chickens
chickens on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 3142 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.
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!
My chicken friends had a funeral for one of the hens.
Today, I found myself saying goodbye to one of my beloved hens, Monica. Living among a flock of feral chickens, I've developed a special bond with each feathered friend, knowing them all by name. This morning, I noticed Monica waddling up to me, clearly in distress. I snuggled her close, whispering how much she meant to me. As rain began to fall, I tucked her beside my door for shelter and dashed inside for a shower. When I returned, she had passed, and her flock gathered around her. I moved her to the grass, where they all clucked softly, mourning their friend. Even Monica's daughter, Solo, sat by her side, and my heart shattered a little more.
First pasty butt victim
Welcome to the cluck-tastic tale of our first pasty butt victim, Onyx! This feathered friend is in for a spa day that promises to be both hilarious and heartwarming. Pasty butt can strike fear into the hearts of chicken keepers, but fear not! We're here to navigate this messy moment with humor and care. Whether you're a seasoned chicken enthusiast or just here for the laughs, you'll find something to relate to in this quirky adventure. And if you’re curious about more chicken antics, don’t miss our article, "Rooster has bars": Henry the singing roosty, where you can enjoy the musical talents of another charming feathered friend. Join us as we dive into Onyx's spa day escapades!
Strange Looking Chicken
Prepare to meet one of the quirkiest members of the poultry family! Submitted by u/mac28091, this strange-looking chicken is sure to tickle your fancy and maybe even ruffle a few feathers. Chickens come in all shapes and sizes, and this one is no exception. With its unique appearance, it’s a testament to the wonderfully weird world of our feathered friends. If you’re curious about the amusing antics of chickens, don’t forget to check out “Anyone buy this for their chickens? (Funny story in description)” for a laugh and a peek into the delightful unpredictability of chicken ownership. Dive into the cluck-tastic world of chickens and join the fun—who knows what silly surprises await you!
Looking for Creative Ways to Keep Chickens Cool
With the sweltering heat and humidity settling in, keeping our feathered friends cool becomes a top priority! After relocating from a cooler climate, I’ve been experimenting with some cluck-tastic methods to beat the heat. Ice water, frozen fruit blocks, and juicy watermelon have become fan favorites for my chickens. Plus, I’ve set up a big fan outside to create a refreshing breeze during mealtime. But I’m on the hunt for even more creative ideas! If you're in the same boat, let's brainstorm together! And while you're at it, check out our article "Hen or roo: silkie edition" for insights on identifying your birds—because nothing says summer like knowing exactly who’s who in the coop!
Rooster has bars
Get ready to tap your toes and cluck along because Henry the singing rooster is stealing the spotlight! With his feathered flair and a voice that could charm the socks off any chicken lover, Henry proves that roosters can do more than just crow at dawn—they can drop some serious bars, too! This delightful article, submitted by /u/alphaky1e, takes us on a melodious journey through Henry’s impressive vocal talents and his cheeky antics that leave us all in stitches. If you’re curious about the shenanigans of our feathered friends, check out "🚨 GARBAGE DISPOSAL TEST! Will My Chickens Devour These Leftovers? 🐔🥗" for more egg-citing chicken adventures. Dive in and join the fun!
Ginger on my head
Oh, the bittersweet joy of watching our feathered friends grow up! It feels like just yesterday that Ginger was a tiny fluffball, and now she’s strutting her stuff like a true diva—complete with her own crown of feathers! 😭 As we celebrate this milestone, we're reminded of the ups and downs of chicken parenting, from adorable antics to the occasional head-scratching behavior. If you've ever wondered about the dynamics of flock life, check out our article, "This one has been bullying another girl and plucking and eating her feathers. Roo or mean girl?" to dive deeper into the quirks of chicken hierarchy. Join us in sharing the love, laughter, and the occasional ruffled feather as we cherish every moment with our beloved girls!
Show me your Angry Birds.
Get ready to meet Agnes, the feathered sweetheart who’s not as fierce as her name suggests! While she might have a reputation for striking out like an Angry Bird, this timid gal is all about charm and cuddles. Join us as we dive into the delightful world of Agnes and her not-so-scary antics that will make you chuckle and maybe even swoon. And if you’re curious about the feathered family dynamics, don’t miss our article “Maybe roo?”—it’s a cluck-tastic exploration of gender surprises in the coop! Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or just a casual observer, Agnes’s story is bound to resonate and bring a smile to your face. Let’s cluck it up!
I love Esmé’s hops
Get ready to cluck with excitement because “I love Esmé’s hops” is here to bring a smile to your face! Submitted by the fabulous /u/HTD_Bros, this delightful piece showcases the whimsical charm of Esmé and her playful antics. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or just dipping your toes into the world of feathered friends, this post is sure to resonate with your love for the quirky side of chicken life. Plus, if you’re curious about the flock dynamics, don’t miss the related article “This one has been bullying another girl and plucking and eating her feathers. Roo or mean girl?” for some feathered drama that will keep you entertained. Dive in and enjoy the fun!
Cockerel or Pullet? Thoughts?
Are you scratching your head over whether your chick is a cockerel or a pullet? Join the club! At around 9 weeks old, deciphering the gender of your feathered friend can feel like a high-stakes game of chicken. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or a newbie just starting this egg-citing journey, the clues can be as perplexing as a chicken in a corn maze. In this thread, submitted by u/JamesAustin23, fellow chicken enthusiasts are diving into the telltale signs that differentiate roosters from hens. And if you're curious about the signs of a healthy chick, check out "Just sleepy or something wrong?" for a deeper exploration of early chick care. Let’s cluck our way through this together!