chicken eggs
chicken eggs on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 720 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.
Baby Meatball
Meet Meatball, our adorable three-week-old runt who’s stealing hearts despite being less than half the size of her feathered friends! This little lady isn’t getting bullied—she’s out and about, but her nerves kick in when the bigger chicks start their rambunctious antics, often leaving her feeling a bit overwhelmed. To give her a boost, we’ve been mixing vitamins with water and egg yolk, hoping to help her thrive. As the others grow bigger and prepare to venture outside, we're pondering whether to add a new baby chick for company or keep them all indoors for Meatball’s sake. No matter the outcome, I’m committed to ensuring she stays healthy and happy. It’s been a chaotic but delightful journey as a first-time chick parent!
First Fairy Egg!
Hold onto your feathers, folks! One of my barred rocks just laid a tiny egg that’s got me clucking with excitement—it's a fairy egg! This little marvel surprised me more than a chicken in a tutu. For comparison, I’ve got a normal-sized egg right next to it, and you wouldn't believe how different they look! When I cracked it open, I found mostly whites with just a smidge of yolk. These delightful feathered friends never cease to amaze me! If you're curious about chicken quirks, check out the article on “Woke up to a raccoon attack last night” for more tales of chicken adventures and mishaps. Join me in celebrating the whimsical world of chickens—where surprises await at every turn! 😆
A late night visitor
In a delightful turn of events, a late-night visitor dropped by, and instead of causing chaos, it left with nothing but a tasty egg! Fear not, fellow chicken lovers—no feathered friends were harmed in the making of this whimsical encounter. Imagine the scene: a curious creature sneaking around the coop, and what better way to win its favor than with a delicious egg? This charming tale reminds us that even unexpected visitors can lead to lighthearted moments in our chicken-keeping adventures. If you’re intrigued by the quirks of chicken life, check out “Last year our pullets were all pullets… this year could we be so lucky?” for more egg-citing stories from our community!
Let’s talk about blue eggs
Let’s talk about blue eggs! I recently discovered a stunning array of blue eggs laid by my Lavender Ameraucana, and I can't help but marvel at the vibrant shades—from light to a brilliant turquoise that’s truly eye-catching! It’s fascinating to think that the last one might have been influenced by her diet, as we’ve been treating our flock to some fun snacks like watermelon, spaghetti squash, and even Raisin Bran. I’m curious if anyone else has experienced such a colorful range from a single hen. Have your feathered friends ever surprised you with unexpected egg hues? If you’re also navigating the quirks of chicken keeping, check out our article on “Hen or rooster? Its breed?” for more fun insights!
I need a name for this girl
Meet our lovely broody girl, a feathered beauty whose breed remains a mystery! With her stunning plumage and sweet disposition, she’s become a fluffy orb of love, especially when you gently lift her off her precious eggs. It’s hard not to feel a twinge of sympathy as she gazes up with those wide, traumatized eyes! After a little weekend getaway, she’ll be ready to embark on the exciting journey of hatching some adorable chicks. But first, she needs the perfect name to match her charm! If you’re in need of some inspiration, check out our article "My favourite girl in the flock - candy corn polish" for a delightful peek at the sweet personalities our feathered friends can have!
Blood ring/ring of death?
Is that a blood ring, or is your egg just having a dramatic moment? Taking candling photos solo can be a real cluck-tastrophe, but we’re here to help decode the mystery! The so-called "ring of death" can appear when an embryo has stopped developing, leaving you with a concerning sight. If you notice movement while rotating the egg, it could be a sign of life—or just your imagination playing tricks in the dim light! For more insights on chicken care, check out our article, "Will Yews Kill My Chickens?" to ensure your feathered friends stay healthy and happy. Join the conversation, share your thoughts, and let's navigate the wild world of chicken parenting together!
I gave up and put her to work
I gave up and put her to work! After three days of moving crates and keeping her locked out, my broody Cochin just wouldn’t quit. These feathered friends are notorious for their stubbornness, and she’s proving to be no exception—especially with no eggs to sit on! So, I decided to give her some turkey eggs, though they might be duds. In three weeks, if I don’t see any signs of fertility, I’ll pull them. But if they’re fertile, she might just be committed to her new job! If you're curious about other broody tales, check out "Does Rosi need a saddle?" to see how my Brahma girl handles her own feathery drama!
Almost a month later and still not crowing, is it still too early to buy tiny pearl earrings and decorative egg baskets?
Almost a month in, and our feathered friend is still silent—no crowing yet! I know it might sound a bit delusional, but I’m starting to wonder if this little one might actually be a lady in disguise. Unlike my other roosters, this one lacks that menacing glare and hasn’t joined the crowing club. I even caught one of my roos trying to mount them—could we be dealing with a bisexual rooster, or is he just a little too friendly? With waddles and combs developing at different rates, I’m left in suspense—will I know the truth when an egg appears or a crow finally breaks the silence? Share your chicken wisdom and help me navigate this cluck-tastic mystery!
My young hens almost stopped eating and sit in their nesting box all day
Are your hens in a bit of a funk? It sounds like your feathered friends might be experiencing a case of the “no-egg blues” after their broody phase. With their plump postures and nesting box lounging, it’s easy to worry. While the clean coop and shaded outdoor area are great, the sudden weather change could be a culprit, as even our plucky pals can be sensitive to temperature shifts. Since they’re still enjoying treats and seem in good spirits, let’s keep an eye on their behavior. For more insights on understanding broody hens, check out our article, "Very Stubborn Broodies!"—it might just provide the cluck-tastic tips you need to help your girls get back to their egg-citing selves!
My chicken layer is now One Year Old and hasn’t layed eggs.
Hello, fellow chicken enthusiasts! It's been a year since I welcomed three lovely pullets into my flock—a Hy Line Brown, a Black Australorp, and a “Blue Sex Link.” While my other girls started laying eggs at just four months old, my Blue Sex Link has yet to join the egg-laying club, leaving me a bit puzzled. She’s active and healthy, with no signs of worms or parasites, and enjoys her days roaming green pastures. Her combs are a bit of a mystery, showing both black and red hues. I’m curious about her health and whether anyone else has experienced similar situations with their feathered friends. If you want to delve deeper into chicken behavior, check out our article on "rooster behavior?" for some fun insights!
Broody hen
Got a broody hen who's taken her job a bit too seriously? It sounds like she’s turned her nest into the hottest egg-laying spot in the coop! While it’s adorable to see her committed, those extra eggs from her feathered friends can lead to some sticky situations—literally! If you find a cracked egg under her, you may be wondering how to salvage the rest. The good news is you can gently clean the affected eggs with plain, unchlorinated water. However, once cleaned, you’ll need to refrigerate them to ensure they stay safe for eating. For more tips on hen behavior, be sure to check out our article, "Hen or Roo," to enhance your chicken-keeping journey!
Tell me they're not... twin roos
Hey chicken enthusiasts! So, here's the cluck-tastic dilemma: I got four *supposedly* pullets back in April, and now that they're 15 weeks old, I'm starting to second-guess my feathered friends. Two of them are Ameraucanas and the other two are a mix of Ameraucana and Cream Legbar. One of the mixes, the stunning Ariana, has clearly strutted into the rooster role—no denying that! But what about Falkor and Grey Duck? These so-called twin Ameraucanas have beautiful feather patterns and a calm demeanor, but they’re not growing combs like Ariana. Could I really have three roosters on my hands? Please tell me I’m just chickening out! If you’re in the same boat, check out our article "Help me identify" for some extra guidance!
Tiny egg
Meet our feathered friend, Tiny Egg, who just surprised us with the tiniest egg we've ever seen—measuring a mere 10 grams! For scale, we used a garlic clove, because why not add a little culinary flair to this egg-citing discovery? After boiling and peeling, we found a curious little blood clot instead of the expected yolk. Sometimes, our chickens keep us on our toes, and this unexpected surprise is a perfect reminder of the quirky, whimsical nature of chicken-keeping. If you're wondering about some common chicken behaviors, check out our article, "Is there a 'normal' amount of fighting?" to dive deeper into the delightful chaos of chicken life. Who knew keeping chickens could be so full of surprises?
Throwback to Chicken Coop Build.
Throwback to Chicken Coop Build: It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since my family dove headfirst into the delightful chaos of chicken ownership! With 12 adorable hens and no clue what we were getting into, we quickly learned that garage life wasn’t suited for our feathered friends. Armed with a YouTube tutorial and a sprinkle of enthusiasm, we crafted our very own coop, and now we’re reaping the rewards with 8 cartons of eggs! Watching my kids bond with our chickens has been priceless, turning our homeschooling sessions into egg-citing lessons about where food comes from. Plus, we recently welcomed 6 baby chicks and have plans for meat rabbits soon!
Hens Not Using Nesting Boxes
So, you’ve got some new pullets who seem to have a serious case of the “not nesting blues”! After a heartbreaking loss of your original flock, it’s understandable to want to get these girls laying in the right spot—those cozy nesting boxes. You’ve got the setup with straw and decoy eggs, but your feathered friends have taken to the roosting bars instead. Fear not! It’s time to entice them back to their designated laying area. Try adding some tasty treats to the nesting boxes as a reward for exploration. This playful coaxing can encourage them to see the boxes as a cozy retreat rather than just a passing perch.
Help! Underside balding
Evening everyone! I’m reaching out because one of my feathered friends is experiencing an unusual case of balding on her underside, and I’m scratching my head over it. She's about 18 months old, the largest of my three hens, and a hybrid breed. Despite my efforts, I haven’t spotted any mites or lice, and there’s no funky smell to report. She’s laying eggs regularly, though I've noticed an uptick in soft-shelled ones recently. The other hens aren’t giving her a hard time, and her appetite remains strong. However, I have seen some dirty feathers around her vent and a slight change in her droppings, possibly due to the current heatwave here in the UK. Any thoughts or insights would be greatly appreciated!
Coyote Survival
Gather 'round, chicken lovers! I’ve got a cluck-tastic—and slightly gut-wrenching—tale to share about my feathered friends and a surprise visit from Mr. Coyote. With a small flock of 10 free-ranging chickens on my wooded property, I’ve learned to navigate the joys and challenges of chicken-keeping. Unfortunately, that includes the occasional fowl play from predators. Recently, a lone coyote made its way onto my property while my loyal LGD dogs were preoccupied. Two hens were injured, and my brave rooster went missing. But one determined hen refused to give up! With a little DIY veterinary care, she’s not just surviving but thriving. If you want to dive deeper into chicken resilience, check out our article on "Roosters' legs and feet getting puffier over time."
Help!! Chick found on back and couldn’t get back up!
Oh no, it sounds like you’ve got a little chick in a bit of a pickle! Finding your one-month-old feathered friend on her back can be quite alarming, especially when she’s wobbling around like a tiny chicken acrobat. It’s great that you scooped her up and gave her a cozy spot in your kitchen while you figure out the next steps. Her initial splits position could indicate she’s a bit unsure on her feet, but don’t worry just yet! You might want to try enticing her with some tasty treats or exploring hydration options, like that electrolyte probiotic mix.
mites or lice infestation
**Hi Reddit!** I’m currently housesitting for a friend and have stumbled upon a cluck-tastrophe in her chicken coop—tiny bugs are crawling everywhere! Before I unleash my own version of Armageddon, I need your help identifying whether these critters are mites or lice. We’re on Hawai'i Island, and these pesky bugs are swarming the hens’ feathers and bedding, even making their way into the eggs that just started pipping. They seem particularly concentrated around the skin of the hens’ faces. Any insights on what type of pest this could be would be greatly appreciated, along with tips on how to clear out this infestation quickly—especially for the newborn chicks and the rest of the flock. TIA!
🥵 97°F TODAY! Feeding Chickens & Egg Check LIVE
It’s a sizzling 97°F today, and that means it’s time to check in on our feathered friends and see what kind of egg-citing surprises they have for us! Join us for a live session as we dive into the quirks of feeding chickens in this heat. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken whisperer or just chickening out at the thought of handling these feathery divas, we’ve got you covered! Don’t forget to check out our article, “Easily one of the coolest barnyard mixes I’ve hatched out,” for some egg-spert advice and delightful stories from fellow chicken lovers. Let’s embrace the heat and make sure our girls are happy, hydrated, and ready to lay some cluck-tastic eggs!
This was a LOT more quail eggs than I was expecting to find😅 🪺 #KrissysChickens #PetQuail
Well, cluck me sideways! I stumbled upon a treasure trove of quail eggs today—way more than I ever imagined! 😅🪺 It’s a delightful surprise that has me feeling a mix of excitement and, let’s be honest, a dash of chaos as I figure out what to do with my new feathered bounty. Quail eggs are such a fun twist on the usual chicken egg routine, and their tiny size makes them even cuter! If you’re curious about the antics of my feathered friends and their curious nature, check out my article on how "my chickens are SO nosey." Join the fun as we navigate the quirks of backyard farming together! #KrissysChickens #PetQuail
Today’s egg haul from the flock 🥚🌈 I never get tired of these colors.
Today’s egg haul from the flock is nothing short of cluck-tastic! 🥚🌈 Each colorful egg is a delightful reminder of the personality our feathered friends bring to our lives. From vibrant blues to sunny yellows, these eggs are like little treasures waiting to be discovered. It's moments like these that remind us why we love keeping chickens, even when they ruffle our feathers. If you’re curious about the youngest in our flock, check out the adorable post titled "The youngest in our flock, her name is chikira" submitted by /u/unfriendlywolves. Share your own egg haul stories or any amusing chicken antics in the comments — after all, we’re all in this fowl adventure together!
More eggs 🪺 should I keep them or give them away
Are your feathered friends laying more eggs than you can handle? 🪺 If you're in a cluck-tastically egg-citing situation like our friend /u/Beautiful-Support394, you're not alone! Deciding whether to keep those eggs or share the bounty can feel like a fowl dilemma. But fear not! In this article, we’ll explore the delightful options available to you while keeping the fun alive. Plus, if you're new to the world of chickens, be sure to check out “New chicken parents!” for tips from a vet tech student on keeping your flock healthy and happy. Whether you're an egg-spert or a bit chicken about it, we’ve got you covered with insights that will crack open the conversation!
Happy Hour is now being served. (Button quail eggs are caviar to chickens btw)
Happy Hour is now being served, and it’s time to treat our feathered friends to something truly special! Did you know that button quail eggs are the caviar of the chicken world? These tiny treasures pack a punch of flavor that your chickens will absolutely adore. As we dive into this egg-citing culinary experience, let’s celebrate the joy of pampering our flock with delightful snacks. Plus, if you’re curious about muddy coops and how to handle all that rain (especially in places like Houston), check out our article “Muddy coop - problem?” for some cluck-tastic insights. So, grab a seat and join us in this whimsical journey of chicken happiness—your girls will thank you!