Alektorophobia/chicken eggs

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.

Pick me a mate! Silkie cockerel + …???…
chickens

Pick me a mate! Silkie cockerel + …???…

Update on sick chicken: read and learn
chickens

Update on sick chicken: read and learn

This may not look good to you but to me it's the most beautiful walk in the world
chickens

This may not look good to you but to me it's the most beautiful walk in the world

Cull chick or see what he does?
chickens

Cull chick or see what he does?

Posting for my mom
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

Posting for my mom

Meet Poppy, the beloved 8-year-old Barred Rock who’s been a cherished member of the flock since the beginning. Today, she surprised us by flying down from her perch, only to wobble and settle into a loaf position—definitely not her usual self! Upon closer inspection, I noticed she has pasty butt and is missing some feathers above her vent. Despite these concerns, she’s still laying eggs and eating well, though her isolation comes with some stinky droppings. As a first-time chicken parent, I’m feeling a bit clucky about her condition and want to ensure she gets the care she needs. What could be causing this, and how can I help Poppy bounce back? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Failing to thrive chick
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

Failing to thrive chick

Bringing a new feathered friend into your flock can be as egg-citing as it is nerve-wracking, especially when that little chick is struggling to thrive. It sounds like you and your son have already gone above and beyond for your Polish chicken, showing a heartwarming commitment to giving it the best chance at life. From sugar water to cozy lap time under a heated blanket, you’ve tried a mix of nurturing techniques. Now, let’s rally the community for some cluck-tastic advice! Share your experiences with similar situations and let's brainstorm more ways to encourage this little one to eat and thrive. After all, every chick deserves a fighting chance, and together we can find the best solutions.

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

First Chicks

Exciting news in the world of feathered friends! You just welcomed your first chicks, and the anticipation of those brown eggs is egg-citing! While the farm gave a nod to brown eggs, the mystery of their exact breed adds a sprinkle of intrigue to your new adventure. Are they a delightful blend, or do they belong to a specific breed that’s all about those rich, brown beauties? With a little luck and some cluck-tastic care, you’ll soon find out what these little ones have in store. And don’t worry—capturing the elusive gray chick on camera is an adventure in itself! Let’s dive into the possibilities of what your chickens might be, and share in the joy of this new journey together!

What is going on with these eggs?
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

What is going on with these eggs?

Easter egg-citement can sometimes lead to unexpected surprises, especially when you discover those curious orange or red rings around your hard-boiled eggs! Fear not, fellow chicken enthusiasts; this phenomenon is often linked to a reaction between the iron in the egg yolk and sulfur in the egg white, particularly when eggs are overcooked. While these colorful rings can look alarming, they are typically harmless and safe to eat. However, it’s always wise to err on the side of caution—just like you did—when it comes to food safety. Let’s dive into the egg-sploration of what causes these rings and how to avoid them in the future, ensuring your deviled eggs remain delicious and delightful for all your feathered friends at the table!

Advice, I think? My hens are laying way too many eggs! I have 6 hens. Some days I get 10 eggs. Why are they so prolific? Is it a problem?
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

Advice, I think? My hens are laying way too many eggs! I have 6 hens. Some days I get 10 eggs. Why are they so prolific? Is it a problem?

Oh, cluck-tastic! It sounds like you’ve got an egg-laying extravaganza on your hands! With six hens producing as many as ten eggs a day, you're certainly not alone in your egg-splosion adventure. Chickens can be remarkably prolific, especially with the right diet and conditions. Your feathered friends are likely thriving on their layer pellets, tasty treats, and the occasional free-range escapade, which can boost their egg production. While an abundance of eggs can feel overwhelming, it's generally not a problem—unless you're starting to feel like a chicken yourself! Let’s dive into the reasons behind this egg-citing phenomenon and explore some fun ways to manage your egg-cellent surplus. Don’t worry; help is on the way!

Need help! Posting for my mom who doesn’t have Reddit
chickens

Need help! Posting for my mom who doesn’t have Reddit

Hey fellow chicken enthusiasts! I’m reaching out for some cluck-tastic advice on behalf of my mom, who’s in a bit of a pickle with her beloved 8-year-old Barred Rock named Poppy. Earlier today, we found Poppy still perched on the roosting bar. When my daughter checked on her, Poppy flew down but wobbled and then settled into a loaf position. Her legs and feet appear fine, but we noticed she has pasty butt and is missing some feathers above her vent. While she's still laying eggs and eating well, her poop has a rather stinky smell. We’re deeply concerned and want to help our feathered friend. Any tips on what could be going on and how to treat her would be greatly appreciated!

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

What the hell is this???

What in the world is this? Today, I stumbled upon something rather unsettling in the general free-range yard—a strange, jelly-like blob that looks like it might be filled with thin fluid or possibly a yolk. The oddity wasn’t nestled in a nesting box or any typical laying spot for my hens, which raises some eyebrows. I tried to identify it with Google Lens, but it suggested a decomposing buckeye fruit, and I’m pretty sure those aren’t around here. My best guess is that it’s some sort of egg—perhaps a lash egg? It’s definitely not hard or rubbery, just plain yucky. I could use some help unraveling this mystery! Any ideas? Thank you for your insights!

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

Recommendations for layer feed—please read.

Are you feeling frustrated with commercial layer feed options? You’re not alone! As a devoted chicken enthusiast with a flock of about 30 feathered friends, I completely understand the struggle. After five years of raising my girls, I’ve come to see them as family members—each one cherished. However, losing a few to disease, like ASCITES, has pushed me to reevaluate their nutrition. My recent discovery is that my organic, 20% protein pellet feed might be too high for my hens, especially with four roosters in the mix. Free-ranging on a third of an acre is fantastic, but I worry they’re not getting the balanced diet they need. I’m on the lookout for cost-effective suggestions to ensure my beloved girls stay healthy and happy.

That’s a first for me
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

That’s a first for me

Today brought a real cluck-tastic surprise for our community! One of our beloved hens laid an egg that has everyone scratching their heads in wonder. Whether it’s an egg with an unusual shape, color, or something else entirely, strange egg occurrences can leave us both fascinated and puzzled. It’s a delightful reminder of the quirky nature of our feathered friends and the surprises they can deliver. If you’ve ever encountered an odd egg or have insights into what might cause this peculiar phenomenon, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Let’s gather our collective knowledge and dive into the whimsical world of chicken quirks together. After all, every egg has a story, and this one might just be egg-citing!

Easter babies!
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

Easter babies!

Easter babies are here, and the excitement is real! After having chickens for a few years without a successful hatch, I was starting to think I might just be a chicken whisperer with a dash of bad luck. Our beloved naked neck went missing last month—probably a fox, since our girls love to roam freely. But this morning, I heard the most delightful cheeps coming from the neighbor's land. Curiosity piqued, I couldn’t resist investigating. To my utter amazement, I discovered tiny, fluffy chicks! The joy of new life and the promise of fresh adventures with these little ones have my heart doing a happy dance. It’s moments like these that make the chicken journey so egg-citing!

chickens

Wanting to grow own chicken feed

Are you ready to embark on a cluck-tastic journey into the world of homegrown chicken feed? With ample land and a fantastic climate, you've got the perfect setup to give your feathered friends a nutritious boost. Free-ranging chickens are already enjoying the great outdoors, munching on bugs and worms, but why not take it up a notch? By growing your own seeds and stockpiling feed, you can ensure a balanced diet for your flock. The key lies in understanding which seeds to choose and how to mix them to meet their nutritional needs. Let’s explore the essential components of a chicken's diet and how to calculate the right seed percentages for optimal health—because happy chickens lay the best eggs!

Chicken is lethargic, tail down. Worried!
chickens

Chicken is lethargic, tail down. Worried!

Oh no, it sounds like your feathered friend is having a cluck-tastically tough day! A lethargic chicken with a droopy tail can definitely raise concerns, especially when she isn’t her usual peppy self. It’s great that she’s still nibbling a bit, but we want her back to her feisty self in no time! Catching her for a thorough check can be a real game of fowl hide-and-seek, but nighttime may provide the perfect opportunity. As for Epsom salts, while they can be helpful, other bath salts or relaxers might not have the same effect. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that it’s nothing serious, and remember, you’re not alone in this chicken care adventure! Don’t hesitate to reach out for more advice or share updates.

What the heck is this?
chickens

What the heck is this?

What the heck is this? If you’ve found yourself staring at a peculiar bump about 2 inches below your chicken’s vent, you’re not alone! The world of chicken health can be as confusing as it is fascinating, especially when it comes to distinguishing between an abscess and a potential egg situation. With a history of soft-shelled eggs and a recent case of a poopy butt, it's natural to feel a tad worried. Fear not—this post dives into the quirky yet crucial details of chicken anatomy and health, helping you navigate the strange and sometimes messy world of our feathered friends. Join us as we explore whether it’s fowl play or just a little cluck-tastic mystery waiting to be solved!

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

Do You Need/Want a Rooster?

Are you contemplating the age-old question: Do you need or want a rooster for your flock? As you embark on your chicken-raising adventure with six lovely hens that will free-range in your spacious field, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of adding a rooster to the mix. Some folks swear by roosters as protective guardians, claiming they keep hens close and alert to potential predators like sneaky foxes. However, others caution against the potential downsides, such as aggressive behavior and possible disruptions to egg production. If you’re feeling a bit clucky about this decision, you’re not alone! Share your experiences and insights, and let’s crack this conundrum together! Your feathered friends are counting on your wise choices!

Easter is coming early for Eggy Azalea 🐣
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

Easter is coming early for Eggy Azalea 🐣

Easter is coming early for our beloved Eggy Azalea! 🐣 After three weeks of being broody, she’s finally ready to welcome her little ones. Tonight, the wooden eggs that have been keeping her company are about to “hatch,” and the excitement is palpable! Imagine the anticipation as Eggy prepares to meet her fluffy feathered friends for the first time. It’s a charming moment that perfectly captures the whimsical joy of chicken parenting. Stay tuned as we share an update tomorrow morning, when Eggy lays eyes on her adorable chicks. Will they be as quirky as she is? We can’t wait to find out! Join us in celebrating this egg-citing milestone in Eggy’s life!

Easter came early and Eggy Azalea is finally a mom again!! 🐥 (Update!)
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

Easter came early and Eggy Azalea is finally a mom again!! 🐥 (Update!)

Easter came early, and our beloved Eggy Azalea is officially a mom again! 🐥 It's a miracle—her 5 wooden eggs hatched last night, and she’s now the proud mama of 8 adorable chicks! (Forget chicken math; we’re diving into chicken calculus, LOL!) I captured some heartwarming moments, but I could only share one video. It perfectly showcases Eggy’s patience, even when her little ones are enthusiastically nibbling on her comb and wattles. She’s been a doting mother, keeping them warm and well-fed. It’s simply precious to watch the chicks peck food from her beak! And yes, those chicks come in different sizes—Eggy’s accepted all of them with open wings, and they’re thriving together. Thank you for all your delightful comments! 🫶🏼

Just wanted to share this pretty egg one of my hens laid today
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

Just wanted to share this pretty egg one of my hens laid today

Today, we have a delightful treat to share from our feathered friends! One of our lovely ISA red hens decided to surprise us with a truly pretty egg. Isn’t it egg-citing how each egg can be a unique masterpiece? The vibrant colors and perfect shape are just a reminder of the quirky wonders that come from keeping chickens. It’s moments like these that make the sometimes chaotic journey of chicken-keeping all the more rewarding. So, let’s give a round of applause to Hailey675 for sharing this charming little gem. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the world of poultry, this pretty egg is sure to bring a smile to your face. Check it out and join the fun!

A few of my 6-year olds singing the egg song enthusiastically
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

A few of my 6-year olds singing the egg song enthusiastically

In a delightful display of childhood joy, a few of my six-year-olds are singing the egg song with unbridled enthusiasm, proving that fun and farming go hand in hand! Their lively serenade captures the essence of our feathered friends, B.B. and Pudding, the Plymouth Barred Rocks who proudly roam free—under careful supervision, of course. These two dedicated free-rangers not only bring laughter into our lives but also lay eggs once to twice a week, adding an egg-citing twist to our daily routine. With the whimsical energy of kids and the charm of chickens, this moment showcases the heartwarming connection between family, fun, and the unforgettable experience of raising chickens. Join us in celebrating the quirks and joys of farm life!

chickens

Everyone w failing chicks

If you’ve ever found yourself with a weak chick that seems to be struggling, don’t panic just yet! Before things take a turn for the worse, here’s a cluck-tastic tip to try. Grab two shallow jar lids—one for a mixture of half water and raw apple cider vinegar with “the mother” (like Bragg’s) and the other for a broken raw egg yolk. Gently dip the tip of the chick’s beak into the vinegar mixture—just a tiny bit, avoiding the nostrils. This little dip can trigger their eating reflex and may work wonders! And guess what? This method is also effective for adult birds! Just remember to check for pasty butt in chicks.

chickens

How do I not buy more chickens lol

Are you grappling with the clucking desire to expand your flock beyond legal limits? You're not alone! Many of us dream of a chicken utopia, filled with colorful egg layers and quirky meat birds, but city living can put a damper on those feathered aspirations. With a limit of just six chickens, it’s all too easy to feel the urge to sneak in a few more. You’ve already welcomed two delightful girls—an olive egger and an Australorp—into your heart, and now the temptation for more breeds is overwhelming. Fear not! Let’s explore practical tips and playful strategies to help you embrace your chicken dreams without breaking any rules. After all, the joy of chicken-keeping can be found in quality, not quantity!