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.
Smallest egg ever?
Hold onto your feathers, folks! We’ve stumbled upon an egg-citing discovery—a teeny, tiny egg laid by one of our young Brahmas! Yesterday, we found this little gem nestled under a clucky friend, and we’re flabbergasted by its size. It's a mystery who the proud parent is, but we couldn't resist sharing this delightful find with our fellow chicken enthusiasts. If you think this is a one-off, just wait until you check out our article on the “Rescued highway chicken 1st egg,” where surprises are a common theme! Join us in celebrating the quirks of our feathered friends and share your own tales of tiny treasures in the comments!
Meet Whitney
Meet Whitney, the feathery diva with a flair for the dramatic! With her striking white tail feathers—an homage to the legendary Whitney Houston—this 3-year-old chicken knows how to command attention. Whitney struts her stuff with the confidence of a superstar, but don’t let her diva demeanor fool you; she’s just as relatable as any of us! Whether she’s basking in the sun or graciously accepting treats, Whitney reminds us that life is too short not to embrace our quirks. Speaking of delightful birds, if you’re curious about the early days of chick life, check out the adorable antics of the trio in "Officially 2 weeks old.
Mochi Please
Oh no, Mochi! It sounds like your feathered friend is giving you quite the scare with that limp. When chickens start limping, it can be worrisome, especially when they’re as full of personality as Mochi. Since he seems to be favoring one leg, it could be a sprain, but it’s tough to pinpoint with all those fluffy feathers hiding the details. Keeping him inside to rest is a wise move, allowing him to recuperate in a safe space. Monitor his behavior closely—if he continues to struggle or shows any other symptoms, a visit to the vet might be in order. For more insights on chicken care, check out our article "Please help," where fellow enthusiasts share their experiences with similar concerns.
Meet Lurky turkey
Meet Lurky Turkey, a delightful character who’s sure to steal your heart and maybe your corn! Submitted by the charming /u/Infamous-Bed-3421, Lurky brings a unique flair to the feathered family, embodying the whimsical spirit we all adore. Whether he’s strutting his stuff or clucking about his day, Lurky reminds us that our barnyard buddies can be both amusing and endearing. If you’re a fan of feathered friends or simply enjoy the quirks of farm life, you’re in for a treat! And speaking of treats, don’t miss our article “Chicken photo dump,” submitted by /u/Small_Ingenuity_8865, for an egg-citing look at our favorite cluckers in action. Join the fun and dive into the world of Lurky and his fabulous feathered pals!
Is this ... A roo?
Is this little chick a roo? Our friend /u/concernedbord is in a bit of a flap—this 4.5-week-old feathered darling has all the signs of a “little dude”! As a first-time chicken keeper, the excitement (and a hint of confusion) is totally understandable. It’s a classic case of “rooster or hen?” that many chicken enthusiasts face. If you’re curious about what to look for, this lively discussion is the perfect spot to share your insights and experiences! And speaking of feathered friends, don’t miss the delightful story of Maeshmallowa, a resilient Ameraucana who’s captured hearts after a tough past. Join the fun and help /u/concernedbord figure out if this chick is just too cute to be a roo!
I’m nervous this is a Roo
Are you feeling a bit cluck-tastic and nervous about your new feathered friends? You're not alone! First-time chicken owners often wonder if they’ve got a potential Roo on their hands, especially when one bird stands out from the rest. With five lovely Orpingtons, including a unique lavender one, it’s natural to fret over those subtle differences. At just 12 weeks old, it's a crucial time for identifying gender. If you’re looking for some reassurance or insights, feel free to share more pictures! And if you want to dive deeper into the world of chickens, check out “Update on injured hen: she's gotten a lot better!” for some inspiring tales from fellow chicken enthusiasts. Thank you for sharing your journey with us!
Chicken drawing
Have you ever tried your hand at drawing a chicken? Well, our friend u/Poorlydrawnchooks did just that! They recently sketched a cartoon character chicken for their kids and are pretty cluck-tastic about how it turned out. Now, they’re on the hunt for the perfect name to bring this feathery friend to life! If you’re itching to join the fun, head over to the comments and lend your creative ideas. And speaking of chickens with personality, don’t miss our article, “Will she always have this Mohawk?” featuring Jerry, the Easter Egger chick sporting a fabulous feathered ‘do. Let’s celebrate our whimsical, egg-citing adventures with these feathered friends!
Are chickens always super easy?
Are chickens always super easy? For many new chicken owners, like our friend FrostGiants-NoMore, the initial experience can feel shockingly simple. With their feathered friends tucking themselves in for the night and sticking together while roaming the yard, it seems like a cluck-tastic dream! But just like human children, chickens can surprise you when you least expect it. Will they continue to be this easy, or is there a fowl twist waiting around the corner? With a beginner setup using an Omlet coop door, cameras monitoring their antics, and free-ranging opportunities when home, it’s a delightful start to chicken-keeping. Curious about potential changes? Check out “I’m nervous this is a Roo” for more insights from fellow chicken enthusiasts!
Say it isn’t so.. Roos?
Say it isn’t so… roosters? Meet our feathered friends in question, two adorable bantam/minature roosters at just 8 weeks old! With their charming combs and wattles, they’ve stolen hearts, especially one of the six in the flock. While the other four haven’t quite developed the same flair, these two are already showing off their personalities. If you’re curious about the differences between hens and roosters, check out our article, "Hen or Roo," where we delve into the signs that can help you identify your feathered companions. Join the conversation and share your thoughts—are these little guys the standout stars of your chicken family? Let’s cluck about it!
Chick wound help
Oh no, it sounds like your flock dynamics took an unexpected turn! Integrating new chicks into an established chicken crew can be a feather-ruffling experience, especially when dealing with an aggressive hen. It's great that you've taken action by separating the chicks and the troublemaker, but now you’re probably wondering how to handle the situation moving forward. Cleaning up the wound is essential, and while you’re not keen on a vet visit for this meat bird, there are some at-home care tips that might help. Meanwhile, you might find some camaraderie in our article "Mochi Please," where we tackle the ups and downs of chicken care. Let’s dive into how to help your chick heal and consider the future of your flock!
What’s going on with this egg??
What’s going on with this egg?? 🚨 You’ve stumbled upon a real cluck-tastic mystery! Our friend ArmadilloLumpy1770 has discovered a surprise white egg in the coop—quite the departure from the usual brown, tan, or pinkish hues. With two hens who are about 1.5 years old and free-ranging, it’s not uncommon to find an egg that raises eyebrows (or feathers!). Is this an oddity or a sign that something’s amiss? Fear not! This could just be a quirky egg from a well-loved hen. If you're curious about the identity of your feathered friends, check out our article "Are these girls actually girls?" for more insights into chicken mysteries! Let’s crack this case together! 🐔✨
Identity crisis?
Identity crisis alert! It seems our feathered friends may have a mystery on their wings! Not long ago, our neighbor told us about a surprise chick that popped out of an egg we gifted him—except here’s the twist: we don’t have any roosters! All our hens are diligent egg-layers, and while one of them has some rooster-like traits, we’ve never heard a crowing sound around here. So how did this little chick come to be? With our coop securely locked and no neighboring chickens sneaking in, it’s a puzzling scenario for this chicken mom! If you’re also scratching your head over unexpected eggs, check out our article, "What’s going on with this egg??" for more cluck-tastic insights!
Chicken math
Welcome to the whimsical world of chicken math, where numbers can cluck and multiply faster than you can say "egg-citing"! Last year, we welcomed 12 hens into our backyard flock, followed by a dapper rooster to keep things lively. For Mother’s Day, I surprised my wife with an incubator—because, let’s be real, our hens weren’t exactly egg-cellent at laying. Fast forward three weeks, and we’re now the proud (and slightly overwhelmed) guardians of 36 little fluff balls! If you’re curious about the antics of our feathered family, check out our article “Meet our Rooster, Peep,” for a peek into the delightful chaos of chicken life. Join us as we navigate the delightful madness of poultry parenting together!
Please never trust an experienced chicken owner who refuses to research
Trusting an experienced chicken owner who refuses to do their homework is like feeding your feathered friends nothing but scratch—it's a recipe for disaster! Chickens have specific nutritional needs that must be met, and just because they’re alive doesn’t mean they’re thriving. I recently discovered this the hard way when my dad's hens stopped laying; their feed was nearly empty! After cooking some eggs for mine and tossing in leftover scratch, I realized I needed proper feed ASAP. As a high schooler working hard for pennies, it’s frustrating to watch my earnings go to “chicken emergencies” instead of college savings. If you’re feeling the same, check out our article on "Only one with a comb & waddle so far" for more insights into chicken care!
Rescued highway chicken 1st egg
In a heartwarming twist, a rescued highway chicken has laid her very first egg, and what a cluck-tastic surprise it was! Initially, when I found her, she felt like a feathered skeleton—her chest plate was all that I could feel. Fast forward a month of love, care, and a nutritious diet, and she’s transformed into a noticeably heftier and stronger bird. I honestly didn’t expect her to lay an egg so soon, but here we are! This little miracle reminds us that even the most timid chickens can surprise us with their egg-citing potential. If you're curious about chicken parenting, check out our article "I have 3 pekin bantams arriving on Tuesday" for some inspiration!
Officially 2 weeks old
It's a cluck-tastic milestone—Kernal, Sesame, and Apple are officially two weeks old! These adorable fluff balls are already strutting their stuff, making every day an egg-citing adventure for their proud human, u/madame-cluck. Kernal, the big one, is stealing hearts with his playful antics, while Sesame, the fluffy white one, adds a touch of charm with every peep. And let’s not forget Apple, the brown beauty, who’s quickly becoming a fan favorite! If you're curious about what the future holds for our feathered friends, check out our article, "Say it isn’t so… Roos?" to dive deeper into the delightful chaos of raising chickens. Join the fun and let's celebrate the joy (and occasional fowl play) that comes with chicken parenting!
Drive By Fried Chicken
Get ready to cluck with excitement, because Drive By Fried Chicken is taking the culinary scene by storm! Submitted by the ever-enthusiastic /u/GrapeApe42000, this article dives into a mouthwatering adventure that’s sure to tickle your taste buds. With crispy, golden-brown chicken that practically sings with flavor, it’s the perfect spot for chicken lovers and those looking to conquer their fear of fowl. And if you’re curious about the feathered friends behind the scenes, don’t miss “Just some chicks lol” by /u/Crimson-Boii, where the fun continues with a light-hearted take on our beloved birds. So, buckle up for a delicious ride and let’s explore the egg-citing world of Drive By Fried Chicken!
Only one with a comb & waddle so far.
Curious about your feathered friends and their distinguishing features? If you’ve got a chicken with a comb and waddle but can’t quite figure out if it’s a rooster or a pullet, you’re not alone! This delightful conundrum has puzzled many chicken enthusiasts—whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just dipping your toes into the world of poultry. Understanding the differences can be a cluck-tastic adventure, blending a bit of knowledge with a sprinkle of humor. For more insights into chicken behavior and care, don’t miss our related article, "It's a urban legend," where a fellow chicken lover shares their experiences with wing-checking and more. Join the conversation and let’s unravel the mysteries of our beloved chickens together!
I have 3 pekin bantams arriving on Tuesday
Get ready for some cluck-tastic news! You have three adorable Pekin bantams arriving on Tuesday, and the excitement is palpable! With your cozy Omlet coop and run set up in the UK, your feathered friends are in for a delightful adventure. Letting them free range sounds egg-citing, and we can’t wait to see how your plans for a larger run unfold. As you prepare for their arrival, you might be wondering about wing clipping, the best time to start interacting with them, and tips for that tricky auto door installation. Plus, is worming a must right away? Don’t forget to check out “Hey Hey” for some fun insights from fellow chicken enthusiasts! Happy chickening out—oops, we mean, happy chicken adventures!
Meet our Rooster, Peep.
Meet our charming rooster, Peep! At just four months old, he’s already strutting his stuff alongside his feathery sisters, bringing a delightful mix of mischief and personality to our little flock. Peep may be young, but he’s got the heart of a seasoned showman, ready to take on the world one cluck at a time. If you’re curious about the nuances of chicken gender, don’t miss our article "Hen or Roo," where we dive into the sassy antics of Linda, who’s still holding out on laying eggs. Join us as we celebrate Peep and his spirited siblings—because who doesn't love a good story about our feathered friends? Get ready for some cluck-tastic adventures ahead!
Hundreds of $$ Later - I got an egg!!!
After hundreds of dollars and countless adventures, I finally did it—I got my first egg! The excitement was so overwhelming that I screamed, causing my husband to think a snake had slithered into the coop! 😂 My family has been wonderfully supportive, but they just don’t grasp the sheer joy this tiny little blob of happiness has brought me. And let me tell you about my Roo, Marco—he’s truly a gem! He patiently coached his lady, Vanillopé, to the nesting box, standing guard while she paced nervously. He even laid in the box with her to calm her down. Talk about a devoted feathered friend! For more on quirky chicken antics, check out “Will she always have this Mohawk?
Racoon proof?
Are you ready to transform an old mastiff dog crate into a cozy chicken run for your feathered friends? It sounds like a cluck-tastic DIY project! But wait—before you dive in, let’s chat about keeping those mischievous raccoons at bay. Wrapping the crate in hardware cloth is a smart move, but the big question remains: should you cover just the sides or the top as well? While three feet high might deter some curious critters, raccoons are known for their sneaky antics. To get the best advice and ensure your little ones are safe, check out our article on a first-time broody hen hatching ten eggs, where you’ll find plenty of insights and community support. Let’s keep those chickens happy and secure!
"It's a urban legend"
Urban legends in the chicken world can be both amusing and perplexing! I recently chatted with a lady at Wilco about checking the wings of chicks before buying, hoping to ensure I was getting hens instead of roosters. To my surprise, she dismissed the idea as an “urban legend” that supposedly doesn’t work. But here’s the thing—I’ve had great success using this method over the years! 🤣 I’m curious, though; does anyone else out there use this quirky technique? If you’re looking for more chicken wisdom, don’t forget to check out our article on "Separating Rooster from Hens to Heal Feathers." Let’s cluck about our chicken adventures together!
This "hardware cloth"!
Thank you all for the cluck-tastic recommendation of hardware cloth to safeguard my feathered friends from raccoons! But can we take a moment to appreciate the hilarity of calling this stuff "cloth"? 😂 I was expecting a malleable mesh, but what I got was heavy-duty industrial-grade chicken wire! Picture me wrestling with rolls that come in 10-foot lengths, all while trying not to get sprung like a chicken on a trampoline. Let’s just say my colorful language rivals my auto-repair days! If you want to hear more about the antics of my feathered crew, check out “My easter eggers are insane.” Trust me, it’s a wild ride! So, ready to tackle this hardware adventure together? Let's get clucking!