chicken keeping
chicken keeping on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 28 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on chicken keeping 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 keeping, 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.
Can Chickens Eat Celery?????
## Can Chickens Eat Celery? Let's Get to the Root of It! The question of whether chickens can eat celery is a surprisingly *egg-citing* one! The short answer? Absolutely! Celery is a nutritious and generally safe treat for your feathered friends, offering a good source of fiber and vitamins. However, moderation is key – too much can lead to… well, let's just say things might get *fowl*. While most chickens adore a crunchy snack, remember to chop the celery into manageable pieces to prevent choking. And don’t forget, a varied diet is crucial for healthy hens. For a glimpse into a truly bustling chicken community, check out our "Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam" for endless entertainment and observation.
This is Tammy, she died this summer and now we only have two cream legbars
It’s always heartbreaking to say goodbye to a feathered friend. /u/HistoricalPut3667 recently shared a poignant update: Tammy has crossed the rainbow bridge this summer, leaving behind a smaller flock of two cream legbars. Losing a beloved chicken is a uniquely bittersweet experience, and we appreciate their willingness to share this moment with our community. We understand the emotional toll of these losses, and recognize that caring for chickens often involves navigating unexpected challenges. If you’ve encountered similar situations, or are seeking guidance on supporting a chicken’s well-being, you might find our article, "The Queen found her Throne," helpful. It offers insights into honoring the memory of a special hen.
New rooster time
## New Rooster Alert: Buff Orpington to the Rescue! Big news, fellow chicken enthusiasts! After a less-than-ideal relationship with my previous rooster (😬), I’m welcoming a new feathered friend to the flock: a Buff Orpington! Research consistently points to this breed as a calmer, more agreeable option for those of us who prefer not to feel like prey when venturing into the yard. But let's be honest, does *anyone* truly agree with research about rooster temperament? I’m curious – how many of you disagree? Share your experiences in the comments! For those experiencing similar broody behavior, you might find some helpful insights in our recent article, "Nearly all my hens are broody." Let the cluck-tastic rooster adventures begin!
My granny has a thing for chickens and roosters.
## Granny's Coop & a Whole Lot of Cluck: Welcome to the Kitchen! Wayward_Wayfinder has unearthed a delightful situation: their granny’s passionate devotion to chickens and roosters has transformed her kitchen into a veritable haven – a "witches' brewer" of feathered delights! We're diving headfirst into this quirky corner of farm life, celebrating the joys (and potential chaos) of a chicken-centric household. Whether you’re a seasoned poultry enthusiast or simply appreciate a good laugh, you're in the right place. We’ll explore everything from coop antics to the occasional surprise visitor. Speaking of surprises, you might find our article, "Ummmm I think we have a goose in our coop," equally entertaining—it highlights just how unpredictable life can be with feathered friends!
one lone chicken- need help
## My Rooster's All Alone – Will He Be Okay? Oh, the cluck-tastic heartbreak! Losing hens to foxes is a nightmare, and finding yourself with just one rooster left is a tough situation. We understand – he's your baby, your feathered friend, practically a therapy dog! It's natural to worry about his well-being and loneliness after such a traumatic experience. While he may seem content with the extra space right now, it's wise to consider the long-term impact of being a solo rooster. Roosters thrive in a flock dynamic. While he might not be showing distress *yet*, prolonged isolation can lead to behavioral changes. For a deeper dive into chicken companionship, check out "Baby Jules is ready for her close up.
TSC strikes again. Any idea on the breed?
## TSC Breed Mystery: A Cluck-tastic Case of Misidentification! A recent post from /u/LabComprehensive1468 highlights a common, and delightfully frustrating, experience: trusting TSC’s breed labels. After impulsively picking up a dozen Blue Laced Golden Wyandottes, our user discovered two weren’t quite what they seemed! This raises a familiar question for chicken keepers: how can we be sure we’re getting what we pay for? It’s a reminder that even seasoned enthusiasts can fall victim to a bit of fowl play. Speaking of unexpected surprises, check out our recent article on discerning the sex of your silkies – you might be seeing things, too! Let's discuss: have you ever had a similar breed misidentification experience? Share your stories in the comments!
New rooster in the flock 😍
## Meet the New Sheriff in Town! 😍 The flock just got a whole lot louder (and possibly more opinionated)! A huge welcome to the newest rooster, submitted by /u/SatanikRaccoon – check out the adorable photo [link]. Adding a rooster is always an *egg-citing* development, bringing fresh energy and, let's be honest, a whole new level of crowing. Are you experiencing some unexpected hen behavior now that you've added a rooster? You might find some helpful insights in our article, "Why my hen sitting on her egg attack me every time I even touch her?" It's a cluck-tastic read! We're thrilled to see our community growing and sharing their feathered friend adventures. Share your rooster introductions with us – we love seeing them!
Anyone have experience with this coop?
So, you're eyeing a PVC/metal coop for your three feathered friends – cluck-tastic choice, especially with that sale! Prefab coops can be a bit of a gamble, though, and we get the hesitation. It’s smart to be thinking ahead about predator-proofing and extending that run – a happy hen is a secure hen! The housing size *does* sound promising for three ladies. Many of our community members have faced similar decisions, and their insights are invaluable. Check out the discussion unfolding below—it's a real egg-splosion of experience! For a slightly different perspective on unexpected egg surprises, you might also find our article, "Anyone feel like peanuts?", a fun read. Let's hear what folks have to say about this coop!
she's so.... ~green~
## The Great Green Chicken Mystery: What's Behind the Emerald Hue? A curious phenomenon has emerged in the chicken-keeping community: chickens turning green! User /u/beroisgreen sparked a lively discussion with a post detailing this unusual coloration, achieved using pet-safe food dye. While the visual is undeniably striking – think *evil fat chickens* rendered in vibrant green – it begs the question: is this harmless fun or something to be concerned about? We're diving into this *cluck-tastic* situation, exploring the science (or lack thereof) behind dyed chickens and offering guidance on responsible practices. For those already contemplating coop design, you might find our discussion on "Anyone have experience with this coop?
One chicken
## The Last Cluck Standing: Will Your Solo Hen Be Okay? After 15 years of feathered friends, it's tough to see your flock dwindle! Losing a chicken is always heartbreaking, and you're right to wonder about your survivor. Having just one hen, especially after a loss, can be unsettling. While chickens are social creatures, it's not a guaranteed path to loneliness or "chicken madness." Many single hens thrive, adapting to their solitary life. Observe her closely for changes in behavior—anything beyond her usual quirks. She might miss the company, but with consistent care and attention from you, she can absolutely continue to live a happy, cluck-tastic life.
When you’re broody but there’s cucumber snacks
## The Broody Dilemma: Cucumbers and Chicken Dreams So, your hen’s gone broody? It’s a cluck-tastic experience, but sometimes, a hen’s maternal instincts clash with, well, *everything* else. Like, say, your perfectly ripe cucumber snacks. Broodiness can be intense, and redirecting a determined hen's focus is a true test of patience! We've all been there – the unwavering stare, the protective fluffing, the sheer dedication to those eggs. It’s a beautiful, slightly chaotic, thing. This submission from /u/Stealth9erz perfectly captures that relatable struggle. Want to dive deeper into the fascinating world of broody hens? Check out our article, "If you pick up Valentina the Japanese Bantam she falls asleep," for more insights into this charming behavior.
My neighbors chicken decided to lay her eggs in my bag of Miracle Gro soil on my porch! :)
Oh, the cluck-tastic chaos of chicken ownership! Our latest submission from /u/Main-Cry1859 paints a delightfully relatable picture: a neighbor’s hen decided your Miracle Gro was the *perfect* spot for a nest! Attempts at a friendly pet were met with, understandably, some feathered flight. We've all been there, right? It’s a reminder that even the most charming feathered friends can keep us on our toes. Don’t worry, you’re not alone in navigating these fowl encounters. Sometimes, it's more than just a rogue egg-laying session—as seen in our article, "Hens with poop on their butt," where readers shared tips on dealing with messy rear ends! Check it out for more quirky chicken conundrums and community solutions.
How old do you think my Wyandottes are?
## Are Your Wyandottes Ready for Nighttime Adventures? So, you’re wondering about the age of your Wyandottes and whether they're "feathered out" enough for overnight outdoor access in temperatures around 60-65°F – a *cluck-tastic* question! Determining age can be tricky, but based on appearance, they likely range from 6-12 months. Feathering typically peaks around that timeframe. Generally, this temperature range *should* be tolerable for well-feathered Wyandottes, assuming they have a secure coop to retreat to. However, consider wind chill and potential predators. If you're still unsure about identifying your birds, check out our article, "Everyone’s favorite game: hen or roo?" for some helpful tips. Stay tuned for more egg-citing chicken wisdom!
Finally got their outdoor area finished to sit with them.
## A Moment of Peace (and a Shovel Scare!) Finally! After what felt like an eternity of cluck-tastic construction, the outdoor area is complete, and we can officially relax and enjoy time with our feathered friends. There's nothing quite like sharing a quiet moment amidst the coop chaos – until, of course, you realize you’ve left the shovel lying around. (Oops! 😬) It’s a reminder that even in the most idyllic chicken-watching scenes, fowl play can happen at any moment! Speaking of unexpected chicken behavior, you might find our article "why do my chickens do this when i pet them?" sheds some light on those quirky interactions. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’re going to go double-check for rogue gardening tools!
Cleaning Peckington City Square #chickens #customcoop #hen #rooster #chickencity
## Peckington City Square: A Cluck-tastic Cleanup! #chickens #customcoop #hen #rooster #chickencity Peckington City Square has seen better days – and a whole lot more chicken droppings! We’re tackling a major cleanup of our beloved chicken city, ensuring a fresh, safe, and *cluck-tastic* environment for our feathered friends. From custom coops to roaming roosters, maintaining a vibrant space for these birds is a community effort. This project is all about creating a harmonious balance between urban living and our unique chicken population. Curious about the daily life within Peckington Square? Check out our "Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam" for a peek! Stay tuned for updates as we restore this urban oasis to its full glory.
First egg!
## First Egg! A Cluck-tastic Moment! The anticipation was real! Many keepers recognize the tell-tale "egg song," and /u/Chocolateapologycake certainly did. Walking into the coop to discover a brand-new egg is a feeling unlike any other – a true milestone in the chicken-keeping journey. "Most expensive egg I’ll ever eat!" they exclaimed, and who can blame them? This fresh-laid treasure represents weeks of care and dedication. It's moments like these that solidify the joy (and occasional chaos!) of raising feathered friends. If you're new to the adventure, you might appreciate exploring our article, "Is this marcs?", which addresses potential flock health concerns – always a good thing to keep in mind! Congratulations to /u/Chocolateapologycake on this egg-citing achievement!
Waiting for her turn to lay an egg
## The Cluck Stops Here: Nesting Box Expansion! Isn’t it egg-cellent to witness the simple joys of chicken life? Right now, I’m hard at work building another nesting box – our feathered friends are patiently waiting for their turn, and I’m endlessly charmed by their quiet anticipation. It’s a cluck-tastic reminder of the natural order! Providing comfortable spaces for laying is key to happy hens, and a little extra room never hurt anyone (especially when dealing with a brood!). If you're new to the world of broody hens and baby chicks, you might find our article, "Tips for new broody chicken mama?" helpful as you navigate this exciting phase. Stay tuned for more updates on our ever-growing flock!
My chickens refuse to sleep in their Omlet Cube coop — should I just return it?
So, your feathered friends are staging a coop rebellion? You’re not alone! Many new chicken keepers face the perplexing situation of chickens preferring the great outdoors to a fancy coop like the Omlet Cube. After three weeks of bush and tree slumber parties, it's natural to question whether they'll ever embrace their new home. This is a common conundrum, and the good news is, solutions often exist – though sometimes acceptance is key. We've compiled advice and shared experiences from our community to help you troubleshoot this cluck-tastic dilemma. Perhaps a little extra enticing bedding or a strategic treat placement is all it takes. For a heartwarming look at chicken calm, check out our piece on the gentle nature of Orpingtons.
10 Friendliest Chicken Breeds!!!
## 10 Friendliest Chicken Breeds!!! Let's face it: chickens can be… unpredictable. But fear not, fellow fowl enthusiasts (and those tentatively dipping a toe into the chicken world)! Not all feathered friends are created equal. We’ve compiled a definitive list of the 10 friendliest chicken breeds, guaranteed to bring smiles and maybe even a few head scratches. From gentle giants to curious little fluffballs, these breeds are known for their docile temperaments and love of human interaction. Get ready to meet your new best friends! Want a front-row seat to chicken camaraderie? Check out our 24/7 livestream of Peckington Square Chicken City – it’s cluck-tastic!
My favorite chicken waterer for my flock is the omletusa insulated waterer! #OmletPartner
Keeping your feathered friends happy and hydrated is cluck-tastic business! After testing countless options, my absolute favorite chicken waterer for my flock is the Omlet USA Insulated Waterer. It’s a game-changer, especially during those scorching summer days and chilly winters, ensuring a consistent supply of fresh water. The insulation really does the trick! I’ve been so impressed with its durability and ease of cleaning – a huge win for busy chicken keepers. Want a peek at the happy hens benefiting from this setup? Check out our livestream of Peckington Square Chicken City, available 24/7! #OmletPartner
Your reminder that you don’t have to be a perfect gardener❤️🧑🏻🌾 #KrissysChickens
## Don't Strive for Perfection, Just Grow! ❤️🧑🏻🌾 #KrissysChickens Let's be honest: gardening isn't about flawless rows and prize-winning blooms. It’s about the joy of getting your hands dirty, the surprise of seeing something sprout, and the occasional (totally acceptable!) weed explosion. At #KrissysChickens, we believe in embracing the imperfect – because even a slightly wonky tomato tastes delicious. So, ditch the pressure and celebrate the small victories, whether it’s a single sunflower or a handful of herbs. Want a front-row seat to the gardening journey? Check out our "Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam" for a constant dose of farm life inspiration! Happy growing, friends!
Skip settles the age old question, "Are Wyandottes noisy"?
## Are Wyandottes Noisy? Let Skip Settle the Debate! The age-old question has returned: just *how* noisy are Wyandottes? Skip’s here to deliver the unfiltered truth—what happened, when it happened, and exactly how it went down, even if you witnessed the spectacle yourself. A recent submission from /u/beepbopbippitybop2 details a ten-minute avian performance that left one hen, Midge, decidedly unimpressed, but ultimately resulted in a successful egg-laying session for all. Skip, initially concerned, thoroughly checked on the involved hen and confirmed she was perfectly fine—just a delightfully mischievous character. This lively discussion echoes similar observations about chicken quirks, like the surprisingly intelligent moments shared by many of our feathered friends, as noted in /u/MilesandTiles’ piece, "Chickens are such weird animals.
How do I safely free range my girls?
So, your girls are craving some cluck-tastic freedom, huh? We get it! Letting your feathered friends free range is a recipe for happy hens, but those turkey vultures, hawks, raccoons, coyotes, and barn cats definitely throw a wrench in the egg-citing plans. With a flock of 11, safety is paramount. A rooster *might* offer some protection, but he's not a guaranteed bodyguard against aerial predators. This post dives into practical strategies for safely expanding your flock’s roaming territory – think protective structures, supervised sessions, and smart habitat management. For a deeper dive into identifying your flock's individual personalities, check out our article "What breed is this?". Let's explore how to give your hens the best of both worlds: freedom and security!
TJ laid an egg, straight into the incubator it goes
## TJ's Big Moment: A Straight-From-the-Hen Egg! Cluck-tastic news, folks! TJ, one of our feathered friends, has delivered a beautiful, straight egg – and it’s headed directly into the incubator! A perfect egg is always egg-citing, and we’re eagerly anticipating the potential for some new additions to the flock. A huge thanks to /u/SatanikRaccoon for sharing this delightful moment with us. Want to learn more about what makes our chickens so special? Check out our "Compilation of my favorite Peewee clips and explanation why his tail is pink :) (sound!)" for a deeper dive into our flock's personalities. Stay tuned for updates as this little egg’s journey unfolds!