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.
I woke up to a trans chicken
This morning, I was tending to my chores when I heard an unusual crow that didn’t belong to either of my roosters. To my surprise, it was one of my hens! I’ve heard of hens transitioning, but I’m curious about the implications for my flock. Should I separate her from my other roosters? Right now, I have two pens: one for my larger rooster, Sunny, and another for my bantam. My newly crowing hen, now dubbed Cloudy, is five years old and has been laying eggs until this unexpected change. With such a size difference between Cloudy and Sunny, I’m concerned about potential conflicts. Does anyone have advice on managing this quirky situation? Your insights would be greatly appreciated!
Look what hatched last night
Look what hatched last night! Out of 12 eggs, I’m excited to introduce my new little feathered friends. Originally, 11 chicks made their grand entrance, but sadly, one tiny yellow chick didn’t make it. I’m a bit concerned about the other solid yellow chick—it seems a little off. One of the hatchlings struggled to breathe, which is never a fun sight. As for the lone egg that didn’t hatch, it looks like it stopped developing around day 10. Despite these hiccups, I’m feeling optimistic about the overall hatch; it’s been a cluck-tastic experience! Plus, I still have nine more eggs on lockdown, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed for another round of egg-citing arrivals. Stay tuned!
Getting poo off of eggs without stripping the bloom
Getting those eggs sparkling clean without sacrificing the precious bloom is a cluck-tastic challenge many chicken enthusiasts face! We all know that sometimes our feathered friends leave behind a little extra *somethin’* on their gifts, and while washing eggs might seem like a quick fix, it can strip away that protective bloom. This layer is essential for keeping your eggs fresh and safe. Fear not, fellow egg lovers! In this guide, we’ll dive into some egg-citing tips and tricks to remove that pesky residue while preserving the bloom. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just chickening out at the thought of cleaning eggs, these methods will have you handling your eggs with confidence and care. Let’s get cracking!
Please help!!
Oh no, it sounds like your feathered friend Peachy is having a rough time! With her tail bobbing and lethargy, it’s understandable that you’re feeling worried. A hard crop and difficulty breathing are definitely red flags that need attention. You've already shown great care by moving her to a calm environment and trying a boiled egg, which is a thoughtful start! The olive oil and gentle massage could be a fantastic next step to help her out. Remember, our chickens are more than just pets; they’re our quirky little companions, and it’s clear that Peachy holds a special place in your heart. Let’s rally together and support each other in navigating this clucky conundrum. Here’s hoping Peachy feels better soon!
Free Ranging
There’s nothing quite like the sight of my 13 hens embracing the freedom of their backyard! These feathered friends revel in their daily adventures, foraging for fresh grubs, worms, and grasshoppers. Watching them scratch and peck with such enthusiasm is a delightful reminder of their quirky personalities. Their joyful antics bring a smile to my face, and the best part? The next day, I was rewarded with a cluck-tastic haul of 13 eggs! It’s moments like these that make chicken-keeping a truly egg-citing experience. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just dipping your toes into the world of backyard poultry, there’s something magical about free-ranging hens that makes every day a little brighter. Join me in celebrating the joys of chicken life!
I. Want. Babies.
Are you ready to embrace the cluck-tastic journey of encouraging broodiness in your feathered friends? If you've ever found yourself in the delightful yet puzzling predicament of your hens sitting diligently for a few days only to suddenly lose interest, you're not alone! Our fellow chicken enthusiast, Shelly, is on a quest to crack the code of natural hatching without the help of an incubator or separating the mamas from the flock. She’s been using fake eggs to spark interest, but after three days of commitment, her girls seem to chickening out. Let’s dive into this broody mystery and share tips and tricks for nurturing those maternal instincts, ensuring Mabel and Henrietta don’t turn into deadbeat moms!
A Dozen More, Gone Out The Door! :D
In "A Dozen More, Gone Out The Door! :D," our charming old hermit, Mandi, recounts an egg-citing day filled with quirky encounters and feathered friends. After listing some unused mink traps on a Facebook chickens page, Mandi quickly finds a buyer from Sligo, who not only takes home those traps but also a dozen freshly laid Partridge Modern Game eggs! This delightful exchange showcases Mandi’s passion for chickens and the joy of connecting with fellow enthusiasts. With a sprinkle of humor and a dash of nostalgia, Mandi highlights the thrill of sharing their love for birds while looking ahead to future projects. Join in on the fun as Mandi continues their adventurous journey in the whimsical world of poultry!
Which breed is "better" Buff Orpingtons or Barred Rocks?
Are you caught in the delightful dilemma of choosing between Buff Orpingtons and Barred Rocks? You’re not alone! While online stats can provide some insight, nothing beats the firsthand experiences of fellow chicken enthusiasts. Buff Orpingtons are renowned for their sweet personalities and lovely, large brown eggs, while Barred Rocks often steal hearts with their striking appearance and playful antics. Perhaps you adore the way their wattles wiggle or the resilience they show against illness. Let's dive into this feathered debate with stories, insights, and maybe a few cluck-tastic pictures along the way! So, get ready to share your love for these charming breeds—because who doesn’t enjoy a good chicken tale? Sue us for wanting to hear your stories!
Please help?
Oh no, it sounds like your beloved hen Peachy is in a bit of a pickle! With her tail bobbing and a hard, small crop, it’s understandable that you’re feeling worried. It's truly heartwarming to hear how cuddly and affectionate she is; she must be such a joy in your life! You’ve done a great job by ensuring she has water and avoiding solid food for now. Crushing up boiled egg was a clever move! The olive oil and gentle crop massage could indeed help her if her condition doesn’t improve. Remember, our feathered friends can be quite resilient, so let's send some positive vibes Peachy's way. Your love and care for her shine through, and I’m sure she appreciates it! Keep us updated!
First time incubating
Embarking on my first egg-incubating adventure with a $40 Amazon incubator has been nothing short of a cluck-tastic journey! I experimented a bit, even trying to salvage a pecked egg by taping up the hole—who knew that would actually work? I hatched a delightful baby Cochin from that brave little egg! Although I lost four eggs, I decided to add four more on day nine, just to test my luck. So far, one Serama has hatched, and two Cochin eggs are pipped. Plus, I’ve welcomed two turkeys into the mix! It’s been a whirlwind of excitement and learning. If you have any tips on sexing heritage turkeys or know of a great turkey community, I’d love to hear from you!
Lump on Leg
Have you ever spotted a lump on your chicken’s hock joint and felt a mix of confusion and concern? Meet the one-year-old Easter Egger who's not only an egg-laying enigma (with just three eggs to her name) but also now has a mysterious lump that’s left her caregiver puzzled. After noticing the bump last Wednesday and observing no change in behavior, the owner attempted to aspirate the lump, only to find it solid and somewhat vascular. Despite keeping her comfortable and clean with antibiotic cream, the chicken has started limping significantly. With no local vets willing to help and a long drive to the nearest one, this chicken enthusiast is reaching out for insights and support from fellow chicken lovers.
First ever fairy egg
Today brings a sprinkle of magic with the discovery of our very first fairy egg! While this delightful surprise lights up our spirits, it also comes with a heavy heart as we face the bittersweet reality of rehoming our beloved chickens. After a month-long battle with city regulations, we’ve sadly accepted that our feathered friends must find new homes by April 27th. We’re grateful our dear neighbor has taken in Henrietta, allowing us the joy of visiting her. The rest will find refuge at a sanctuary, though we won’t be able to see them again. Over the past four years, we’ve learned so much from our quirky flock, and we’re already dreaming of welcoming more chickens into our lives in the future! ❤️
Introducing new chicks... Store-bought vs hatched
Introducing new chicks into a mixed flock can feel like a cluck-tastic adventure, especially when you’ve got a colorful crew of bantams and standard-sized chickens! With 11 newly purchased chicks, roughly six weeks old, safely brooding in the coop, and three adorable ones hatched by a broody hen just three weeks old, you’re in quite the feathered predicament. While your older hens seem to ignore the little ones during free range, it’s natural to wonder about integrating your store-bought chicks. The common advice is to wait until all birds are similar in size, but your situation is anything but traditional! Let’s explore how to navigate this delightful chaos and ensure everyone gets along in your charming chicken kingdom.
Need a special name for this special little baby
Meet this cluck-tastic little chick, a true embodiment of love and legacy! This feathered friend hatches from the egg of a remarkable hen, one of the very first chickens I ever bred. Sadly, this incredible mother passed away just a day after laying the egg, making this tiny chick not only special but also a poignant reminder of her spirit. With such an extraordinary backstory, this little one deserves a name that reflects its unique journey and the bond it shares with its late mother. Let's come together to brainstorm the perfect name for this precious baby, ensuring it carries on the love and legacy of its remarkable mom!
Ireland ~ Anyone In Reach Of Leitrim?
Hey there, chicken lovers of Leitrim! I’m in a bit of a cluck-tastrophe—my Modern Game Bantam hens just won’t stop laying! I’ve already given away a couple of dozen eggs, but these feathered friends are determined to keep producing more. They’re perfect for kids—sweet, innocent, and absolutely adorable! A local expert even praised their quality, saying they’re great breeding stock. Unfortunately, I can’t send them out due to skyrocketing shipping costs and my limited trips to town. So, I’m reaching out to you wonderful folks for help! I won’t accept a cent; I’m just passionate about preserving this breed. If you know anyone who might be interested, please let me know. Your support means the world to me!
Male or female? Two easter eggers
Meet two delightful Easter Eggers who are currently residing on my mother’s property! Now, before you start imagining a colorful egg hunt, let’s get to the cluck of the matter: we need help determining their gender. At around four months old, these feathered friends have yet to make their voices heard—no crowing just yet! Despite the picture quality being a bit of a throwback (thanks to her decade-old phone), we’re eager to hear your insights. Are we looking at a pair of charming hens or a dashing duo of roosters? Join the conversation and help us crack this mystery! Your expertise might just save us from chickening out! [link] [comments]
New chicken owner seeking advise 😅
Hey there, fellow chicken enthusiast! It sounds like you've embarked on quite the cluck-tastic adventure with Spicy and Henrietta! 🐔 Rescuing those feathered friends and giving them a cozy home shows your big heart. It’s perfectly normal for them to have a bit of adjustment anxiety—after all, they’ve gone from a tiny branch to a fancy coop! As for Spicy’s egg-laying antics, it’s common for new layers to have some quirks, so don’t worry too much. The laying spot behind the koi pond might feel like her secret safe zone. Just keep encouraging her with those nest boxes. And about their food preferences—chickens can be picky eaters, especially in a new environment. Keep experimenting, and soon enough, they’ll be clucking for joy! 🥳
My eggs come pre spiced
Get ready to spice up your breakfast! My feathered friends have discovered a newfound love for chili seeds, turning my eggs into a cluck-tastic culinary delight. It seems that spice truly is life, as these ladies have taken their taste buds on a flavor adventure. You won’t believe how my chili plants have adapted to their enthusiastic new audience! In the thread, I’ll be sharing some delightful pics showcasing this delightful fusion of chicken and spice. Join me in this egg-citing exploration of how our beloved hens are embracing the heat. Whether you're a seasoned poultry pro or just enjoy a dash of whimsy in your day, let's celebrate the quirky joys of backyard farming together! [link] [comments].
3 hens gone broody and now I can't find one
Oh, the whimsical world of broody hens! It seems like our feathered friends have taken a sudden liking to the art of nesting—this time, three speckled Sussex are in full broody mode! For four years, we’ve been lucky with minimal broodiness, but with a slight lapse in egg collection, our ladies have turned into fluffy little scream machines. Just two days ago, I discovered one hen’s secret stash hidden deep in the blackberries, and yesterday, another was cozying up with a stash of eggs. But today, one remains unaccounted for, and I can’t help but worry. Is she deeper in the bramble or on an adventure? Have any fellow chicken lovers experienced a broody hen that managed to go MIA for a couple of days?
Followup to chicken unable to walk
Thank you to everyone who chimed in on my last post about my little feathered friend! After three weeks of worry, I’m thrilled to report that she took her first proper steps yesterday! While she’s still a bit wobbly and hasn’t regained her speedy dash, I’m optimistic about her recovery. During this time, she’s been enjoying a mix of multivitamins in her water, chick feed, calcium supplements, and a delightful buffet of worms and insects—plus, of course, plenty of cuddles! 🥰 Remarkably, she never stopped laying eggs and is still averaging about three a week! I truly appreciate your support and advice during this journey. Here’s to more cluck-tastic days ahead! 🐔❤️
Fly high love
Fly high, love. A few weeks ago, my sweet girl Kiki crossed the rainbow bridge at the age of seven, and I’m still grappling with the loss. Kiki was a cuddly hen with a stubborn streak that rivaled any chicken I’ve known. I cherish the memories of her defying the odds—surviving a cold and an infection that left everyone skeptical of her resilience. Kiki had a zest for life, often demanding her “cheese tax” from the fridge, and she wasn’t shy about asserting herself when attention was lacking. Now, her companion Toni feels the void, clinging to us with an urgency that makes it clear she misses Kiki, too.
Look one of my bantam’s laid her first egg!
Look who’s officially a chicken mom—Scoot Scoot laid her first egg! Last October, my boyfriend and I took in two adorable Old English Bantam chicks after rescuing a flock that was abandoned in our neighborhood. Every morning, six chickens would gather on our porch, hoping for breakfast. Our journey began when we spotted a mother hen with two tiny chicks, and we knew we had to help them thrive. We transformed our shed into a cozy coop and added two more sisters to the flock. Yesterday was a momentous occasion! While my boyfriend was cleaning the nesting boxes, Scoot Scoot made her pre-laying noises but got spooked. Later, I checked again, and there it was—a beautiful egg! What a rewarding adventure this has been!
Hen limping, not eating and yellow poop
Oh no, it sounds like Sunny is having a cluck-tastrophe! Limping, lethargy, and yellow poop can definitely raise some alarm bells for any chicken parent. It’s great that you’ve been proactive by separating her from the flock and monitoring her closely. Your observations about her not eating and having a yellowish poop suggest she might not be getting enough nutrients, which can happen when chickens feel under the weather. It’s wise to consider all possibilities, from minor sprains to more serious issues. While a vet visit can be a bit stressful for our feathered friends, it might be the best way to get to the root of Sunny's troubles. Let’s rally the community for some advice and support for our beloved girl!
Are my eggs ok??
Are my eggs okay? This question echoes the worries of many chicken (or duck) enthusiasts, especially when you're watching over a classroom of eager second graders. As you navigate the world of incubating eggs with your Brinsea incubator—without the luxury of humidity readings—anxiety can start to creep in. You’re noticing that your eggs look quite different from your coworkers’ visible progress, and the internet's myriad of horror stories about the "ring of death" isn't helping. It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed at the thought of disappointing your students. Let’s explore the possibilities: could your eggs simply be lagging behind, or is there something more concerning at play? Don’t fret—let’s find some cluck-tastic reassurances and solutions together!