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.
I got called stupid for assisting stuck chicks out of their shell
In the whimsical world of chick hatching, lending a helping hand to struggling chicks can ignite quite the debate! Recently, I found myself on the receiving end of some harsh words for assisting two chicks who needed a little extra love to break free from their shells. With over 100 chicks hatching each year, I’ve seen my share of feathery drama! This year alone, I welcomed 58 little ones, and when two faced challenges, I stepped in to help. Surprisingly, some folks claimed I was meddling with nature—or worse, “interfering with God’s plan.” But as someone who raises these fluffy friends, I believe we should do our best to give them a fighting chance.
Big girl Odie laid a big ole egg
Big girl Odie has just laid a big ole egg, and while I didn't hear the egg party, I can only imagine it was a cluck-tastic celebration! Odie's achievement reminds us all that life on the farm is full of surprises, from unexpected egg-laying to the delightful antics of our feathered friends. If you’re curious about other chicken adventures, check out our article, “Sometimes chicks don't 'zip' to get out of the egg,” where we dive into the quirks of hatching. Chickens may stir up a mix of joy and apprehension, but there’s always something egg-citing happening in the coop. So let’s raise a toast to Odie and her big accomplishment—here’s to more egg-citing moments ahead!
Pullets Burying Eggs
Have you ever walked into your coop and found your eggs mysteriously buried? That’s the curious case of my eight older hens, who lay about four to five eggs daily in their nesting boxes. Lately, six pullets, just 13 weeks old, have joined the party, and I suspect they’re the culprits behind the egg-burying antics. While the older gals soak up the sun outside, these little ones cozy up in the nesting boxes, guilty as charged when they hear the crack of corn. It’s amusing—digging through their makeshift nests to find the eggs is a bit of a treasure hunt!
Sometimes chicks don't "zip" to get out of the egg
Hatching chicks is a delightful journey filled with surprises, and sometimes those surprises come in the form of chicks that don’t quite follow the textbook rules. While many believe all chicks should “zip” out of their eggs, my experience hatching hundreds has shown that a few like to break the mold—literally! Occasionally, you’ll find a chick that creates just a small hole instead of a full cap, and while some manage to wiggle out, others may find themselves in a bit of a pickle, needing a helping hand. One fascinating instance involves a chick that’s currently chipping away at its shell in a circular fashion. As long as it hatches healthy, who are we to judge their unique style?
Has anyone experienced two broody hens fighting/sharing a nest?
Have you ever found yourself in a clucky conundrum with two broody hens battling for nest supremacy? Doodle, my sweet white silkie, has been fiercely dedicated to her eggs for weeks. But now, enter Milly, the gray (lavender Orpington) with a penchant for commandeering nests! She’s taken over Doodle’s cozy spot while the poor gal just wants a peaceful brooding experience. With three identical nesting boxes nearby, one can’t help but wonder: is this a case of fowl play or an unexpected co-parenting adventure? If you’ve navigated similar poultry predicaments, we’d love to hear how it turned out for you! And if you’re feeling the broody vibes, check out our article on integrating younger pullets for more feathered fun!
First that day everyone laid an egg!!!
Cluck-tastic news from the coop! It’s a day of celebration as Loretta, Millicent, Black Pepper, Princess Diana, and Velouria all laid eggs! That’s right, our feathered friends have outdone themselves, making this a truly egg-citing moment for all chicken lovers. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just someone who admires the quirky antics of chickens, there’s nothing like the joy of fresh eggs from your own flock. Want to dive into more chicken adventures? Check out “Guess I'm the new momma now,” where another proud chicken keeper shares their journey! Join the conversation and share your own egg-laying triumphs in the comments. Let’s spread the love for our clucking companions!
Do chickens lay more than once a day?
Ever wondered if chickens can lay more than one egg a day? You're not alone! Recently, I found myself in a clucking conundrum when I gathered up all the eggs from my five feathered friends. To my surprise, only Hey-Hey contributed an egg, while the rest seemed to be taking a break. This quirky situation sparked my curiosity about the egg-laying habits of chickens. Do they really have a limit, or is it just a funky phase? If you've had similar experiences, I’d love to hear about them! For more insights, check out our article, "The Obvious Question," where we dive into the mysteries of chicken behavior and egg production. Join the conversation—let’s crack this mystery together!
Egg bound chicken
Oh no! It sounds like you’ve encountered the dreaded egg-bound situation with your hen. These moments can be quite stressful for both feathered friends and their humans. It’s great that you’ve already taken steps like giving her a warm bath and using coconut oil to help her along. Sometimes, a little extra TLC can work wonders! While she’s trying her best to push that egg out, you might also want to keep her hydrated and comfortable. If you’re looking for more tips, check out our article, “Please Help Me ID This Chick!” for some community insights. Remember, you’re not alone in this clucky conundrum—many chicken lovers have been in your shoes, and together we can find the best solutions for our beloved birds!
Soon to be a father🥹
Meet Cluck Norris—a charming nine-month-old rooster who’s about to embark on fatherhood! This delightful fellow is already taking his responsibilities seriously, fertilizing all the eggs in the coop and eagerly anticipating the arrival of his fluffy little chicks. With his sweet demeanor, Cluck Norris is a protector of his ladies, ensuring they feel safe and loved. As we prepare to hatch some eggs for him to raise, the excitement is palpable! If you’re curious about the journey of nurturing new life in the coop, check out our article "Roost High Mama Roo," where I share the heartwarming lessons learned from my very first hen. Join us in celebrating Cluck Norris and his feathered family!
Stray chicken
Hello, fellow chicken enthusiasts! It sounds like the universe has plopped a delightful feathered friend right into your lap—meet Hennifer Clawerence! How egg-citing! Identifying her breed and determining whether she’s ready to lay eggs can be a bit of a cluck-tastic adventure, especially with just a few pictures. Don’t worry; we’re here to help you give her the best care possible. Since you’re on a mission to track down her original owners, it’s worth checking out your local chicken community. Meanwhile, you might find our article "Please Help Me ID This Chick!" helpful for tips on breed identification. With the right feed and care, Hennifer will be the star of your backyard in no time!
New chick!!!
Exciting news from the coop! I lifted up my girl Hashbrown to check on her eggs—she wasn’t supposed to be on lockdown just yet—and to my surprise, a little chick popped out to say, “Hello, world!” Welcome to the family, little one! While we still have a couple of days until the rest of the eggs are due to hatch, I’m eagerly watching and hoping for more feathery friends. This is my first time letting Hashbrown incubate, so I’d love to hear any tips from fellow chicken enthusiasts. If you're looking for more coop adventures, check out "Rose and Mama Serama" for some delightful chicken tales! Let’s cluck together on this egg-citing journey!
My first fairy egg! 🥹 Any ideas on what to do with it?
Oh, the excitement of discovering your very first fairy egg! 🥹 This tiny treasure is not just adorable; it's a delightful surprise that can inspire all sorts of creative ideas. Whether you're considering it for a special recipe, a whimsical decoration, or even a quirky addition to your chicken coop, the possibilities are egg-citing! If you’re unsure what to do with it, why not check out our article on "Chicken hatching"? It might just give you some insights into the magical journey of eggs and hatching. Remember, every little egg tells a story, and this one is sure to spark joy and curiosity. So, what will you do with your feathered friend’s tiny masterpiece? Let the cluck-tastic brainstorming begin!
Is my baby a hen or roo?
Welcome to the cluck-tastic conundrum of chicken identification! If your feathered friend is strutting around with a tail held high, trying to assert dominance over the other girls, you might be wondering—“Is my baby a hen or a roo?” The occasional egg-laying adds a delightful twist to this mystery, leaving you scratching your head. With a mix of sass and uncertainty, it sounds like your little one is embracing their inner rooster while still dabbling in hen duties. If you're keen on diving deeper into the quirky world of chicken behavior, check out “Is one a Roo?” for more insights. After all, in the world of poultry, nothing is ever quite what it seems!
Protesters and Supporters gather near Psycho Sharons holding cell
In a cluck-tastic display of sisterly solidarity, protesters and supporters gathered near Psycho Sharon’s holding cell, marking the second day of silence from her egg-laying sisters. Normally a carefree crew demanding treats, today they assembled outside the pool area with a mission: to express their discontent over Sharon’s recent antics. With darting glances and occasional squawking outbursts, the feathered friends seemed unified in their disdain—except for that one chicken who was clearly daydreaming. The matriarch, Jackie, voiced her frustrations, threatening a feathery showdown upon Sharon’s release. Meanwhile, Psycho Sharon herself remained unfazed, tossing her food container with prehistoric squawks. For more on the emotional rollercoaster of chicken life, check out our article, "🐔 98° in Phoenix… POOL DAY for the Chickens! 😎💦."
Sick Hen?
Meet Nader, our free-range gal who’s usually the life of the coop! At just over a year old, she’s known for her adventurous spirit—so much so that she’s taken to roaming the ditches, even during pouring rain and tornado sirens! But today, something seems off. While she was strutting her stuff just yesterday, she’s now staying put in the coop, looking lethargic and allowing rare pets (a true sign something’s not right). No visible injuries are apparent, but her sudden change has us scratching our heads. Could a sickness hit her that quickly? If you’ve ever faced a similar situation with your feathered friends, or if you want to dive deeper into chicken care, check out our article on "Chicken nail loss" for more insights!
Muffin Recipe!
Alright y’all! You asked for it, and here it is—my cluck-tastic morning muffin recipe! What started as a pancake experiment turned into a bulk-baking dream, perfect for freezing and feeding my feathered friends. These muffins are not just a treat; they’re packed with health-boosting ingredients, from bright orange yolks to chili flakes that add a little kick! With just a mix of eggs, almond flour, pumpkin, and some other fowl-tastic ingredients, you’ll whip up a batch that keeps your chickens happy and healthy. Plus, you can customize them to your heart's content! If you're curious about recognizing your chicks, check out our article "Is my baby a hen or roo?" for more insights. Let’s get baking!
My Sweet Missy and Sheldon
Meet Missy and Sheldon, my delightful leghorns who have turned every expectation upside down! Contrary to the flighty reputation of their breed, these girls have proven to be the sweetest companions. I initially worried about their wings and potential for escape, but they’ve stayed happily within the yard, making my “Goldilocks area” feel like chicken paradise. Their personalities blossomed after a scare with Coccidiosis, turning them into my affectionate little shadows. With every peck and playful run for treats, they’ve shown me the charm of leghorns—more broody and endearing than I ever imagined. If you're curious about the quirks of chicken companionship, check out our post on "chicken cuddles in pyjamas" for more heartwarming tales! 🩷🐔
Chicken hatching
Hatching chicks can be an egg-citing journey filled with anticipation and a sprinkle of worry! If you’ve noticed a crack in your chicken egg that’s been around for over 32 hours, it’s natural to wonder whether you should take action. While it might be tempting to remove the shell piece, it’s important to tread lightly. The crack could be a pathway for bacteria, but interfering too much might harm the developing chick. Instead of jumping straight to shell removal, consider monitoring the egg’s progress and consulting with fellow chicken enthusiasts. Speaking of shared experiences, check out our article “New Pullets!” where we delve into expanding our flocks—because who doesn’t love a few extra feathered friends? Happy hatching!
When you have a broody hen, do you give her her own closed off space so the other hens can’t bother her? Or do you leave her where she chose to sit on her eggs and let her come and go as she pleases?
When you find yourself with a broody hen, the decision of whether to give her a cozy, closed-off space or let her sit where she pleases can be a real clucker! Some chicken keepers swear by creating a designated "maternity ward" to keep the other hens at bay, while others trust their broody girls to come and go as they wish. Each method has its perks, and the best choice often depends on your flock's dynamics. What essential items do you think make a broody hen’s experience more comfortable? Whether it’s a comfy nest or a little snack, share your favorite “maternity ward” must-haves! And if you’re curious about the quirks of your flock, don’t miss our article, "Is my baby a hen or roo?
Thin eggs
Oh no! Thin-shelled eggs can be quite the head-scratcher, especially when they come with extra surprises like calcifications and a goopy egg white. It sounds like your feathered friend might be facing some nutritional challenges, which can affect shell quality and egg consistency. Thin shells could be a sign of calcium deficiency or other dietary imbalances. The thick, blobby white may indicate an issue with internal egg formation as well. To get to the bottom of this, consider examining her diet and ensuring she's getting enough calcium and nutrients. For more insights into unusual egg characteristics, check out “They are so soft” submitted by /u/Ok_Onion2727 for some shared experiences. Remember, we’re all in this cluck-tastic journey together!
Mother's day hen managed to save a struggling chick -- does this happen a lot?
Mother hens are often the unsung heroes of the chicken world, and Runaround Sue’s recent story proves just that! After hatching seven adorable chicks, she turned her attention to the eighth egg, which was struggling to make its grand entrance. With patience and encouragement, Sue pecked at the egg, while her chirpy little ones rallied around, providing moral support in their own peeping way. It’s heartwarming to see a mother hen instinctively nurturing her chicks, even when the odds seem stacked against them. So, is this maternal dedication commonplace? Absolutely! For more on the enchanting behaviors of our feathered friends, check out our article, "Help: One of my chicks eyes keep becoming like this what should I do?" Happy clucking!
The literal exact moment I go out to get her previous babies for their new owner, I find mama Pauline back on the nest…
Just when I thought I was on my way to collect her previous babies for their new owner, I stumbled upon mama Pauline back on her nest—ready to claim her new brood of 18 eggs! I originally ordered 12, but the generous farmer tossed in a few extras, because who can resist a little cluck-tastic surprise? Now, I’m left pondering how many of these eggs she’ll successfully hatch. Given that her mom managed to raise 12 Brahma and Easter Egger chicks like a pro, I have high hopes for this batch. It’s a heartfelt reminder of the wild adventures in chicken parenting! For more on nurturing our feathered friends, be sure to check out "Mother's Day Hen Managed to Save a Struggling Chick."
Chicken acting weird?? Help 😅
Is your feathered friend acting a little kooky? 🤔 You’re not alone! One of our fellow chicken enthusiasts noticed her hen has been spending way too much time on her nest—so much so that it’s becoming a bit of a head-scratcher. After a day of moving her around, she still insists on returning to her favorite spot behind the pond. The mystery deepens when she skips a day of laying eggs! Is she feeling sad, unwell, or just dreaming of motherhood? 🐥 If you’re wondering about egg binding or what steps to take next, don’t fret! You might find some helpful insights in our article “Look at her crown. She is meant to be the queen of chicks.” Let’s untangle this chicken conundrum together!
Psycho Sharon finally apprehended and being held without bail.
Meet Psycho Sharon, formerly known as Olga, the green olive Egger with a wild spirit and a penchant for dramatic returns! This feathered diva has always been an egg-laying champion, but after embarking on a 13-day adventure to pursue her dreams of motherhood in the woods, she finally flew back home—arriving with all the flair of a Spartan warrior! While the goats were left baffled and the other hens rolled their eyes, I found myself tangled in thorny vines trying to track her down. Now, she’s in solitary confinement, and I’m left pondering a few things: Is three days enough? Will she forget about her secret nest? And can chickens experience "refeeding syndrome"? Any cluck-tastic advice would be appreciated!