chicken behavior
chicken behavior on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 75 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.
I know- lay or crow… but any guesses?
Welcome to the whimsical world of chicken keeping! At just nine weeks into your feathered adventure, you've already stumbled upon the delightful chaos that is a straight run. With a surprisingly high rooster count from Cackle Hatchery's "crazy cackle zombie" mix, you're in for a treat! You’ve got two charming candidates, both nearing the big 9-week mark, and a third who just started showcasing his crowing talents. While none are displaying the classic rooster posturing yet, their quirky personalities shine through in their playful "get off me" antics. It's tough to think about letting any of them go, but that’s the reality of chicken life. Join the fun and share your guesses—let’s solve this clucky mystery together! 🐔✨
I need help
Hey there, fellow chicken enthusiasts! I’m reaching out for some cluck-tastic advice about one of my beloved hens. She’s a year old, but lately, she’s been looking a bit off compared to her feathered friends. Her comb has darkened, and there’s some swelling on her face with speckles. Behavior-wise, she’s been distancing herself from the roosters, puffing up in the corner, and showing unusual signs of fear around me. While she’s still interested in food and water, her spirit just doesn’t seem to shine like it used to. I’ve already isolated her, started her on vitamins and antibiotics, but she’s still pulling feathers out. I’m determined to help her thrive again, so any guidance would be greatly appreciated!
Roger Is Super Cranky Before Bed
Meet Roger, my sweet but super cranky boy! At nearly one year old, he’s a lovable little rascal who comes when called and enjoys being carted around like royalty. However, when the sun starts to set and it’s time to lock him up, his charming demeanor takes a nosedive. Suddenly, he’s pecking at my legs and flapping his wings like a feathery tornado! It’s puzzling—does he dread going back to the coop because the other chickens are pecking order bullies? Or is he experiencing a nighttime surge of testosterone? With a few years of chicken parenting under my belt, I’m curious about this quirky behavior. Join me in unraveling the mystery of Roger’s nightly antics!
Weird behavior
Hello, fellow chicken lovers! Have you ever noticed your feathered friends acting a bit... unusual? One of our community members, Arenshii, has a silkie displaying some quirky behavior that’s raising a few eyebrows. While she’s still munching and sipping like a champ, she seems to be losing her balance more often than not. This has left Arenshii scratching their head, wondering what could be causing this sudden wobble. Is it a sign of something serious, or just a temporary case of the chicken jitters? If you’ve encountered a similar situation with your own chickens or have insights to share, let’s come together and help Arenshii figure out what’s going on with their sweet silkie!
Normal Pecking order? Or too much?
Navigating the pecking order can feel like a clucky rollercoaster ride, especially when introducing your adorable 6- to 7-week-old pullets to older hens! It’s great to hear that your Easter Egger (EE) has been mostly chill, but it sounds like your buff Brahma has taken on the role of the neighborhood bully—yikes! While some pecking can be part of establishing dominance, it’s essential to differentiate between normal behavior and outright bullying. Since you’re considering keeping the babies separated for a bit longer, that’s a wise move. This will give everyone time to adjust without causing too much stress. Keep an eye on those interactions, and don’t hesitate to share updates; we’re all rooting for a harmonious coop! 🐔✨
What is this behavior called?
Have you ever watched your feathered friends engaging in what looks like a bizarre dance of scratching and preening? You might wonder, “What is this behavior called?” Is it just a routine feather-cleaning session, or could it be a sign of something more serious? Chickens, those delightful bundles of fluff, engage in a variety of behaviors that can baffle even the most seasoned poultry aficionados. From scratching the ground to fluffing their feathers, each action has a purpose and meaning behind it. So, let’s dive into the whimsical world of chicken behavior and uncover what your clucking companions are really up to. Whether they’re simply grooming or signaling something more significant, understanding these antics can deepen your bond with your flock!
What is the likelihood of having a sour crop?
Oh no, it sounds like your feathered friend is feeling a bit under the weather! A swollen crop can indeed be concerning, especially when it's not hard to the touch and accompanied by lethargy. This could indicate a condition known as sour crop, where the crop becomes impacted or infected, leading to an accumulation of food and fluid. While it's great that you're planning a vet visit, it's important to monitor your chicken closely until then. Ensure he has access to fresh water and consider gently massaging the crop to help with any potential blockage.
I think my Serama is going blind
Meet Hazel, a delightful 5.5-year-old Serama who’s capturing hearts with her gentle spirit. Recently, her behavior has shifted, leading to concerns that she may be going blind. Despite this, Hazel continues to navigate her world with determination, finding her way to food, water, and treats—though she seems to be missing the mark occasionally when snatching at larger goodies like a whole cucumber. Her preference for staying in the run and heading to bed early adds an endearing touch to her personality. This sweet old lady loves to snuggle and be close to her flock of eight Seramas, with the oldest two reaching a grand age of seven this summer. Sharing her story reminds us how special our feathered friends can be! 🥰
Normal behavior?
Hey there, fellow chick enthusiast! It sounds like your baby chicks are displaying some adorable and curious behaviors on your lap and in your hands. Chicks often enjoy snuggling and may be seeking comfort or warmth from you. As for the dust bath idea, it’s possible they’re just testing the waters—or, in this case, the sand! While coarse sand is great for dust bathing, they might prefer a finer texture or a mix of materials to satisfy their bathing instincts. And about that feed scattering situation, try using a feeder designed to minimize spillage or one with a cover to keep their food contained. Let’s keep the conversation going and share our tips for happy, clucky lives with our feathered friends! 🐥✨
Rhode Island Red Experiences
Welcome to the wild world of Rhode Island Reds! As a first-time chicken parent, you’re diving into the delightful chaos of chick life, and it sounds like your two RIRs are living up to their reputation for spunkiness. Their fearless approach—flying at you and nipping your fingers—might feel a bit overwhelming, but fear not! This behavior is quite common for chicks around 6-7 weeks old, as they’re exploring their surroundings and asserting their personalities. Mixed reviews on RIR temperament can leave you scratching your head, but every chicken has its quirks. Let’s gather experiences from fellow chicken enthusiasts to better understand these feisty feathered friends. Share your thoughts and let’s cluck about those charming antics!
Henpecked Poor Thing
Oh, the cluck-tastrophe of chicken dynamics! It sounds like you’ve found yourself in quite the feathered frenzy with poor Louise getting henpecked after your roo had to strut his last crow. It's never easy to see our feathered friends in distress, especially when they’ve lost their protector. As you head to the store for some poultry wound treatment and possibly an adorable apron, remember that reintegration can be a delicate dance. Once Louise is healed, consider reintroducing her gradually to the flock, perhaps using a separate space at first to allow her to regain confidence. And let’s not forget, breaking that pesky henpecking behavior might take a little time and patience. Here’s to hoping for happier, healthier days for your feathered friends!
Chicken behavior in a game I'm working on
Welcome to the whimsical world of chicken behavior in our upcoming game! Here, we dive cluck-first into the delightful antics of our feathered friends, showcasing their quirky personalities and hilarious habits. From their unpredictable pecking patterns to their amusing attempts at socialization, each chicken adds a unique flavor to the gameplay. Players will encounter situations that capture the essence of chicken life—think fowl play, unexpected egg-citing moments, and the occasional hilarious chicken chase. Whether you’re a seasoned poultry pro or just a curious onlooker, our game invites you to embrace the charm and chaos of chicken behavior. Get ready for an egg-citing adventure that promises to ruffle your feathers in the most delightful way! Join us in this playful exploration of our beloved cluckers!
Chicks acting odd
Welcome to the whimsical world of chick antics! It sounds like your new feathered friends are already bringing a bit of quirky behavior to your life. When chicks act oddly while eating, it can be a combination of excitement and their natural instincts kicking in. Vocalizations can indicate they’re feeling comfortable and energetic, which is a good sign! However, if their behavior seems particularly unusual—like frantic pecking or odd postures—it might be worth investigating further. They could be trying to establish pecking order, reacting to their new environment, or simply enjoying their meal in their unique chick way. Let’s explore the delightful and sometimes baffling behaviors of your little ones to help you better understand their chick-tastic personalities!
Bloody egg from one of my Bantams – any insights?
Oh no, a bloody egg from your Bantam! It’s definitely a head-scratcher, but you’re not alone in this quirky chicken adventure. With your flock of four Bantams turning one this spring and two of them laying regularly, it’s great to hear that the rest are doing well. The fact that your hen seems perfectly fine—eating well and displaying normal energy—is a good sign. Bloody eggs can sometimes indicate stress or minor injuries, possibly linked to the roosters' rowdy behavior. Since they seem to favor one of your Bantams, it might be worth observing their interactions more closely. Have any of your fellow chicken enthusiasts experienced something similar? Let’s cluck about it and find some egg-citing solutions together!
Honking bird
Hey fellow chicken enthusiasts! It sounds like you’re dealing with quite the quirky conundrum with your 5-month-old true blue whiting pullet. That honking noise she’s been making for a month certainly raises some eyebrows (and possibly some feathers), especially since you’ve already taken steps to care for her with Tiagard and a vet RX. It’s great to hear her behavior and appetite remain normal, but we understand the concern about potential diseases that could affect the entire flock. With her being too young to lay, it’s crucial to monitor her closely. Let’s dive into this together and see if we can uncover some cluck-tastic advice to help you and your feathered friend! Don’t hesitate to share more details if you have them.
Helping people to take better care of their chickens.
Caring for chickens is a rewarding yet challenging journey, especially when witnessing fellow enthusiasts neglect their feathered friends. Recently, I found myself in a tough spot while visiting a friend’s home in Greece, where their chickens live in less-than-ideal conditions. With muddy coops, overcrowded roosts, and signs of distress among the hens, it was hard to stand by. I’ve taken it upon myself to help improve their situation, from creating cozy nesting boxes to advocating for better living conditions. While I’m not sure how my suggestions will be received by the family, I remain hopeful. Let’s rally together to share encouragement and ideas for helping chickens thrive, because every cluck-tastic life deserves a little extra care!
Severe Wound Care and Eradicating Cannibalism: An Educational Post
Welcome to a cluck-tastic exploration of severe wound care and the surprising world of chicken cannibalism! In this educational post, I’ll share my journey of healing a severe flesh wound on my beloved lavender Orpington and the steps I took to eradicate cannibalism behaviors in my flock. It’s a taboo topic in the chicken-keeping community, often associated with factory farming, but it can happen in backyard flocks too—trust me, I learned that the hard way. As a proud backyard chicken keeper on the East Coast, I’ve experienced the ups and downs of flock management firsthand. With a sprinkle of humor and a dash of vulnerability, I hope to provide helpful insights for anyone facing similar challenges, whether today or down the line. Let’s dive in!
My hen is recovering well from her frostbite and injuries from getting stuck in a fence!
Three weeks ago, I shared the heart-wrenching tale of my sweet hen who got stuck in a fence by the compost pile, leading to frostbite and a dislocated leg. I was worried she might not recover, but she’s proving to be a little warrior! Recently, she’s regained mobility and is holding her leg almost normally, bringing a wave of relief. I’m still cautious about sending her back to the flock, especially with the lingering cold. In an effort to boost her spirits, I introduced a dirt bath from my snake’s tank, and let me tell you, she’s loving life! Today, she hopped right in and is having the time of her life—dirt everywhere, but it’s worth it to see her happy and thriving again!
Building A DIY Chicken Nesting Boxes-21 Plans And Ideas
Are you ready to give your feathered friends the perfect place to lay their eggs? Look no further! Our guide, "Building A DIY Chicken Nesting Boxes: 21 Plans and Ideas," is here to cluck-tastically help you create cozy and inviting nesting spots for your hens. While chickens may not be the pickiest egg-layers, having dedicated nesting boxes makes egg collection a breeze for you. With 21 creative and free plans at your fingertips, you can choose a design that suits your style and your flock's needs. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual chicken enthusiast, these DIY ideas will have you clucking with joy as your hens settle into their new digs. Let’s get building and make those egg-citing bounties easier to gather!
15 Most Famous Heritage Chicken Breeds
Are you dreaming of a cluck-tastic chicken flock that’s both healthy and happy? Understanding the different breeds is key to achieving your poultry paradise! Enter the world of heritage chicken breeds—a delightful assortment of feathered friends that bring not just eggs but also charm to your backyard. Heritage breeds are known for their robust genetics, unique personalities, and historical significance, making them a fantastic choice for both seasoned chicken keepers and those just starting out. If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by the options or simply want to learn more, don't fret! This guide will illuminate the 15 most famous heritage chicken breeds, helping you make the egg-citing decision that’s right for you. Let’s dive in and uncover the wonders of these fowl beauties!
Free Chicken Coop Plan for Raising Backyard Chickens
Are you ready to embark on a cluck-tastic adventure with your very own feathered friends? Raising backyard chickens has become all the rage, and it’s no wonder why! From the joy of collecting fresh eggs to the delightful antics of these quirky creatures, there’s a lot to love about having a flock. But before you dive into the world of chicken parenting, you’ll need a cozy coop where your chickens can roost, lay eggs, and strut their stuff. Fear not! We’ve gathered a treasure trove of chicken coop ideas and a free plan that will help you create the perfect haven for your clucking companions. Let’s get ready to crack open the world of backyard chicken raising together!
Bought her yesterday , was wondering if this is normal ?
Just brought home a kikiri hen, and now you’re scratching your head, wondering—“Is this normal?” You’re not alone! Chickens can be quirky creatures, and their behaviors can sometimes leave us feeling a little clucky! Whether she’s strutting her stuff or just acting a bit off, let’s dive into the delightful world of chicken quirks together. We’ll help you figure out if your feathered friend is just being her fabulous self or if she might need a little extra TLC! 🐔✨
10 Great YouTube Alternatives for Kids – for Better, Safer Screen Time
Worried about the wild world of YouTube and its potential pitfalls for your little ones? Fear not! We’ve clucked up a list of 10 egg-citing YouTube alternatives that promise better, safer screen time for kids. These platforms are designed to keep your feathered friends entertained while giving you peace of mind. So, let’s dive into these delightful options that will keep the giggles coming without the worries!
9 Ways to Keep Chickens Warm in Winter Without Electricity
Brrr! Winter is here, and while our feathered friends are tougher than they look, they still need a little extra TLC when the temperatures drop. Fear not, chicken keepers! You don’t need to rely on electricity to keep your flock cozy and cluck-tastic this season. In this guide, we’ll explore 9 egg-citing ways to ensure your chickens stay warm and snug, all while dodging those frosty chills. Let’s dive in and make this winter a fowl-proof adventure for you and your beloved birds!