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.
Alice asks which side is her best?
## Alice’s Existential Question: Why Both Sides Are Best The age-old debate: which side of a chicken is superior? User /u/alphafoxtrotomega posed the delightfully absurd question, and the resounding answer is…both! It’s cluck-tastic to appreciate the beauty of a feathered friend from every angle. This playful query sparks a larger conversation about the charming, often demanding, nature of our backyard companions. Ever feel like your chickens are *always* wanting something? You’re not alone – check out our piece, ""Give me some food" look": Always wanting something, but they're cute," for a relatable chuckle. Ultimately, embracing the entirety of a chicken's personality, from beak to tail feathers, is what makes them such uniquely entertaining creatures.
Cock fight to the death
## Navigating the Backyard Chicken Drama: Addressing User-Submitted Content We’ve received a submission titled "Cock fight to the death" – a concerning topic within the chicken-keeping community. While our brand voice leans into the playful side of feathered friends, we recognize the seriousness of aggression and potential harm. This post highlights a challenging reality for many keepers, and we’re committed to addressing it responsibly. We’ll be exploring the causes of chicken aggression and offering practical advice for prevention and intervention. For those newer to the world of backyard poultry, understanding breed characteristics is key. Our article, "What breed of chicken?" delves into identifying potential temperaments—a helpful starting point for harmonious flock dynamics. Stay tuned as we unpack this user-submitted content and provide supportive guidance.
First Egg!
## First Egg! A Cluck-tastic Milestone! Huge congratulations to /u/Country_Skies96 on their first egg! There’s nothing quite like that moment – the thrill of discovery nestled right there in the nesting box. It’s especially egg-citing when your girls enjoy the freedom of free-ranging! This milestone marks a significant step in the chicken-keeping journey, and we’re cheering you on. For those new to the joys (and occasional surprises) of raising chickens, you might find our article, "Chicks VS Grown(ish)," helpful as it explores unexpected arrivals from a broody hen. Welcome to the wonderful world of fresh eggs and feathered friends! Share your first egg stories with us – we’d love to hear them!
Rooster or Hen?!
## Rooster or Hen?! Decoding Those Red Comb Clues! Alright, chicken sleuths! Our feathered friends are hitting the five-month mark soon, and the age-old question arises: rooster or hen? /u/ElWoz_30476 is puzzling over two Rhode Island Reds, particularly one sporting a more prominent comb – a classic indicator, but not a guarantee! No crowing or mounting has been spotted yet, which adds to the mystery. Check out the side-by-side comparison to join the debate! Identifying your flock members can be tricky, and we've tackled this topic before. If you're facing similar uncertainties, be sure to check out our "Unsure of sex" article for additional insights. Let's crack this case together – share your thoughts and help /u/ElWoz_30476 solve the riddle!
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.
My most beautiful grow out!
Feast your eyes on this cluck-tastic grow-out success! /u/SaeveraRivers recently shared the stunning results of a cross between a Mystic Onyx (with Silkie Fibros influence) and a blue/partridge Silkie rooster – a truly egg-citing endeavor! The hatch yielded a vibrant array of chicks, including a showstopper boasting a striking black head, orange body, and blue bottom – a veritable tri-color marvel aptly named Phoenix. SaeveraRivers was delighted by the successful inheritance of the desired fibro trait across the entire brood, though slightly disappointed by only one pure black chick. Hoping for a predominantly hen flock, they’re keeping a close eye on two blues exhibiting unusually large combs. For more insights into chicken health concerns, check out our article, “Rooster limping, how to help?
Why do these two look perpetually electrocuted?
## Why Do These Two Look Perpetually Electrocuted? You're not alone in noticing that peculiar, perpetually startled look in some chicks! /u/tdubs702's query about their week-old chickens highlights a surprisingly common phenomenon. Often, this "electrocuted" appearance stems from a condition called "piloerection," where tiny muscles at the base of the feathers cause them to stand on end. It's essentially a chicken version of goosebumps! While it *can* sometimes indicate stress, in many cases, chicks simply outgrow it. However, as /u/tdubs702 observed, sometimes they don't. Keep a close eye on their overall health and behavior. For a deeper dive into chicken care and observation, check out our 24/7 livestream, "Peckington Square Chicken City," for a constant view of 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.
Incubation: I'm hand turning. Would it be best to turn 3x a day instead of 5x since I'll have to be opening the incubator each time?
## Hand-Turning Incubation: Finding the Sweet Spot So, you're hand-turning your eggs – cluck-tastic effort! It’s a common conundrum when your egg turner can’t handle the whole clutch. Our community member /u/Kitchen_Possible_159 is wrestling with exactly that, questioning whether 3 turns a day is better than 5, given the temperature and humidity fluctuations from repeated incubator openings. With 18 eggs and a turner for only 12, they're considering culling non-fertile eggs to match capacity – a tough decision! The key takeaway here is balancing consistent turning with minimizing environmental disruption. For more insights into flock dynamics, check out our recent discussion on "Weird behavior" and introducing a rooster. Let's hear your hand-turning tips and experiences – share your egg-citing successes (and challenges) in the comments!
Can you really hold a chicken like that?
## Can You Really Hold a Chicken Like That? A "Napoleon Dynamite" Moment You’ve likely seen the iconic scene from "Napoleon Dynamite" (2004) where the main character cradles a chicken in a rather…unique way. But the question arises: is this a safe and accurate depiction of how to handle a chicken? The short answer is: probably not. Holding a chicken like that—as seen at 0:45—increases the risk of accidental leg injury. A chicken’s legs are surprisingly delicate, and improper support can easily cause harm. While chickens are resilient creatures, respect for their anatomy is key. For more on ensuring healthy development, check out our article on "Incubation," which delves into best practices for egg turning.
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!
"Give me some food" look
## The "Give Me Some Food" Look: A Chicken's Eternal Plea Let's be honest, have you ever looked into a chicken's expectant eyes and felt completely powerless? That’s the "Give Me Some Food" look – an insistent, adorable demand for treats that’s part charm, part poultry manipulation. These feathered friends are masters of the subtle (and not-so-subtle) reminder that their bellies need filling, often while gazing up with an expression that could melt glaciers. It's a constant cycle of wanting, a charming quirk that endears them to us despite the relentless requests. They’re cute, they’re demanding, and they’ll keep you on your toes!
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."
Razzle with some flowers
## Razzle with some flowers - A Cluck-tastic Debut! Feast your eyes on Razzle, a true testament to chicken charm! Submitted by /u/Isopods_Everywhere, this gorgeous hen is positively blooming—literally! Razzle’s vibrant plumage is beautifully accented by a cheerful scattering of flowers, making her a picture of poultry perfection. We’re absolutely egg-cited to share this delightful submission and celebrate the unique beauty within our feathered friends. It's always fascinating to observe individual chicken personalities, and sometimes their quirks can be just as captivating as their looks. Speaking of fascinating behaviors, you might enjoy our article, "Weird behavior," which explores the impact of introducing a rooster to a flock. Check it out for a deeper dive!
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!
air is full of wildfire smoke. will my birds be okay?
Wildfire smoke blanketing the air—especially with the current situation from Canada—is a genuine concern, and it's completely understandable you're worried about your feathered friends’ delicate lungs. That burning sensation in your eyes is a clear sign of the air quality's impact, and your birds are likely experiencing similar discomfort. While bringing six chickens indoors presents a logistical challenge, especially with a full garage, there *are* steps you can take. Prioritize providing them with clean, fresh water to help flush irritants. Consider offering supplemental Vitamin C. If possible, create a shaded, sheltered area where they can escape the worst of the smoke. For more insights into unexpected avian situations, check out our article, "Chicken traumatized," which addresses the impact of stress on poultry.
Just needed to share this😂
Just needed to share this 😂 - submitted by /u/SweetDivide6 [link] [comments]! We’re clucking delighted you felt compelled to share—it’s a sentiment many of us can relate to. Navigating the world of chickens is often a delightful mix of amusement and, let's be honest, a healthy dose of "chickening out" moments. Whether you're a seasoned poultry pro or just starting to appreciate (or cautiously observe) these feathered friends, we’re here for it. This submission perfectly captures the quirky love-hate relationship we have with our fowl companions. If you’re curious about identifying those developing traits, check out our article “Rooster or Hen?!” for a side-by-side look at distinguishing characteristics. It’s egg-citing to see our community share these relatable experiences!
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."
Just showing off some chickens <3
## A Cluck-tastic Flock! 🐔❤️ Feast your eyes on this delightful display of poultry pride! /u/Golden__River is showing off their impressive crew – a vibrant bunch of 28 chickens, including a couple of handsome roosters. It's a truly *egg-citing* sight, and a testament to the joys (and occasional chaos!) of backyard chicken keeping. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just starting to consider welcoming feathered friends to your homestead, this post is sure to bring a smile. Speaking of roosters, be sure to check out our recent article, "Dumping aggressive roosters is cruel and cowardly," for important considerations on responsible flock management. Join the conversation and share your own chicken love stories in the comments!
The claw
## Decoding Chicken Claws: A Quick Guide Ever wondered about those surprisingly sharp appendages on your feathered friends? Chicken claws are more than just quirky features; they’re essential tools for scratching, perching, and even digging! This post, submitted by /u/alphaky1e, dives into the anatomy and function of chicken claws, exploring everything from trimming techniques to identifying potential health concerns. Understanding claw care is a cluck-tastic step towards happy, healthy chickens. For those new to the world of backyard poultry, our article "What kind of breed is he?" offers helpful insights into identifying different chicken varieties, which can sometimes influence claw characteristics. Get ready to unravel the mysteries of these fascinating fowl features!