chicken
chicken on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 96 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on chicken 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, 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.
Depressed chicken
Losing a flockmate is tough – even for chickens! It's heartbreaking to see a beloved bird like your blue copper maran struggling after the loss of her friends. Chicken grief is a real thing, and it sounds like yours is experiencing a significant downturn. You’re right to rule out bullying or illness, leaving emotional distress as the most likely culprit. This situation is unique, and you’re understandably concerned. Navigating a depressed chicken requires patience and understanding. We’ve seen similar situations, and while there’s no magic cure, there are steps you can take to help. For more on creating a secure and enriching environment for your flock, check out our article, "Producers Pride Defender Coop Door," which discusses enhancing coop safety.
Will nonbroody hens look after new chicks?
## Will Nonbroody Hens Look After New Chicks? The age-old question: can a hen who *isn’t* a natural mother offer a helping wing to a clutch of newly hatched chicks? The short answer? It's complicated, but often surprisingly possible! While a broody hen is the gold standard for chick rearing, many nonbroody hens can exhibit surprising maternal instincts. Success hinges on careful introduction and a bit of luck. We've ranked the likelihood of acceptance from low to high, and included tips to increase your chances. Dealing with a chick that's not moving? You might find some helpful insights in our article, "Baby chick help," which addresses similar concerns. Ultimately, understanding chicken behavior is key to happy, healthy flocks!
Neurological Chicken (Trigger Warning)
## Neurological Chicken: A Cluck-Tastic Conundrum (Trigger Warning) Our community is buzzing about a truly perplexing case: a four-year-old hen, affectionately nicknamed Neurological Chicken, exhibiting concerning neurological symptoms. Found yesterday unable to stand, this top hen presented with an overly red, damaged comb, signs of overheating despite shade, and significantly curled toes. Odd head and beak movements, including a chomping noise during feeding, further complicated the picture. While initial observations ruled out Marek's disease and egg binding, botulism toxicity or a severe vitamin deficiency are currently the leading suspicions, and thankfully, there’s been some improvement today! For those facing similar eye-related concerns, our article "Chickens one eye looks weird" offers additional insights into potential causes and observations.
HELP
## Oh No! A Downcast Chicken – What Could Be Wrong? A sluggish chicken is never cluck-tastic news! /u/cii1234 is understandably concerned about their chicken's sudden downturn, and we’re here to help navigate this potentially egg-citing, albeit worrying, situation. It's tough when your feathered friend isn't feeling their best. While pinpointing the issue without an exam is tricky, several factors could be at play, from illness to stress. Don't chickening out on seeking answers! Start by observing closely: changes in droppings, appetite, or behavior. If you've recently experienced a loss in your flock, as discussed in our article on a "Depressed chicken," grief can absolutely impact a bird's well-being. We'll be sharing some troubleshooting tips and potential next steps shortly – stay tuned!
Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam
Welcome to Peckington Square Chicken City, your 24/7 livestream portal into the wonderfully chaotic world of backyard chickens! Join us around the clock as we observe our feathered friends strutting, pecking, and generally being their cluck-tastic selves. Whether you're a seasoned chicken keeper or just curious about these quirky creatures, this livestream offers a unique and entertaining glimpse into daily chicken life. Expect egg-citing moments, playful interactions, and maybe even a little fowl play. New to the joys (and occasional challenges) of chicken ownership? You might find our article, "Integratinghens," helpful as you navigate introducing new birds to your flock. Grab a seat, settle in, and prepare for a truly egg-straordinary experience!
What breed of chicken?
## The Mystery Hen: Identifying a Chicken When the Label's Lost So, you’ve got a chicken of unknown lineage – a delightful predicament many of us face! /u/AggravatingAd2613 recently shared their story of a particularly boisterous and substantial hen, acquired from a feed store with a lost label. Described as non-aggressive but exceptionally vocal, this “Rooster” hen is also the flock's reigning heavyweight, producing rich, dark brown speckled eggs. The quest? To find a rooster with similar size and presence to deter predators. While a definitive breed ID remains elusive, the description points towards a potential mix, possibly incorporating heritage breeds known for their size and egg color. For those exploring the complexities of integrating different breeds, our article, "Integratinghens," offers valuable insights.
Please help. ASAP
Losing a chicken so suddenly is understandably shocking, and our hearts go out to you. It's devastating when a seemingly healthy bird declines so rapidly, especially with the distressing symptom of blood in her vomit. Suspecting poisoning is a reasonable concern, given her history of escaping and potential access to harmful substances. While pinpointing the exact cause without a necropsy is difficult, ingestion of toxic plants or chemicals is a leading possibility. The rapid onset and twitching suggest a severe systemic reaction. We understand you’re taking precautions with your remaining flock, and that's wise. For more on the joys and surprises of raising chicks, check out our recent piece, "Chicks VS Grown(ish).
This is scoot scoot. My 2nd most laid back chicken.
Meet Scoot Scoot, our second-most laid-back resident! As you can see in this delightful submission from /u/CecilBlight, Scoot embodies a certain zen-like calm. Here, she's contentedly observing her human prepare dinner – a scene we’ll politely omit any mention of chicken strips from. It’s cluck-tastic to witness such serenity amidst the often-chaotic world of backyard poultry. This peaceful moment offers a welcome contrast to some of the challenges our community faces, as recently highlighted in the poignant story of Peggy, our beloved Chocolate Orpington, and the realities of keeping chickens safe in the heat. Explore that story and more on our site! We’re always sharing egg-citing glimpses into the lives of our feathered friends.
What should I name my rooster?
## What Should I Name My Rooster? A Cluck-tastic Challenge! So, your flock is rocking a distinctly country, female artist vibe? We get it! Naming a rooster to fit that theme is an egg-citing challenge. While we're all about embracing the quirky side of chicken ownership, finding the *perfect* name is serious business. Don't "chicken out" – we’re here to help you brainstorm! We’ve got a few ideas beyond the obvious, leaning into both classic country legends and more modern stars. Think about your rooster’s personality – is he a showman, a gentle giant, or a mischievous rascal? Let's find a name that truly captures his spirit.
Lost this linebacker to the heat today
It’s with a cluck-tastic sadness that we share the news of Peggy’s passing. Our beloved Chocolate Orpington, a beautiful lady weighing in at 8.6 lbs, succumbed to the heat today. Peggy was a real character, known for laying the tiniest, most precious cream eggs – a delightful contrast to her substantial size! Losing a feathered friend is always tough, and we’re sending heartfelt condolences to /u/Necessary_Many_766. This serves as a stark reminder of the importance of heat preparedness for our flock. For those interested in observing our chickens in their natural habitat, you might find our "Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam" a fascinating look at daily life on the farm. Rest easy, Peggy.
Chicks VS Grown(ish)
## Surprise! Tiny New Arrivals: Chicks vs. Grown(ish) A delightful, and slightly chaotic, twist has unfolded for /u/MoistYogurtcloset929! Their broody hen surprised them with a clutch of adorable chicks, creating a charming contrast with their existing flock. Witness the “Chicks vs. Grown(ish)” dynamic as these fluffy newcomers navigate life alongside their larger, more experienced feathered friends. It’s a cluck-tastic scene of miniature mayhem and burgeoning friendships! This unexpected hatch raises all sorts of questions about integration and growth – a topic we explore further in "My most beautiful grow out!", which details one user's successful silkie cross. Join the conversation and share your own experiences with surprise hatches and growing flocks!
Chicken traumatized
## My Chicken Was Attacked! Now What? Seeing your feathered friend shaken after a traumatic event is heartbreaking. A recent post from /u/Front_Jury9985 detailed a distressing encounter with a dog and the subsequent anxiety experienced by their chicken. Thankfully, the chicken sustained no injuries, but the emotional fallout is real. Many found solace in playing baby Mozart, a technique that proved surprisingly effective in calming the distressed hen. The poster also noted a slight limp, advising vigilant observation for any further complications. This experience highlights the vulnerability of even the toughest-seeming chickens and the importance of providing a safe, comforting environment. For more on understanding chicken behavior, check out our article, ""Give me some food" look": Always wanting something, but they're cute."
6 Year Old Peacock Chicken Hybrids (unintentionally produced)
Prepare to be cluck-tastic-ally amazed! Meet the accidental avian marvels of Scott Taini – six-year-old peacock-chicken hybrids! These unique feathered friends, documented on his YouTube channel (@scotttaini8306), are the result of natural mating, a phenomenon even studied in a scientific paper ("Characterization of a Chicken x Peahen Intergeneric Hybrid Produced under Natural Mating"). Unlike earlier research, Taini’s hybrids are consistently fathered by peacocks, creating a truly spectacular display. These hybrids represent a rare intersection of species, and the online community is buzzing with excitement. Curious about identifying your own flock members? Check out our article, "Rooster or Hen?!," for a handy guide to sexing your birds. Join Scott and fellow enthusiasts as we explore the quirks and wonders of this extraordinary intergeneric hybrid!
Rooster limping, how to help?
## Romeo's Limping: A Cluck-Worthy Concern! Oh dear, a limping rooster is no fun! We understand your worry about Romeo – barely putting weight on a leg is definitely cause for attention. You’ve already ruled out bumblefoot, which is a great first step, and suspecting a leg issue is sensible. While we can't provide veterinary diagnoses, here's some initial advice. Closely observe Romeo for any swelling, redness, or signs of injury. Restricting his activity will help, and ensuring he has a clean, dry coop is key. Remember, even the most confident roosters can need a little TLC! If his condition doesn't improve within 24-48 hours, or worsens, a visit to an avian veterinarian is absolutely essential.
Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam
Welcome to Peckington Square Chicken City, your 24/7 livestream portal into a world of feathered frolics! Join us around the clock as we observe a cluck-tastic community of 28 chickens, including two magnificent roosters, navigating their daily lives. Whether you're a seasoned chicken enthusiast or just delightfully intimidated by these quirky creatures, there's always something egg-citing to see. Expect pecking order power struggles, unexpected dust baths, and plenty of charming chaos. Curious about the residents? Our article, "Just showing off some chickens <3," introduces you to the personalities of this lively flock. So, grab a seat (and maybe some earplugs!), and prepare for a truly unique viewing experience—it's fowl play at its finest!
Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam
Welcome to Peckington Square Chicken City, your 24/7 livestream portal into the wonderfully chaotic world of chickens! Join us for a cluck-tastic, around-the-clock view of our feathered friends – a lively flock of 28, including two charismatic roosters. Whether you're a seasoned chicken keeper or simply curious about these quirky creatures, prepare for egg-citing moments, unexpected antics, and a whole lot of clucking. We understand that chickens can be intimidating, but here at Peckington Square, we aim to demystify and delight. Dive in, relax, and enjoy the show! For a deeper dive into recent happenings within the coop, check out /u/Golden__River's charming post, "Just showing off some chickens <3."
Pretty boy
## Pretty Boy Blues: A Rooster Surprise! Oh, the joys of backyard poultry! /u/Homo-mojo-jojo recently shared a relatable moment: anticipating a hen, but welcoming a strikingly handsome rooster instead. "I love how blue green he is," they admit, "but I was really going for a hen 😭." We've all been there – the unexpected twist in chicken-keeping! It’s a delightful reminder that nature often has its own plans, even when we’re dreaming of egg production. This little surprise echoes the unpredictable journey of raising backyard birds, much like the challenges faced when incubating flea market eggs, as detailed in our article, "incubated eating eggs day 5." Welcome Pretty Boy to the flock – may his vibrant colors and rooster antics bring you endless amusement!
Sweet roo needs new home
## Sweet Roo Seeking a Cluck-tastic New Home! Oh dear, fowl play! /u/channing_333 is on the hunt for a loving new home for their delightful silver laced Wyandotte rooster. A homeowner's association has unfortunately forced a rehoming, and we're hoping our community can help this sweet boy find his forever flock in the NoCo (Northern Colorado) area. If you or someone you know is looking for a charming rooster companion, please reach out to /u/channing_333 directly! It's always a bittersweet moment when a feathered friend needs a new start, but we're confident this handsome guy will bring egg-citing joy to his next family.
Love my Brahma - King
## Behold, the King! 👑 A cluck-tastic moment captured by /u/FluffyImpact5863! Just look at this magnificent Brahma – affectionately known as "King" – radiating pure, regal charm. 🩷🩷 We're absolutely egg-cited to share this glimpse of poultry perfection with you all. It’s a reminder of the simple joys these feathered friends bring, from their quirky personalities to their undeniable beauty. Sometimes, the best moments are the quiet ones, watching a chicken simply *be*. If you're feeling the urge to immerse yourself in the captivating world of chickens, be sure to check out our "Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam" for a constant dose of fowl fun!
It's not poop it's part of the egg
## Decoding Chicken Quirks: Poop in Eggs & Possible Aliens? Ever find a speck in your egg and wonder, "Is this normal?" You're not alone! /u/Pale-Independence637’s question about “It’s not poop, it’s part of the egg” highlights a common, and surprisingly understandable, phenomenon. We'll break down why this happens and what it means for your flock's egg quality. And speaking of unusual chicken behavior, could your feathered friend *actually* be an alien? A playful question, perhaps, but it sparks a larger conversation about the wonderfully weird things chickens do. Dive in to explore these mysteries and more! For new chicken parents wondering about coop readiness, check out our article, "When can my babies go out in the coop?"
What kind of breed is he?
## Decoding This Dapper Bantam: Breed ID Help Needed! Y'all know the feeling – you’re smitten with a feathered friend, but their breed remains a delightful mystery! Our community member /u/TraditionOverall1411 is hoping you can lend your expertise to identify this charming bantam. While we know he’s a bantam, pinpointing the exact breed has proven tricky. Bantams are cluck-tastic little bundles of personality, and identifying them can be egg-citing! Perhaps you've encountered a similar-looking bird before? Check out our article, "Just showing off some chickens <3," for a glimpse at a diverse flock and maybe a helpful clue. Share your guesses and insights in the comments below – let's crack this case together!
Abandoned Chick
Meet Abandoned Chick, a truly *cluck-tastic* little mystery! Found wandering solo on a street, this sweet chick’s origins are largely unknown—though we suspect a Brahma lineage, given its appearance. Currently super-imprinted on humans, it’s a devoted shadow, happily foraging nearby as long as we’re present. We’ve dewormed and given a mite check, and thankfully, it shows no initial interest in our existing flock of seven chickens, which we plan to introduce gradually via a separate enclosure. Determining age and, crucially, sex remains a priority—roosters aren't permitted here, so fingers crossed for a lovely hen! If you're curious about chicken breed identification in general, check out our article, "What kind of breed is he?". We're hoping our community can help us unlock this little one's story.
She so goofy 😭
Oh dear, Wendy sounds like a little whirlwind of feathered mischief! 😭 It's a common, albeit startling, experience for chicken keepers to find themselves on the receiving end of a peck or two – especially when a chicken decides playtime involves a bit of assertive attention. It sounds like you've discovered Wendy’s preferred method of engagement: a gentle nudge followed by a cuddle! This behavior often stems from a desire for attention or simply exploring the world with a beak. Dealing with assertive chickens can be a quirky challenge, and understanding their motivations is key. For more insight into chicken behavior, check out our article, "The Claw," which delves into the fascinating world of chicken feet and their surprising uses.
The problem child
## Meet the Problem Child: When Chicken Behavior Gets… Interesting Let’s be honest, not all chickens are fluffy bundles of joy. Sometimes, you get a real character – a "problem child" who tests your patience and sanity. /u/StoneyMcGuire recently shared their experience with just such a bird, sparking a lively discussion [link] that resonated with many of us. From relentless egg-stealing to bafflingly destructive habits, these chickens can truly ruffle your feathers! Dealing with these quirks requires a blend of understanding and strategic solutions. We've compiled insights to help you navigate these challenges and maintain a (relatively) peaceful coop. For a broader look at chicken personalities and potential causes of unusual behavior, check out “Hens or Roos” for added perspective [link].