chickens
chickens on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 2941 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on chickens 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 chickens, 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.
Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam
Welcome to Peckington Square Chicken City, your 24/7 livestream portal into a world of feathered fun (and occasional chaos)! Join us as we observe a vibrant community of chickens strutting, pecking, and generally living their best lives. Whether you’re a seasoned poultry enthusiast or just cluck-curious, this stream offers a delightful glimpse into the daily routines of these fascinating creatures. Expect egg-citing moments, playful interactions, and maybe even a little fowl play – all in good fun! New to the world of chickens? Our article, "Skip settles the age-old question, 'Are Wyandottes noisy'?", dives into some common chicken quirks you might encounter. So, settle in, grab a snack, and prepare for a cluck-tastic experience!

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.

Monsieur.
Welcome to the wonderfully weird world of backyard chickens! Here at Monsieur, we embrace the cluck-tastic chaos and the occasional feathered frenzy that comes with these delightful creatures. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or just starting to consider joining the flock, we’re here to navigate the joys (and yes, the occasional anxieties) together. We blend practical advice with a healthy dose of humor, acknowledging that sometimes, chickens can be a little… much. Prepare for egg-citing insights, playful perspectives, and a community built on shared experiences – because let’s be honest, raising chickens is a unique adventure. Speaking of unique, have you ever had the feeling you're being watched? Our article, "Ever have the feeling that you're being watched ?

Time lapse of my first ever chick hatching🥰
## Witnessing a Cluck-tastic First! 🥰 Get ready for some egg-citing news! /u/WoofDonkey has captured the incredible moment of their very first chick hatching – and they're a total newbie to the chicken world! Living on a sprawling farm and armed with plenty of research, they’ve welcomed a tiny feathered friend affectionately named "Fingers" (don't worry, we won't judge!). Fingers is just the start – /u/WoofDonkey plans to name all their chickens after delicious chicken and egg preparations – a delightfully quirky approach! As a fellow enthusiast, are you a seasoned clucker or just chickening out at the thought of starting? Share your best tips and tricks for newbie chicken keepers!
Subreddit rule question
Welcome, fellow chicken enthusiasts (and maybe those still chickening out a little)! You're wondering if your brand new chicken forum is welcome here – a cluck-tastic question! We understand you're having trouble reaching the moderators, so we’re addressing it directly. Generally, promoting external forums is a bit of fowl play, but we appreciate the enthusiasm. Please review the subreddit’s existing rules (often found in the sidebar or “About” section) regarding self-promotion. If the rules permit limited promotion, proceed cautiously. For a deeper dive into flock favorites, check out our recent article, "How often do y'all give fruit to your flock?" We hope your forum takes flight!

Ever have the feeling that you're being watched ?
Ever felt those eyes on you, even when you’re just stepping outside? Meet Gayle, the rooster who’s proving chickens can be surprisingly… devoted. /u/Tangiboo reports this feathered friend follows them around like a loyal canine, seemingly keeping watch even when they're indoors. He's a "damn fine rooster," apparently, and a master of observation. We’ve all experienced the quirks of our flock, and Gayle’s behavior certainly sparks curiosity. Thinking about chicken routines? Check out /u/AustinRatBuster’s charming post, "My chickens every morning," for a glimpse into a typical poultry day. From watchful roosters to unusual feather patterns, there's always something new to discover in the world of chickens!

What are my options?
Oh no, a sick hen is *never* cluck-tastic! We hear you – the worry is real, especially when avian vets are out of reach. Your momma hen deserves the best, and keeping her with the flock is a smart move considering her social needs. It's understandable to wonder if it's just heat, especially given those 115-degree temperatures, but you're right to suspect something more. Let’s tackle this. First, we need to understand what "it" is. This post will walk you through initial steps for home care, assessing symptoms, and deciding when professional help is absolutely necessary. For a deeper dive into breed characteristics that might influence health, check out our article on "French Copper Marans x Blue Laced Red Wyandotte.

My rooster likes to sing for me
## Morning Serenades from a Feathered Friend! Isn't it cluck-tastic when your chickens bring a little joy to your day? /u/jellyfishs0up recently shared a delightful moment: their rooster singing for them! It’s a reminder of the quirky, often unexpected, brilliance of these feathered friends. We all know chickens can be delightfully weird – sometimes seemingly oblivious, and other times displaying surprising intelligence, as /u/MilesandTiles so aptly put it. Rooster vocalizations are a common topic, and our article, "Skip settles the age old question, "Are Wyandottes noisy"?," dives into the specifics of different breeds and their tendencies. Whether it's a morning serenade or a general chorus, celebrating these moments is all part of the fun of chicken keeping!

What breed is this?
## Decoding This Delightful Chick! Greetings, fellow chicken enthusiasts (and those who are *slightly* intimidated by our feathered friends)! We're diving into a breed identification mystery thanks to /u/WasteChallenge7661's adorable query. Identifying a young chicken can be egg-citing, but also a bit of fowl play! At approximately three months old, she's definitely showing off some personality. Our community is brimming with breed sleuths, so let’s see if we can crack the case. Check out our discussion on identifying a similar mystery bird in, "Picking this guy up tomorrow, what breed are we thinking?" for helpful tips and strategies. Share your thoughts and observations in the comments - let's help /u/WasteChallenge7661 discover her cluck-tastic heritage!

Picking this guy up tomorrow, what breed are we thinking?
So, a new feathered friend is joining the flock! /u/SatanikRaccoon is on the hunt for the perfect breed, and we’re egg-cited to help brainstorm. Choosing a chicken breed can be a delightfully cluck-tastic decision, so let’s consider what kind of personality and purpose you’re looking for. Are you hoping for prolific egg layers, charming ornamental birds, or maybe something in between? The possibilities are egg-citing! To help you narrow it down, check out our article, "Monsieur," for a deeper dive into breed characteristics and considerations. Share your thoughts – what traits are you hoping for in your new addition? Let’s get this fowl play started!
Chickens are such weird animals most of the time they’re dumb as rocks and then randomly they’ll do something remarkably intelligent
## The Chicken Paradox: Dumb or Brilliant? Let’s be honest: chickens can be wonderfully weird. Most of the time, they appear to be, well, as dense as a pile of feathers. But then, seemingly out of nowhere, they’ll exhibit moments of surprising intelligence – a clever escape, a strategic pecking order maneuver, or a bafflingly accurate assessment of the weather. It’s a constant source of amusement (and occasional bewilderment) for chicken keepers everywhere. This peculiar duality is what makes these feathered friends so captivating. As /u/MilesandTiles so aptly put it, it’s a delightful contradiction. For more reflections on the unique challenges and joys of chicken companionship, check out our recent piece, "RIP Marto, your crowing was missed this morning ❤️."

First time seeing raspberries, blue berries, blackberries, and kiwi.
## Berry Bliss & a Kiwi Kick: First Encounters! For many, the vibrant colors and juicy sweetness of berries are a cherished memory – a first taste of summer's bounty. /u/thedeuschebag85 recently shared their delightful discovery of raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and kiwi, sparking a wave of nostalgic joy. These fruits offer a cluck-tastic range of textures and flavors, from the tart zing of kiwi to the mellow sweetness of blueberries. It’s an egg-citing experience to explore these new tastes! Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a newbie like the author of "Time lapse of my first ever chick hatching🥰," appreciating nature's gifts is always a rewarding venture. Embrace the simple pleasures and savor the moment!

My chickens every morning
## The Dawn Chorus: A Chicken Morning Routine There's something undeniably *cluck-tastic* about starting the day with your feathered friends! /u/AustinRatBuster recently shared a glimpse into their morning routine, and it's a delightful reminder of the simple joys – and occasional chaos – of chicken ownership. From early wake-up calls to daily checks, these moments are a cornerstone of the chicken-keeping experience. We love seeing how our community connects with their flocks. Ever wonder if your rooster's morning serenades are a bit *too* enthusiastic? Check out /u/jellyfishs0up’s experience with a particularly vocal rooster! Join the conversation and share your own morning rituals – we're all in this fowl play together!

It Might Work!.... Right??
## Egg-cellent Troubleshooting: Pullet Pecking Panic! Our community is clucking with concern! /u/butaretherecookies is facing a familiar fowl problem: new pullets have started egg pecking. They’ve already tried the usual suspects – oyster shells strategically placed, protein boosts, and even decoy eggs – but the pecking persists. Now, they’re pondering the free option before investing in alternatives like golf balls. Anyone out there had “egg-citing” success with Easter eggs as a deterrent? This situation highlights a common challenge for chicken keepers, and we’ve seen similar questions pop up before – as discussed in our recent post, "Subreddit rule question." Let's share our wisdom and help /u/butaretherecookies keep their flock happy and their eggs intact!

My perfect little lady
## Meet My Perfect Little Lady! Feathered friends, prepare to swoon! /u/Intrepid_Ranger_4567 has gifted us with a glimpse of pure poultry perfection. This little lady is stealing hearts, and we can see why. There's something utterly charming about a chicken that embodies both beauty and personality. It's a cluck-tastic reminder of the joys – and occasional chaos – of backyard chicken keeping. We know many of you are on a similar journey, balancing love for your flock with the practicalities of care. Speaking of care, if you're wondering about managing your flock’s health on a budget, check out our article, "What are my options?," for some helpful tips! Share your own favorite feathered friend stories – we're egg-cited to hear them!

RIP Marto, your crowing was missed this morning ❤️
It’s with a cluck-tastic sadness that we share the news of Marto's passing yesterday. Our first and only rooster, Marto held a special place in our hearts—and a uniquely grumpy role in our mornings. Rescued as a chick last year, he blossomed into a protector of his flock and a surprisingly vocal complainer when breakfast was late. We'll dearly miss his signature "crow song," a sound often mimicked around our house, and the hilarious sight of him crowing from high places (thankfully, we captured those moments on video!). Marto wasn't the most confident rooster, but he knew how to bond, and he certainly knew how to make an impression.
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!

Sleepy babies
## Sleepy Babies: Why Your Chicks Might Be Snoozing Those adorable, fluffy chicks sometimes need a whole lot of shut-eye! Submitted by /u/Jasmijn, this post highlights a common observation: sleepy baby chicks. While it *is* cluck-tastic to see them nestled down, understanding why can ease any worries. Generally, young chicks prioritize sleep—they're growing rapidly and processing a whole new world! Factors like temperature, diet, and even stress can influence their naptime. Is your flock’s fruit intake impacting their energy levels? Dive deeper into that question with our recent discussion, "How often do y'all give fruit to your flock?". Ultimately, a sleepy chick is often a healthy chick, but observant keepers are the best chicken parents!
How often do y'all give fruit to your flock?
## Fruit for Your Flock: A Cluck-tastic Question! /u/thedeuschebag85 sparked a great discussion with their query: "How often do y'all give fruit to your flock?" It’s a question that highlights the delightful, and sometimes surprising, tastes of our feathered friends! While chicken feed provides the nutritional foundation, supplementing with fruits—raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and even kiwi—can offer a fun, enriching treat. The frequency varies greatly depending on your flock's size, preferences, and overall diet. Think of it as an occasional indulgence, not a daily staple. Curious about those first encounters with berries? Check out /u/thedeuschebag85's "First time seeing raspberries, blue berries, blackberries, and kiwi" for a peek at that initial reaction! We’ll be exploring this topic further—stay tuned!

me and furby at the vet
## A Furby and a Fowl: Vet Visit Adventures! It’s not every day you find yourself juggling a vintage Furby and a whole coop of chickens at the vet's office, but that’s life here! /u/maelisaaine recently shared this delightfully quirky experience, and we couldn't resist sharing the story. From nervous clucks to worried beeps, it seems everyone had a bit of anxiety about the check-up. We all know that keeping our feathered friends (and beloved toys!) healthy is paramount, and sometimes that means a trip to the professionals. If you've ever wondered about the challenges of managing a flock, you might appreciate /u/maelisaaine’s recent post about identifying which chicken lays which egg—a truly "egg-citing" feat!
Bumblefoot treatment
## Tackling Bumblefoot: A Cluck-Tastic Guide to Home Treatment Bumblefoot got your feathered friends down? You're not alone! /u/bleach_nerd recently shared their experience and concerns about treating bumblefoot at home, and we’re here to help. Many chicken keepers face this challenge, especially when specialized veterinary care isn’t readily available. Their approach – Epsom salt soaks, scab removal, Vetericyn spray, and wrapping – is a solid starting point and it’s egg-cellent that the limping has ceased! A lingering concern about wound softness highlights a common question: did enough of the affected tissue get removed? We'll explore this and offer actionable steps to continue treatment, ensuring your chickens get the best possible care. For a broader look at home treatment strategies, check out "What are my options?".

French Copper Marans x Blue Laced Red Wyandotte
Feast your eyes on this cluck-tastic crossbreed! This adorable chick is a delightful mix of French Copper Marans and Blue Laced Red Wyandotte – a truly egg-citing combination. The stunning blue lacing beautifully complements the rich copper tones, creating a feathered friend that's as charming as it is unique. We’re absolutely smitten! Identifying chicken breeds can be a bit of a puzzle, and many of our readers are curious about their own flocks. If you're exploring the world of backyard chickens, you might find our article, "What breed is this?", helpful in unraveling those mysteries. This little one is proof that a blend of breeds can produce some truly spectacular results!

Tail Feather from one of my boys, is it normal for them to be so messy? Not sure if the pictures actually show it
## Tail Feathers Looking a Little…Ruffled? Let's Investigate! So, you've noticed some messiness in your rooster's tail feathers – a very common concern for first-time chicken keepers! Don't fret; it's likely nothing to worry about. Minor damage and slightly disheveled tail feathers are often a result of playful antics, dust bathing, or even just navigating their coop. While the pictures might not fully capture the extent, those little fiber snags are perfectly normal. It’s great you’re paying attention! If you're curious about other chicken behaviors, you might enjoy reading about how one user documented "My Chickens Every Morning" – a delightful peek into daily poultry routines. We're here to help you navigate the wonderful, and sometimes wonderfully messy, world of chicken ownership!