat's First Fowl-Faced Faceoff
## 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!
The Egg Heist Is Real When Your Flock Turns to Fowl Play
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!
This rooster's parting gift? Every single pickup.
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!
A bloody egg is fowl play, but here's how to help your hen.
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 "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!
Neck Twists and Missing Feathers: A Cluck-worthy Mystery
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!
Why Does This Roo Squeeze Behind a Crate Just to Call His Hens?
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!
Midnight Majesty? More Like Midnight Rooster: Feathers Don't Lie
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!
When the Grays Go Staring, It's Time to Listen Up
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.
Red Bum or Bully Trouble? A Feathered Whodunit
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?
Waffle gave me wings, and now he's left a sky-sized hole.
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's Secret Soft Side Proves Even a Bully Can Love Her Flock
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.
Teenage Pullets Are Playing Hide-and-Seek With My Morning 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!
Bully hens and hidden tumors: is there a cluck-worthy link?
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 Earns Poolside Privileges, Still Clucking Crazy
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.
Sisters Stage a Cluck-In, But One Chick's Just Here for the Drama
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! 😎💦."