chicken eggs
chicken eggs on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 725 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.

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.

More chickens!
Hello, fellow chicken enthusiast! It sounds like you’ve got a delightful flock already, with a charming mix of breeds. Expanding your chicken family is egg-citing! Introducing larger breeds can be a bit like a fowl game of musical chairs, especially with your bantams. Generally, larger breeds like Orpingtons and Cochins are known for their gentle demeanor, making them likely candidates for peaceful coexistence. As for egg colors, the Ameraucana is a fantastic choice for those vibrant blue and green eggs! Welsummers will add some lovely dark brown eggs to your collection too. With plenty of space to roam and a cozy shed outfitted for comfort, your feathered friends will surely thrive! Let’s cluck about the best combinations for your growing flock!

Is this chick okay?
Is this chick okay? It’s a question that can send any new chicken parent into a flurry of worry, especially when you’ve only had two little ones hatch out of twelve eggs! This little feathered friend has just emerged from her egg a couple of hours ago, and while she initially struggled to get up, she eventually found her footing. However, there's a concern about a possible prolapsed cloaca, which can be alarming. It’s natural to feel anxious in this situation, but understanding the signs and providing the right care can make all the difference. Let’s explore what to look for in your newly hatched chick and how to ensure she’s on the right path to thriving among her fellow feathered friends!
All lost
Oh no! It sounds like you’ve had a cluck-tastrophe on your hands, and my heart goes out to you. Losing your beautiful flock of six is absolutely devastating, especially after all the hard work you put in to keep them safe and happy. It’s completely understandable to feel a mix of emotions right now—anger, sadness, and a deep sense of loss. Your husband’s intentions were good, and we all have those moments when life gets overwhelming. It’s great that you’re sharing your story here; it reminds us all how easy it is to let our guard down just once. Your flock was a lovely part of your life, and I’m sending you all the warm wishes to help heal your heart during this tough time.
Free chickens - need to rehome
🐔 **Cluck-tastic Opportunity Alert!** 🐔 My son’s family is seeking a loving home for their feathered friends due to a new town policy on chicken free-ranging in Long Island. They’re rehoming six delightful Orpingtons, known for their egg-citing egg-laying abilities, along with two charming Old English Bantam Game Hens. At just one year old, these chickens are not only friendly and easily handled, but they also have a knack for returning to their run and coop as the sun sets. They’ve braved the winter chill like true champions, thriving without extra heat. If you’re interested, they can be separated for adoption. Plus, the coop and run, designed by Third Coast Craftsman, can be disassembled for transport. Ready to welcome some new feathered friends? 🥚✨

Bantams with large breeds
Hey there, fellow chicken enthusiast! It sounds like you’ve got a delightful flock filled with charming bantams. Expanding to include large breeds for those egg-citing brown and green eggs is a fantastic idea! When introducing larger breeds, like Ameraucanas or Orpingtons, it's generally a good plan since many of these breeds are known for their friendly demeanor, which should help them integrate smoothly with your bantams. Just keep an eye on the pecking order to ensure everyone feels at home. Your setup sounds cluck-tastic with plenty of space for frolicking and a cozy shed for cozy nights. With your eye on breeds like Faverolles, Cochins, and Welsummers, you're sure to create a colorful and harmonious flock! Happy chickening out on your new adventure!

Waterbelly not draining
If you’ve ever found yourself in a bit of a chicken pickle, you’re not alone! Recently, I thought my feathered friend was eggbound, so I tried soothing her with Epsom salt baths—after all, who doesn’t love a spa day? But she was still doing her business normally, and I couldn't feel an egg. After some clucking around online, I discovered she actually has waterbelly. I drained about 20 milliliters from her yesterday, but when I went for round two today, I met a bit of a roadblock. Despite doing everything by the book with a 20-gauge needle, nothing came out, and to my surprise, she started bleeding. Here’s hoping for a cluck-tastic recovery soon!

Those of you who pop a chick or two under your broody hens: How long were they broody before you did that?
Hey there, fellow chicken enthusiasts! If you've ever found yourself in the delightful yet sometimes daunting world of broody hens, you know the struggle is real. One of our beloved feathered friends has recently gone broody for the second time, and I'm feeling the urge to swap in some chicks to avoid another lengthy broodiness—remember, it took months to break her last time! So, how long should you wait before popping those chicks under your broody hens? It’s a cluck-tastic question that many of us ponder. Join the conversation and share your experiences! Let’s navigate this fowl situation together and hopefully avoid another extended stay in the broody coop.

Lash Egg Care
Oh, cluck-tastic news! Charlotte just laid a lash egg, and that’s definitely a first for her! While it might sound like something straight out of a fowl fairy tale, we know it can leave any chicken enthusiast feeling a bit frazzled. First things first, it’s great to hear she’s active, eating, and drinking normally—those bright red combs are a good sign! Since you’ve already booked a vet appointment and quarantined her, you’re on the right track. In the meantime, keep an eye on her behavior and ensure she’s comfortable. Offer her some extra love and attention—maybe a little treat or two? Let’s keep our feathered friend happy while we wait for the vet’s expert advice!