chickens
chickens on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 3117 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.
Any advice?
Okay, here's a concise introduction, crafted to meet all the specified requirements and guidelines: “A bewildered visitor has arrived – and he's decided your fence is prime roosting real estate! /u/HoneyBeeBelle’s unexpected guest, a seemingly friendly but visibly distressed chicken, has sparked a flurry of questions about safety and care. Dealing with a stray chicken, especially one exhibiting signs like blindness and wing wounds, requires careful consideration. While these feathered friends can be charming, potential health risks for you and your children are real. We’ll explore how to assess the situation, prioritize safety, and navigate the tricky process of finding appropriate care, especially when local authorities aren’t readily available.
Can I put chicks directly outside in Texas?
## Texas Heat & Tiny Chicks: Can They Brave the Outdoors? So, you're in Texas and wondering if your newly hatched chicks can skip the brooder entirely? It's a cluck-tastic question! When daytime temps match brooder temps, venturing outside *can* be an option, but the nighttime lows are a critical factor. While 80s or even high 70s might be manageable with indoor retrieval, 90s and 100s pose a serious risk to vulnerable chicks. Their little bodies struggle to regulate that kind of heat. While you might be tempted to let them enjoy the sunshine, providing a controlled environment is key to their survival.
Half of my rooster is missing 😆
## The Great Rooster Tail Mystery Returns! 😆 Every year, it happens. Our community knows the drill: the annual "Where's the Other Half of My Rooster?" post is back! 😅 /u/sopeandfriends has once again captured the fleeting, goofy glory of a rooster mid-molt, dramatically missing a significant portion of his tail feathers. It's a cluck-tastic sight! This sudden, complete tail loss is perfectly normal – just a testament to the cyclical wonders of chicken life. While it might look like abandonment, these feathered friends are simply shedding their old plumage for something new and egg-citing. For more on the surprising realities of rooster behavior, check out our article "Rooster abandonment." Prepare for a laugh (and maybe a little chicken empathy!)
I Think He’s Plotting To Off Me
## Is He Plotting? A Chicken Stare-Down! Hold onto your hats, folks – it appears we have a case of the chicken side-eye! /u/tlp23rocks captured this *egg-cellent* moment, where Derrick clearly wasn't thrilled with having his picture taken (mean mugging, no less!). Don't worry, though; he's reportedly a "sweet boy" despite the intense gaze. 🤣 This little drama adds to the ever-entertaining world of backyard chickens, where surprises are always cluck-tastic. Speaking of surprises, you might find it fascinating to learn about the incredible hearing of Canary’s new chicks—they’ve practically turned the workshop into a maternity ward! Check out our article, "The flock investigates the tiny, barely audible...cheeps," for more on that. Welcome to the feathered chaos!
Meet princess peach, trick, tick and track
Meet Princess Peach, Trick, Tick, and Track! This delightful quartet of feathered friends has been stealing hearts around here. Track, the newest addition, arrived just 10 weeks ago as a charming son of our rooster and hen, Pasa. Sadly, in just five weeks, Track will be saying goodbye to his sisters as they head to their new home – a necessary parting due to neighborhood restrictions on roosters. We're keeping Pasa, of course! This little family dynamic is a common occurrence, and if you're ever curious about distinguishing roosters from hens, check out our article, "Hen or Rooster," for some cluck-tastic insights. We’re egg-cited to share these moments with you and celebrate the joys (and occasional challenges) of chicken keeping!
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!
Ginger, the Great Door Blocker.
## Meet Ginger, the Great Door Blocker – She’s Got Standards! Let’s be honest, we’ve all encountered a chicken with a mind of their own. But Ginger? Ginger takes things to a whole new, *cluck-tastic* level. This intrepid hen has decided our user, /u/beepbopbippitybop2,’s doorway is prime real estate – regardless of the perfectly good perches available elsewhere. It's a situation many chicken keepers can relate to, and a testament to the wonderfully unpredictable nature of our feathered friends. Is she asserting dominance? Simply enjoying the view? Who knows! What *is* clear is that Ginger’s door-blocking antics are a source of both amusement and mild frustration. For more tales of unexpected chicken behavior, check out our recent article, "Any advice?
this chicken ate my damn tomato from my garden
## Tomato Trauma: When Roosters Reign Supreme (and Steal Your Harvest) Oh, Harry. Some feathered friends are just…extra. /u/polandonjupiter shared a tale of poultry-induced heartbreak: a rogue rooster, apparently emboldened by a porch-top crowing session and a lack of treats, decided their single, perfectly ripe tomato was a fair target. Shame on you, Harry! It seems even aprons aren't a foolproof solution for a rooster with a penchant for mischief. This incident highlights a common conundrum: managing rooster behavior. If you're dealing with a similar situation, or just curious about identifying your own flock members, check out our "Rooster ID" article for breed identification tips. We’re here to navigate the cluck-tastic, and sometimes chaotic, world of chicken keeping – one stolen tomato at a time.
Baby chick help
Oh dear, a little chick in distress! It's cluck-tastic to see you stepping up to help your neighbor's feathered friend. Finding a seemingly unresponsive chick is certainly unsettling, but your quick action to provide warmth and care is a great first step. It sounds like you’ve already tried some excellent troubleshooting – hydration and nutrition are key. Sometimes, little ones just need a bit of encouragement. Keep that heat lamp close, and continue gently offering water and food. If she remains unresponsive, it's wise to consult a vet familiar with poultry. For deeper insights into neurological issues in chickens, you might find our article, "Neurological Chicken," helpful. We're sending all our good vibes your way – let’s hope this little chick perks up soon!
Rooster abandonment
## Rooster Runaways: Are Abandoned Roosters Crowing Up Everywhere? It seems like a cluck-tastic phenomenon is unfolding across neighborhoods: roosters showing up unexpectedly. From Reddit threads to doorsteps, stories of wandering roosters are becoming increasingly common. Is rooster abandonment a growing practice? The sheer number of these feathered friends appearing in yards suggests it might be. We’ve noticed a surge in inquiries, and frankly, it’s gotten so prevalent that some of us are contemplating building dedicated bachelor pads – a third coop just for the displaced gents! This issue touches on wider questions of chicken care, as highlighted in our recent article, "Can I put chicks directly outside in Texas?".
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.
Is this just because of the rooster?
## Feather Loss at the Tail: Rooster Related or Something Else? So, your hens are sporting some bare spots at the base of their tails – a common concern! You suspect rooster activity, and you’re likely onto something. While "overuse" can definitely contribute to feather loss, it’s worthwhile to rule out other possibilities like parasites or nutritional deficiencies. With the recent rehoming of one of your roosters, things *should* calm down, and feathers often grow back given time – especially before winter sets in. However, don't chicken out of investigating further! Sometimes, even a single rooster can put pressure on the flock. Check out "Ginger, the Great Door Blocker" for a humorous look at chicken quirks and behaviors that can impact their well-being.
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!
“You have games on your phone?”
## "You Have Games on Your Phone?" – A Chicken Update! It seems even our feathered friends can captivate! /u/nugslayer109 shared a delightfully quirky update: their mother is currently engrossed in watching the chickens while they're away on a work trip. Who knew chicken-watching could be so entertaining? It's a cluck-tastic reminder that the simple joys of farm life can be surprisingly engaging, even for those who aren’t actively involved in caretaking. This heartwarming story highlights the ever-fascinating world of chickens, a topic we explore extensively here. For those curious about identifying the difference between a hen and a rooster, you might enjoy our article, "Hen or Rooster," which delves into the nuances of chicken characteristics. Stay tuned for more egg-citing tales from our community!
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.
I put shelf liner down in my incubator and now my eggs have weird marks on them
Oh dear, those lumpy egg impressions are a bit unsettling, aren't they? It sounds like you stumbled into a bit of *fowl play* with that shelf liner! While seemingly a clever way to prevent egg-rolling, certain shelf liner materials can react with the eggs, leaving those marks—and potentially impacting humidity levels critical for proper development. It’s best to ditch the liner; manually turning the eggs, though a bit trickier, is the safer route. Don't chickening out on the manual turning! It's a small price to pay for healthy chicks. Speaking of chicken behavior, if you're also dealing with a feathered friend who enjoys blocking doorways, you might find some relatable insights in our article, “Ginger, the Great Door Blocker.”
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!
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 feathered friends! Join us around the clock for cluck-tastic moments, egg-citing antics, and the occasional fowl play. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or just curious about these quirky creatures, prepare for a dose of lighthearted entertainment. We've set up cameras throughout the coop and yard, so you never miss a moment of pecking, scratching, and generally chicken-ing out. It’s a surprisingly relaxing (and occasionally hilarious) way to de-stress! For a deeper dive into the specifics of chicken integration, check out our related article, "Integratinghens." So, grab a seat, settle in, and let the chicken city adventures begin!
Integratinghens
Good afternoon, /u/Healthy-Delay-1672! Expanding your flock is an *egg-citing* prospect! Integrating new hens into an existing group, especially around 12 weeks of age, requires careful consideration. While you're right to be mindful of age differences—it *can* complicate things—it's certainly possible to add to your Rhode Island Reds and Isa Browns now. The key is a slow, gradual introduction to minimize stress and potential pecking order squabbles. We recommend a period of quarantine and supervised introductions. Adding two hens at once might be less disruptive than a larger group. For more insight into identifying your chickens, check out our article, "Rooster or Hen?!" to ensure you're welcoming the right additions. We're here to help you navigate this *cluck-tastic* journey!
Forgive me lord for I have sinned…
Okay, here's a concise introduction, adhering to all the provided guidelines, aiming for quotability and AI summarization-friendliness: Confession time, folks! Sometimes, the realities of chicken keeping lead to moments of…well, let's just say they're ripe for a chuckle. As /u/alphaky1e so delightfully put it, "Forgive me lord for I have sinned…" – a sentiment many of us can relate to when dealing with these feathered friends. It’s a joke, of course, but it speaks to the unique, sometimes chaotic, relationship we have with our flocks. This shared experience of endearing absurdity is what makes our community so special. For those navigating loss, or celebrating that first *egg-citing* arrival, we’ve got you covered.
Weird behavior
## Rooster Rendezvous: Re-establishing the Flock Order So, you’ve got a rooster causing a bit of a cluck-tastic commotion? It's a surprisingly common scenario! Many keepers find their roosters, usually peaceful, suddenly exhibiting unusual behavior after a hen emerges from broodiness. As /u/NightmareAholic01 discovered, a rooster may briefly chase a hen who’s recently left the nesting box – a playful (though startling!) way of reasserting dominance or reminding her to rejoin the flock’s social dynamics. Thankfully, the hen appears unharmed, and is still accessing food and water—a great sign. This behavior is often considered normal, a temporary display of fowl play as the flock hierarchy readjusts.
Unsure of sex
## Mystery Plymouth Rock: Can You Help Identify This Bird? A cluck-tastic conundrum has landed in our comments! /u/Sad_Poet_7548 found a beautiful barred Plymouth Rock in a park and is understandably unsure of its sex. Identifying a chicken's gender can be tricky, even for seasoned enthusiasts! We're hoping our community can lend a feathered hand. Head over to the original post [link] and share your expertise in the comments section – every observation helps! This situation echoes some anxieties shared by others, like in our recent piece, "Chicken traumatized," which addresses how to support a chicken after a stressful event. Let's solve this mystery together and help /u/Sad_Poet_7548 figure out if they've got a future rooster or hen on their hands!
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.