Alektorophobia/chicken eggs

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.

chickens

Hen with shellless egg hanging out of her vent

Oh no, it sounds like one of your feathered friends is having a bit of a rough time! Shell-less eggs can be quite the puzzler and may leave both hens and their humans scratching their heads. It’s great to hear that you gently helped your hen by removing the remnants of the broken egg—she might not have appreciated it at the time, but you definitely did her a solid! Extra calcium is a good start, but consider checking her overall diet and ensuring she has access to plenty of fresh greens and protein. Stress from the passing of another hen could also play a role, so keeping her environment calm and cozy can help her bounce back.

chickens

Broken keel bone. Help needed.

I've been nursing a 19-20 week feral hen with a likely broken keel bone for three weeks, initially mistaking her injury for a leg sprain. Today, I noticed her crooked sternum, confirming my suspicions. Despite my efforts to provide care—like using a towel harness to support her and offering enticing mealworms—her reluctance to move and eat remains concerning. I suspect her injuries may stem from other chickens jumping on her back or a misstep during a jump. She’s been managing some skin irritation from her hammock setup, and her legs show signs of atrophy. I’m reaching out for advice on her recovery and any adjustments I can make to her care routine. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

chickens

WHAT An Afternoon!!! (Modern Game Bantams)

What an afternoon it has been! Picture this: my quads of Modern Game Bantams have been laying eggs like there’s no tomorrow, and I’m drowning in them. Just as I’m about to hatch a plan to disperse my surplus, fate introduces me to Bob—a complete stranger with a heart of gold and a Bird ICU! Our meeting spiraled into a whirlwind of laughter, shared stories, and a mutual love for these feathered friends. From discussing stunning birds to bonding over the quirks of chicken keeping, it was a connection that lifted my spirits sky-high. Who knew that a chance encounter could spark such joy? This experience has reignited my passion for these quirky little creatures and reminded me of the incredible community we share.

Laboured breathing for severa minutes after she made a nest out the blanket on my chair. Is she ok
chickens

Laboured breathing for severa minutes after she made a nest out the blanket on my chair. Is she ok

Is your feathered friend experiencing some cluck-tastic nesting behavior, or is there something more concerning at play? It sounds like you've observed some unusual patterns with your chicken, particularly her laborious breathing and color changes after making a nest out of a blanket. While chickens can indeed get a bit dramatic when preparing to lay eggs, persistent panting and color loss aren’t typical signs of just nesting. It's important to consider other factors, such as stress or health issues. If her behavior continues or worsens, consulting a veterinarian with chicken experience would be egg-cellent. Let's keep our feathered friends happy and healthy—because they certainly keep us on our toes!

First time hatching eggs!
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

First time hatching eggs!

Hatching eggs for the first time is an egg-citing adventure, and it sounds like you’re ready to dive into the delightful world of chick cultivation! Using the MATICOOPX 30, you’re already on the right track with your research, but hey, who doesn’t love a little extra advice from fellow chicken enthusiasts? Whether it's tips on temperature control, humidity levels, or those adorable little quirks of chicks that will make you laugh, the community is here to help! Remember, every hatch brings its own surprises, so embrace the journey with a mix of joy and a sprinkle of nervousness. Welcome to the whimsical world of hatching—your feathered friends are just a few days away from joining your flock! Let the cluck-tastic adventure begin!

my first weird egg!
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

my first weird egg!

Oh, the adventures of chicken parenting! It sounds like Donna has been quite the character lately, bless her little feathered heart. After being broody for over two months, it’s no surprise she’s dropping eggs in unexpected places—like an egg-laying treasure hunt! Fairy eggs, while a bit of a shocker, can be a sign of dietary changes, especially with her switch to all flock feed and the addition of oyster shells. It’s great to hear she’s exploring her new nesting boxes, but it sounds like she might still be getting used to her new digs. If she’s laying in odd spots, it could be a matter of comfort or simply her quirky personality shining through.

Looooooong egg
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

Looooooong egg

Looooooong eggs—what a cluck-tastic surprise! While it might seem like your chicken is trying to set a world record for egg length, there’s usually no need to panic. Older hens can sometimes lay elongated eggs, which is often just a quirky part of their egg-laying journey. These long eggs may occur due to age or slight irregularities in the reproductive system, but they generally don’t indicate a serious health problem. As you marvel at this peculiar egg, keep an eye on your feathered friends for any other unusual behaviors or signs of distress. Remember, chickens can be full of surprises, and sometimes, a long egg is just a little fowl play! So, embrace the whimsy and enjoy the adventure of chicken keeping!

Hen or rooster?
chickens

Hen or rooster?

Are you scratching your head, wondering whether your feathery friend is a hen or a rooster? You’re not alone! Many chicken enthusiasts find themselves puzzled when their feathered companions don’t fit the expected mold. At nearly a year old, the absence of egg-laying and crowing can certainly raise questions. But fear not! Understanding the differences between hens and roosters can help clarify your chicken's identity. Hens are known for their egg-laying prowess, while roosters are the vocal, protective guardians of the flock. Join us as we dive into the delightful quirks of these magnificent creatures and help you uncover whether you've got a lovely lady or a charming gentleman in your coop. Let's crack this mystery together!

Upping our egg game!
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

Upping our egg game!

Get ready to up your egg game, folks! 🐓 This year, we’re adding a splash of color to our coop with bright blue eggs that are sure to make your heart flutter! 🪺🩵 If you've ever found yourself daydreaming about the perfect pastel palette for your breakfast table, this is your moment. But it’s not just about the hues; we’re on the hunt for other must-have varieties that will take your egg-laying experience to the next level. What are your favorites? Share your thoughts and let’s cluck about the best options for egg-citing colors and flavors. Join the conversation and help us discover the quirkiest and most colorful additions to our flock this year! 😊 [link] [comments]

Rainbow Hatch (Pic Dump)
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

Rainbow Hatch (Pic Dump)

Hatch day is here, and the excitement is palpable! Our resident rooster may not have been up to the task—only one fertile egg out of 13—but we took matters into our own hands with a colorful "Rainbow Pack" of 18 eggs from a breeder. So far, 14 adorable chicks have made their grand entrance, showcasing a delightful variety. Among them, we were thrilled to find a surprise Lavender Marans and a blue chick from one of our Bresse eggs, which we’re labeling as an Easter Egger for now. Join me in admiring this feathered lineup: Wheaten Ameraucanas with red and orange bands, Crested Cream Legbars that auto-sex, and a robust Lemon Pyle Brahma sporting a yellow band. Let the cuteness overload begin!

Please show me your Orpingtons
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

Please show me your Orpingtons

🐔✨ Hello, fellow chicken lovers! Meet Rosi, my fabulous Brahma hen, who has just embarked on her brooding journey with my very first Orpington eggs! You see, I had my heart set on Bantam Cochins, but my housemate (who happens to be the farm owner) had other plans. To brood, Rosi had to ensure she could enjoy a feast of Roo afterward! So, I pivoted and found some delightful Orpington eggs nearby. I’m bubbling with excitement to see how this new adventure unfolds! Will they be as charming as I hope? Stay tuned for updates, and check out Rosi on her first day of brood—she’s ready to take on this cluck-tastic challenge! 🥚💖

What breed could she be? This is our mystery girl, her name is Moon. She turned up one day about 18 months ago and decided to add herself to our little flock. Marched up and down until we let her in!
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

What breed could she be? This is our mystery girl, her name is Moon. She turned up one day about 18 months ago and decided to add herself to our little flock. Marched up and down until we let her in!

Meet Moon, our mystery girl who waltzed into our lives about 18 months ago! With her big personality and even bigger physique, she quickly earned her place in our feathered family, strutting right up to us until we welcomed her in. Though we’re unsure of her age—she’s likely older than our two-year-old hens—her shiny black feathers and hints of golden ginger around her head make her truly unique. Moon's slightly tufty legs and feet add to her charm, and she surprises us with small, dark brown, often speckled eggs. We’ve speculated about her breed, but her origins remain a delightful mystery. One thing’s for sure: she’s part of the girl gang for life, and we wouldn’t have it any other way! ❤️

My last remaining girl enjoyed her sun time ☀️ chicken loaf
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

My last remaining girl enjoyed her sun time ☀️ chicken loaf

In the enchanting world of chicken-keeping, losing beloved feathered friends can be heart-wrenching. Recently, I faced the sorrow of saying goodbye to two of my favorite hens, leaving behind my last remaining girl, who was once the timid target of bullying. To my surprise, she has blossomed in her newfound solitude, soaking up the sun and savoring her retirement from egg-laying at three years old. Each day, I join her for some quality sunshine and health checks, ensuring she’s entertained and content. As I prepare to welcome three new girls in a couple of months, I lovingly remember my past hens, who supported me through my GCSEs and college. They now rest peacefully, adorned with flowers and their feathers cherished above my bed.

We gave our broody hens babies
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

We gave our broody hens babies

In a delightful twist of fate, we decided to gift our broody hens some adorable babies! After weeks of planning to expand our flock, we were surprised when two of our chickens went broody just a few weeks ago. Curious to see if they would embrace the challenge of motherhood, my fiancé and I carefully selected four chicks to introduce to our feathered friends. With a backup brooder ready in case things didn’t go as planned, I nervously waited overnight, fearing the worst. To my astonishment, when dawn broke, our broody girls had welcomed the chicks with open wings! Watching them cluck and nurture their tiny new family has been an incredible reminder of nature’s wonders—who knew our hens had such nurturing instincts?

I guess I should make an omlette or something
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

I guess I should make an omlette or something

When life hands you a surplus of eggs, what do you do? If you're anything like our friend, CuddleBuddiesJJ, you whip up an omelette and get creative! With only two egg enthusiasts in the household, the weekly egg bounty often leads to generous giveaways to friends and family. But why stop there? Freezing and freeze drying those beautiful eggs not only preserves their freshness but also builds a delightful storage supply for future culinary adventures. It’s a cluck-tastic way to ensure that no egg goes to waste, all while keeping your kitchen stocked and your culinary options egg-citing! Join us in celebrating the quirky joys of egg abundance and the joy of turning leftovers into delicious meals.

Dead embryos? :(
chickens

Dead embryos? :(

Oh, the cluck-tastic adventure of saving abandoned eggs while on vacation! It sounds like your dog has quite the keen eye for these potential feathered friends. With four embryos showing signs of life, it's understandable to feel both excitement and concern. Those blood vessels are indeed thrilling to see, but the uncertainty about that one egg can leave you feeling a bit frazzled. Fear not, as you’ve already taken a step in the right direction by ordering an incubator! In the meantime, let’s chat about those mysterious blood rings and what they mean for the future of your eggs. Join the conversation, and together we can figure out if your feathered friends still have a fighting chance!

Not a trash girl
chickens

Not a trash girl

In a delightful twist of chicken behavior, one feathered friend has taken the term "trash girl" to a whole new level. Despite my best efforts to convince her that she’s not a trash girl, she insists on laying her precious eggs in the trash and sitting on them like it’s the coziest nest in town. This quirky situation not only showcases the whimsical nature of our feathered companions but also highlights the adorable yet maddening behaviors that can leave us scratching our heads. Join me in exploring this cluck-tastic conundrum and uncovering why some chickens choose unconventional nesting spots. After all, who wouldn’t want to turn a trash can into their own personal egg-laying paradise?

Wheaten Ameraucanas
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

Wheaten Ameraucanas

Meet the charming Wheaten Ameraucanas from my flock—my feathered friends who never fail to capture my heart! I have a deep appreciation for this breed, especially the wheaten variety, which has faced challenges with nearly white egg colors. For the past five years, I’ve been on a mission to breed toward producing those coveted blue eggs. It’s been an egg-citing journey filled with love, laughter, and the occasional chicken chaos! I’m also curious about the Ermine variant—does anyone else have experience with it? I’m located in Central Texas and would love to hear your thoughts and tips. Let’s share our cluck-tastic stories and create a community of chicken enthusiasts who understand the quirks of these delightful birds!

Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

What daily schedule do you need to maintain for healthy happy chickens?

So, you’ve convinced your family to welcome some feathered friends into your lives—cluck-tastic! Taking on the care of these delightful birds is both a fun adventure and a serious commitment. While you won’t be able to check on them until around 10:30 or 11 AM, rest assured that chickens are pretty resilient creatures. An automatic coop door is a fantastic start, but it's understandable to worry about collecting eggs and refreshing their water. Don’t fret! As long as you have reliable feeders and water tanks, your chickens will be just fine. In this guide, we’ll explore a daily schedule to ensure your chickens remain happy and healthy, even if you have a slight delay in your morning routine.

chickens

Chick won’t stop chirping! Help!

Oh no, it sounds like little Peep is quite the chatterbox! It’s adorable yet concerning when a chick won’t stop chirping, especially for a first-time chicken parent like you and your husband. With 11 feathered friends, it’s clear you’re already doing a cluck-tastic job caring for your flock. Since Peep is the smallest and has faced pasty butt challenges, her chirping could be her way of expressing discomfort or seeking attention. You’ve done well by moving her to a cozy brooder and ensuring she has a buddy. Keep an eye on her temperature and make sure she's comfortable. Sometimes, extra cuddles or gentle reassurance can make a world of difference! Let’s figure out how to calm those little vocal cords together!

Hen has a cut on her beak
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

Hen has a cut on her beak

Oh no, it sounds like one of your feathered friends has had a little mishap! Noticing a cut on a hen's beak can be concerning, especially for first-time chicken keepers like you. It’s totally normal to feel a bit worried—after all, this is your first health hiccup with your delightful flock. While beak cuts can happen for various reasons, from pecking order squabbles to accidental bumps, it’s essential to keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t get infected. Many chicken enthusiasts have faced similar situations and can offer their insights. Sharing experiences and tips within the community can be cluck-tastic for both you and your hen! Let’s rally together and get your bird back to her peck-tacular self!

Broody Cream Legbar - Anyone have experience letting them try to hatch?
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

Broody Cream Legbar - Anyone have experience letting them try to hatch?

Hey fellow chicken enthusiasts! I’m diving into the delightful world of broody hens, specifically my Cream Legbar, who seems to have taken a sudden interest in hatching eggs. We recently had a cluck-tastic hatch, and with more hatching eggs on the way, I’m eager to see if she can handle the responsibility! However, I’ve heard that Cream Legbars are less prone to broodiness, so I’m curious about your experiences. Yesterday, I attempted to move her and her (likely) unfertilized clutch to a separate broody setup, but she wasn’t having it and made quite the fuss. Tomorrow, we plan to swap in fertilized Silkie eggs, but I worry she might abandon the clutch or that other hens will sneak in their own eggs. Any tips?

I have no clue what he is… but his name is Fire
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

I have no clue what he is… but his name is Fire

Meet Fire, the enigmatic chick that sparked curiosity from day one! Hatched from one of our own eggs, this little feathered fellow quickly lived up to his fiery name, showcasing a personality as vibrant as his moniker suggests. With a dad who's an Easter Egger (EE) and a mom whose lineage remains a delightful mystery, Fire embodies the whimsical unpredictability of backyard chickens. His unique traits have us all guessing about his breed, and we can't help but wonder what blends of fowl magic contributed to his charming appearance. If you have any insights or guesses about Fire's heritage, we’d love to hear from you! Join the fun and help us unravel the mystery behind this cluck-tastic character!

Worms in eggs
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

Worms in eggs

Oh cluck! Finding a worm in an egg can be quite the shocker for any chicken enthusiast. What you’re likely dealing with is a type of nematode, possibly a roundworm, that can sometimes find its way into the eggs from an infected hen. It’s not a common occurrence, but it does happen! Since your flock of 18 seems healthy overall and you only spotted worms in one egg, it’s possible that only one hen is affected. Keep an eye on that slightly slower chicken; she may need a little extra TLC. For treatment, consider consulting a vet to ensure the health of your feathered friends. Remember, a little vigilance can go a long way in keeping your flock cluck-tastic!