chicken eggs
chicken eggs on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 685 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on chicken eggs 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 eggs, 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.
Day old chick only flops to one side
Oh, the adventures of hatching chicks! It sounds like you’ve got a little feathered friend who’s having a tough start in life. It’s not uncommon for day-old chicks to have some wobbles, but when one flops to one side and avoids using a leg, it can be concerning. Your little guy might be experiencing some weakness or even an issue with his leg. Keeping him separated from his boisterous siblings was a wise move; they can be a bit too much for a chick in his condition. While you’re doing your best to keep him upright and hydrated, it’s essential to monitor his progress closely. Let’s dive into some tips and tricks to help him stand tall and thrive among his clucky companions!

Stroke / Paralyzed: What’s wrong with our girl - 2 yo hen?
Hey fellow chicken enthusiasts! We’re reaching out for some cluck-tastic insight about our sweet 2-year-old hen, who’s been on a troubling decline for the past week. Initially, we thought she just needed a nail trim, but now we’re seeing signs that hint at something more serious—possibly neurological. She’s showing significant weakness on her left side, has a droopy left eye, and is unsteady on her feet, relying on her wings for balance. Despite our efforts to support her with vitamins, antibiotics, and hand-feeding, she’s still struggling to eat or drink on her own. We’re considering additional treatments, including ivermectin, but we’re unsure if we’re on the right track. Has anyone faced a similar situation? We appreciate any thoughts to help our feathered friend!
Found this... thing in our run
Hey there, fellow chicken enthusiasts! It looks like we have a curious case on our hands. A newer chicken owner, u/RockDHouse, discovered a peculiar find in their run—a fertilized egg with a weak shell that has been picked apart by the hens. The catch? These hens are living the single life without any roosters around! You might be wondering if this egg situation points to a health issue for the flock. It's a valid concern, and we're here to help unravel the mystery. Let's dive into the quirks of chicken behavior and explore what this might mean for your feathered friends. Join the conversation and share your thoughts or experiences with similar egg-citing discoveries! Your insights could be just what someone else needs.

We talkin’ chicken poop? Just wondering — is it common for poops to be bigger than an egg or are our ladies special?
We all know chickens can be full of surprises, but when it comes to chicken poop, things can get a little... egg-straordinary! A curious chicken enthusiast recently raised a cluck-tastic question: is it common for chicken droppings to rival the size of an egg? While the usual solid poops are about the size of a golf ball, it seems some of our feathered friends are laying down some impressive deposits! This raises the question of whether it’s a quirky characteristic of their ladies or just a part of chicken life. So, let’s dive into the fascinating world of chicken poop — because when it comes to our poultry pals, every detail counts, even the “egg-screment”! Join the conversation and share your experiences!
Struggling Baby Chick
I’m reaching out with a heavy heart regarding a recently hatched baby chick that seems to be struggling. This little one, born just yesterday evening, took over a day to emerge from its shell, and I'm deeply concerned about its well-being. While four of its siblings are thriving under the care of my hens, this chick has some noticeable issues. One of its wings appears damaged, almost like a nub, and its leg seems limp. Despite its closed eyes, it's still chirping softly, which gives me a glimmer of hope. I plan to call the avian vet first thing in the morning for guidance. In the meantime, I would greatly appreciate any recommendations, thoughts, well wishes, or prayers for this feathered friend.
Can chicks hatched in incubator several days after hen hatched eggs be raised together?
Raising chicks alongside a broody hen can be a delightful adventure, but it comes with its own set of challenges—especially when timing is a bit wobbly! In your scenario, where two chicks hatched naturally, and several more are emerging from the incubator, you might be wondering if it’s safe to introduce these new fluffballs to Mama. Given that she’s already accepted one of the chicks from the incubator, it sounds promising. Since they’re all in a secure Eglu tractor within a larger enclosure, you have a safe environment for integration. Just remember, Mama may need some time to adjust to her new feathered friends, so keep an eye on her interactions as they all settle into this cluck-tastic family dynamic!
Egg production severely reduced
Hey, fellow chicken enthusiasts! It sounds like you're in quite the egg-citing pickle with your flock. Having eight hens that were once laying like champions, only to drop to a meager one or two eggs daily, can be frustrating. You’ve already taken steps by treating for gape worm, which is a great start, but it appears the egg production mystery remains unsolved. With your hens looking healthy, active, and well-fed on organic feed, it’s puzzling. Perhaps there’s a sneaky egg thief lurking around, or maybe environmental factors are at play. Let’s brainstorm together to get your feathered friends back to clucking out those eggs! Any insights or advice from the community would be super helpful!
Broody hen question that I can't seem to find a definite answer to about adding more eggs over a few days?
Ah, the delightful world of broody hens—where patience and a sprinkle of chaos collide! It sounds like you’ve got a feathered friend ready to embark on her hatching journey, and your instincts are spot on. Generally, you can let a broody hen accumulate eggs over a span of about three to five days before the official "lockdown" begins. This allows her to gather a nice clutch, ideally around 12 eggs, before she settles in for the full 21-day incubation. Just remember, once you’ve collected the eggs, it’s best to place them all at once to avoid any confusion. It’s a bit like preparing for a clucky party! So, get ready to embrace your inner chicken grandma and enjoy the hatching adventure ahead!

Breed ID
Could anyone take a guess at the ancestry of my delightful Easter Eggers? There are no right or wrong answers here—just a fun little inquiry! I got these charming gals, Juniper and Charlotte, from my sister’s friend when they were one year old. Sadly, the information card on their ancestry has gone missing! What we do know is they have confirmed Leghorn and Araucana roots, and they lay eggs that range from pinkish to medium brown—egg-citing, right? Both ladies share blue-grey feet and strikingly similar feather patterns, albeit in different colors. However, I’m left guessing about their father. So, what do you think their lineage might be? Let’s cluck about it!

Feeding Runaround Sue the broody hen 2x a day and foam square on clutch to keep it warm
Feeding Runaround Sue, my dedicated Buff Orpington hen, twice a day has become essential to her well-being during this cooler April/May period. These committed broody girls often stay glued to their nests, but I noticed Sue's keel bone becoming too prominent, suggesting she's lost weight. To combat this, I now pull her off the nest twice daily, making sure she has a stress-free meal experience. I strategically avoid the early morning and late evening chill, allowing her to eat and drink without worrying about her eggs getting cold. Plus, I use a foam square to keep the eggs warm while she’s away, ensuring her clutch stays cozy. With these adjustments, I’m hopeful for a successful hatch and a healthier Sue!

Hatched our 1st chick today… the tiniest egg in the whole bunch hatched 1st! 🥇🐣
Today marks a cluck-tastic milestone in our chicken-raising adventure—our very first chick has hatched! 🥳 This little bundle of joy emerged from the tiniest egg in the whole bunch, proving that great things often come in small packages. The excitement of witnessing the miracle of life is nothing short of egg-citing, and we can’t help but feel a mix of joy and vulnerability as we step into this new chapter of chicken parenthood. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or simply a curious onlooker, this heartwarming moment is sure to bring a smile to your face. Join us in celebrating this adorable addition to our flock by sharing your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! 🐣❤️ [link] [comments]

Haven't made it to the store for chicken feed.... rescued Friday night.
Oh, cluck! It sounds like you've found yourself in quite the chicken conundrum! Rescuing a feathered friend from the side of the highway is no small feat, and now you're navigating the wild world of improvised feeding. With no wheels to whisk you away to the nearest feed store, you've turned to your culinary creativity, whipping up a makeshift meal of scrambled eggs (with shells!), broccoli, carrots, cucumber, and a sprinkle of oregano. While that sounds egg-cellent for a temporary fix, you might want to consider adding some grains or pellets if possible, as they provide essential nutrients. Let’s rally the community for more ideas to keep your new clucky companion happy and healthy until you can stock up on proper chicken feed!
A broody girl and introducing chicks question (she's the loner of the crew)
Meet our broody Barred Rock, the ultimate loner of the flock! For at least a month, she’s been dedicated to her imaginary eggs, but with our rooster having passed away around the same time, we know those eggs are about as fertile as a rock. As she clucks away in her cozy nest, there’s a question on everyone’s mind: what happens if we introduce her to a bunch of week-old chicks? While it’s a bit of a cluck-tastrophe waiting to happen, your concerns about potential pecking and aggression from the other hens are totally valid. Getting her off the nest is essential for her health, but it’s a delicate dance. Let’s figure out how to make this feathered family reunion as smooth as possible!

Hen layed small squishy white egg
Guess what, chicken lovers? My feathered friend laid a small, squishy white egg! While this quirky occurrence happens from time to time, it hasn’t been a regular feature with my other girls lately, so I’m not losing any sleep over it. In fact, I think it’s kind of cool to see the unexpected surprises our chickens can bring! To add to the excitement, I have some bonus pictures of my beautiful girls, who are absolutely thrilled to be back scratching around in the yard after a long, snowy winter. Their joy is contagious, and I can’t help but share it with you all! Come check out the delightful chaos that unfolds when our chickens take on the great outdoors again!

Why the bald bottom?
Have you ever spotted a chicken with a bald bottom and wondered what on earth is going on? Well, one of our feathered friends is sporting a chronically bare backside, and her tail feathers aren’t winning any beauty contests either! Despite treating the entire flock and coop for mites, this pesky bald bum remains a mystery. All her sisters are healthy and fluffy, and there’s been no sign of bullying—plus, we don’t have a rooster in the mix. The coop area is soft and comfy, ruling out egg binding as a possibility. If you’ve encountered this feathered dilemma or have any cluck-tastic advice, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Let’s solve this chicken conundrum together.
All chickfeed in my country is sold out, what can I feed my chicks? Urgent! (they hatch in 1-2 days)
Oh no, fellow chicken enthusiast! It sounds like you’ve found yourself in quite the cluck-tastrophe with your soon-to-hatch chicks! We totally get the panic—nothing like the thrill of waiting for those adorable little peepers and realizing you’re fresh out of chick feed. Don’t worry; you’re not alone in this feathered frenzy! While you may not have a local chicken buddy to turn to, there are a few creative alternatives that can keep your little ones fed and happy. From scrambled eggs (yes, you read that right!) to finely ground grains, you have options to ensure your chicks start their journey right. Let’s dive into some egg-citing solutions that can save the day for your feathered friends!

First egg of my new Easter egger line I'm breeding
Egg-citing news, everyone! I’m thrilled to share the very first egg from my new line of landrace Easter Eggers, a project that has been a cluck-tastic 1.5 years in the making! This beautiful egg is the result of a delightful cross between a Schijndelaar and a Black Copper Maran, paired with a Welsummer and an Araucana rooster. The journey of breeding these feathered friends has been as whimsical as it is rewarding, and I can hardly contain my excitement for what’s to come! Each egg holds the promise of unique colors and traits, and I can’t wait to see what the other chicks will lay. Join me in this egg-citing adventure as we celebrate this milestone together!
Urgent! Possible Mushy Chick disease, but no second brooder- Advice?
Oh no, it sounds like your feathered friend might be in a bit of a pickle! Mushy chick disease can be a real clucker, and while it's important to act swiftly, you don't need to panic just yet. Since you don’t have a second brooder, let’s brainstorm some creative solutions using what you already have at home. You’ll want to keep that little one separated to prevent any potential bacteria from spreading to your unhatched eggs, so quarantine is a wise move. As for treatment, while many say it’s not effective, providing a clean, warm, and stress-free environment is crucial. If you can share a photo later, that might help clarify the situation, but first, let’s focus on the immediate care you can offer!
Suggestions needed for broody hens and chicks
Oh, cluck-tastic conundrum! It sounds like you’ve found yourself in the midst of a chicken drama worthy of a soap opera! With three broody hens going all-in on nesting at once, it’s no wonder things got a bit scrambled. The first hen’s eggs hatching alongside the second hen’s errant eggs adds a delightful twist, but it certainly raises questions about what to do next. Should you let the second hen care for her two chicks while abandoning her unhatched eggs? Is it wise to shuffle those eggs around to the third hen? And what about the possibility of reuniting the hatchlings with their original mom? Fear not!
👉 How Many Eggs Will We Collect Today?! 🥚🐔 (LIVE COUNT)
Get ready for an egg-citing adventure as we dive into today's live egg count! 🥚🐔 Join us in our quirky quest to see just how many eggs our feathered friends will lay today. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken whisperer or someone who’s chickened out on poultry parenting, this live count promises a cluck-tastic time! We’ll share laughs, insights, and maybe even a few fowl play moments as we tally up the eggs. You never know—our hens might surprise us with a record-breaking haul or just a handful of surprises. So, grab your favorite snack and settle in as we embark on this delightful journey together. Let’s see what our feathery companions have in store for us today!

Why Your Chickens Lay Thin-Shelled Eggs (And How to Fix It)
Are your feathered friends laying eggs that seem thinner than a pancake? Don’t worry, you’re not alone in this cluck-tastrophe! Thin-shelled eggs can be a common concern for chicken owners, and understanding the reasons behind this issue is the first step toward a solution. Factors such as diet, age, and health can all play a role in egg shell quality. But fear not! With a little knowledge and some egg-citing adjustments, you can help your chickens produce stronger, healthier eggs. Join us as we explore the quirky world of chicken egg production, uncovering the mysteries of thin shells and providing practical tips to get your hens back on track. Let’s dive into the fascinating (and sometimes fowl) reasons behind those fragile eggs!

Hen corner - is this enough? What else?
Welcome to my humble hen corner, where feathered friends reign supreme! I’ve recently downsized to three delightful Bantams and a charming rooster, who have loved free-ranging across my garden for the past four years. However, as they’ve enjoyed their freedom a bit too much—devouring nearly everything in sight—I’ve decided to section off their space. They now have two feeders, a cozy house for egg-laying, ample water, and plenty of roosting options. I’ve even added some new shrubs, safely protected by fencing. While they bask in sunshine and shade, I’m curious if this setup is enough for their wellbeing. What other enrichment ideas do you have—besides tossing in those egg-citing treats? Let’s share some cluck-tastic ideas!

Waterbelly not draining
If you've ever faced the perplexing challenge of a chicken with waterbelly, you're not alone! I recently thought my feathered friend was eggbound, giving her Epsom salt baths and hoping for the best. After realizing she was still going to the bathroom normally and there was no egg to be found, I did some digging and discovered she has waterbelly. Yesterday, I managed to drain about 20 milliliters from her, but when I tried again today, she didn’t cooperate. Instead of relief, I encountered a bit of a hiccup—nothing came out, and I noticed some bleeding. I followed a tutorial carefully, using a 20-gauge needle, but it seems I need to adjust my approach. Let’s unravel this watery mystery together!

The tiniest egg I’ve ever found and it’s not from a wild bird.
Prepare for an egg-squisite tale that will tickle your funny bone! Submitted by the ever-curious /u/devicto89, this story dives into the delightful surprise of discovering the tiniest egg ever found—not from a wild bird, but from a feathered friend right at home. Imagine the excitement mixed with a dash of disbelief as this mini marvel is unveiled. What could possibly fit inside such a tiny shell? This whimsical adventure not only showcases the quirky side of chicken-keeping but also invites us to embrace the unexpected joys of farm life. So, gather 'round fellow chicken enthusiasts and prepare to cluck in amazement at this egg-citing find! Click the link to join the conversation and share in the wonder.