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.
Had to say goodbye to Potato this morning. I wish she could’ve told me what was wrong so that I could’ve helped. She was a good chicken.
This morning, we had to say a heartfelt goodbye to Potato, and it’s never easy losing one of our feathered friends. The bond we share with our chickens runs deep, and when they can’t communicate their troubles, it leaves us feeling helpless. Potato was a good chicken, full of quirks and personality that made her truly special. If only she could have told us what was wrong, maybe we could have helped her. Losing a chicken reminds us of the unique challenges and joys of chicken-keeping. For those navigating similar experiences, check out our article "Anyone know what’s wrong with my chicken?" for insights and support from the community. Remember, you’re not alone in this chicken journey.
8 Week Ameraucana
Are you peering into the world of Ameraucana chicks and wondering if you've got yourself a couple of roosters on your hands? You're not alone! With their combs looking a tad darker in photos, it’s easy to get second thoughts about those feathered friends. Fear not—at 8 weeks old, many clues can help you determine their gender. While crowing and saddle feathers are classic indicators, you might just be in the clear for now. If you're curious about how to spot a rooster versus a hen, check out our article, "Roo or hen?" for more insights. Join the cluck-tastic conversation and let’s unravel the mystery of your Ameraucana duo together!
Roo or hen?
Are you scratching your head over whether your chicks are actually hens or roosters? You're not alone! Many chicken enthusiasts, like our friend /u/purpleflowerfrankie, find themselves in this clucky conundrum. When you purchase chicks, there's always a chance the sexing could be a little off, leading to questions and uncertainty. If you’re new to the world of poultry, understanding the difference can feel like a feathered mystery. But fear not! We’re here to help unravel that riddle. For a delightful peek into the world of baby chicks, check out our article "Look at my baby chick" to see just how adorable these little ones can be! Let’s dive into the quirky world of chicken gender identification together!
Meet Buttercup, Baby Lumi & Baby Luna
Meet Buttercup, the adventurous hen who recently welcomed her adorable chicks, Lumi and Luna! Just two weeks old, these little fluffballs discovered their flying skills at a mere 8 or 9 days old and have already taken their first leap into the world—literally! Tonight, Buttercup decided it was time for her babies to move up from their cozy ground nest to a roosting spot about 9 feet high. Unfortunately, her chosen roost is my garage storage shelves, and while I’m not thrilled about it, I can’t resist Buttercup’s charm. She makes motherhood look so cute! It might be time to invest in a proper chicken coop, but for now, I’m enjoying this cluck-tastic family moment. Check out “Battle of the Hens. Choose your fighter.
Baby Meatball
Meet Meatball, our adorable three-week-old runt who’s stealing hearts despite being less than half the size of her feathered friends! This little lady isn’t getting bullied—she’s out and about, but her nerves kick in when the bigger chicks start their rambunctious antics, often leaving her feeling a bit overwhelmed. To give her a boost, we’ve been mixing vitamins with water and egg yolk, hoping to help her thrive. As the others grow bigger and prepare to venture outside, we're pondering whether to add a new baby chick for company or keep them all indoors for Meatball’s sake. No matter the outcome, I’m committed to ensuring she stays healthy and happy. It’s been a chaotic but delightful journey as a first-time chick parent!
Coop Floor/Bedding
Welcome to the cluck-tastic world of chicken keeping! It sounds like you’re off to a great start with your six feathered ladies, but let’s address your coop concerns. While dirt flooring is common, it's important to ensure proper bedding. Straw can retain moisture and harbor pests, so switching to pine shavings is a wise move. Pine shavings are absorbent and less likely to attract mites or lice, which is understandably a big worry for you, especially with little ones and a dog around. If you're curious about whether your hens are showing signs of pests, you might find our article, "Sanity check," helpful as it dives into common issues with chicken legs. Let’s keep those ladies happy and healthy!
Will Yews Kill my Chickens?
Are you worried that your yard's Japanese Yew trees might pose a danger to your newly adopted feathered friends? You're not alone! While it's true that Yews are known for being toxic to both humans and chickens, the actual risk to your chickens may not be as dire as it seems. Many chicken keepers haven't reported poisoning issues, despite the alarming warnings. However, it's essential to stay informed and vigilant. If you’re facing a yard fully surrounded by these plants, you might be wondering if keeping chickens is a bad idea. Before making any drastic decisions, check out our article, "Does Rosi need a saddle?" for tips on keeping your chickens safe and happy in challenging environments. Let's dive into this cluck-tastic conundrum together!
STOP Letting Your Chicken Run Turn Into a Mud Pit 🐔🌧️Description:
Is your chicken run turning into a mud pit? 🐔🌧️ It’s time to tackle that soggy situation before your feathered friends become reluctant swimmers! A muddy run not only makes your chickens less than clucky, but it can also lead to health issues and unhappy hens. In this article, we’ll explore delightful solutions to keep your chicken run dry and functional, ensuring your flock stays happy and healthy. Plus, we’ll share tips that even the most novice chicken keepers can handle. If you’re also puzzled about your chickens’ gender, don’t miss our article "First time raising chickens," where we help you decode those crowing mysteries! Let’s dive into the world of happy, dry chickens!
Filming my rooster. Hen wanted to say hi
Get ready for a cluck-tastic adventure with our favorite feathered friends! In this delightful submission from u/AustinRatBuster, we dive into the whimsical world of roosters and hens. Picture this: a charming rooster strutting his stuff while a curious hen pops in to say hi. It's a heartwarming glimpse into the quirky dynamics of chicken life that will surely bring a smile to your face. If you’re a fan of chicken antics, don’t miss our related article, "Broody hen gets a cold bath: story at 11," where you can discover more about the hilariously unpredictable lives of these lovable birds. So, grab your popcorn and prepare for some poultry fun!
look at my baby chick
Have you ever laid eyes on a baby chick and thought, “Wow, that’s cuteness overload?” Well, prepare for an adorable experience as we dive into the world of fluffy little peeps! Submitted by u/Which-Appearance-220, this post showcases a charming baby chick that’s sure to steal your heart. With their tiny feathers and goofy antics, baby chicks bring a special kind of joy that can brighten any day. If you’re curious about other delightful chick experiences, check out the article "My favorite part of the morning," where morning chick adventures unfold in a backyard paradise. So, let’s cluck our way into the cuteness and celebrate our feathered friends together!
A late night visitor
In a delightful turn of events, a late-night visitor dropped by, and instead of causing chaos, it left with nothing but a tasty egg! Fear not, fellow chicken lovers—no feathered friends were harmed in the making of this whimsical encounter. Imagine the scene: a curious creature sneaking around the coop, and what better way to win its favor than with a delicious egg? This charming tale reminds us that even unexpected visitors can lead to lighthearted moments in our chicken-keeping adventures. If you’re intrigued by the quirks of chicken life, check out “Last year our pullets were all pullets… this year could we be so lucky?” for more egg-citing stories from our community!
Mosquito help
Hi everyone! It sounds like you're dealing with quite the mosquito mayhem in your yard—especially with those lovely young chickens pecking around! Living next to conservation land can bring its own set of challenges, especially when it gets a bit swampy and attracts those pesky buzzers. But don’t worry; there are plenty of chicken-friendly ways to keep those mosquitoes at bay! From introducing certain plants to natural repellents, we’ve got some egg-citing ideas for you. And while you're here, you might want to check out our article, "Hen or rooster? Its breed?" for some fun insights into your feathered friends. Let’s tackle this mosquito situation together and make your yard a cluck-tastic haven!
My favorite part of the morning
Every morning, a delightful ritual unfolds as we let our chicks out of the garage into their little backyard paradise. It’s a scene filled with joyful clucking and flapping wings, and I can’t help but think it’s their favorite moment of the day too—who wouldn’t love a taste of freedom and sunshine? Watching them explore their tiny kingdom is pure joy, and the energy is contagious. It’s the simple pleasures like these that remind us why we adore our feathered friends. If you’re new to the world of chickens, check out our article, “Is Blanche a cockerel?” for some helpful insights as you embark on your chicken-keeping journey. Join us in celebrating these quirky companions!
Are these hens or Roos?
Are you scratching your head over whether your 6-7 week old chickens are hens or roosters? You’re not alone! Many chicken enthusiasts, including our friend /u/shbeesh, are in the same boat with their Speckled Sussex and California Grey. While they were told these feathered friends had a “90% chance” of being females, early signs can be a bit tricky to read. Plus, with a class-raised chick named Delaney—who might just be a Dylan—things get even more perplexing! If you’re eager for some extra insights, check out our article, "8 week old Salmon Faverolle": Is this a hen or a rooster? It’s packed with helpful tips to help you confidently identify your clucking companions!
How much should a custom coop for 15 chickens cost?
Wondering how much it should cost to build a custom coop for your flock of 15 chickens? If you’ve received an estimate of around $7,000 for an 8x7 coop and an 8x18 run, you might be scratching your head—does that sound about right? The price can vary widely based on materials, design, and local labor costs, but it’s essential to ensure your feathered friends have a cozy and secure home. For those curious about the specifics, check out our article, "Hen or rooster? Its breed?" where we dive into the nuances of chicken care. Join the conversation and see what others have experienced in their chicken-keeping journeys! Your coop might be the envy of all the neighborhood cluckers.
Blood ring/ring of death?
Is that a blood ring, or is your egg just having a dramatic moment? Taking candling photos solo can be a real cluck-tastrophe, but we’re here to help decode the mystery! The so-called "ring of death" can appear when an embryo has stopped developing, leaving you with a concerning sight. If you notice movement while rotating the egg, it could be a sign of life—or just your imagination playing tricks in the dim light! For more insights on chicken care, check out our article, "Will Yews Kill My Chickens?" to ensure your feathered friends stay healthy and happy. Join the conversation, share your thoughts, and let's navigate the wild world of chicken parenting together!
weird white spots on comb
Uh-oh, it sounds like your feathered friend is having a bit of a fashion crisis! Weird white spots on a hen's comb can be concerning, especially when paired with unusual ear appearances. These quirky changes might be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from harmless conditions to something that needs a closer look. Fear not! We’re here to help you decode the mystery of your hen’s comb and ears. While you’re on this chicken health journey, why not check out our article “Battle of the Hens. Choose your fighter.” for some fun insights into the personalities of your feathered friends? Let’s get to the bottom of this together and ensure your hens are cluck-tastic!
Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam
Welcome to the Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream, where the cluck-tastic antics of our feathered friends unfold 24/7! Join a community of fellow chicken enthusiasts as you peek into the delightful chaos of chicken life. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just a curious soul with a hint of apprehension about our fowl friends, there’s something here for everyone. Experience the joy and hilarity of chickens strutting their stuff, all from the comfort of your home. Plus, if you're wondering about your own flock, be sure to check out our article, "Help! My poor chicken has a piece of beak missing," for some egg-citing tips on caring for your feathered companions. Tune in and enjoy the feathery fun!
Anyone know what’s wrong with my chicken?
Is your chicken acting a bit quirky during mealtime? You’re not alone! Many chicken owners notice odd behaviors, especially when their feathered friends are munching away. It’s not uncommon for chickens to exhibit unique habits, and while it might seem puzzling, there’s often a humorous story behind it. If you’re curious about whether her behavior is a sign of something more serious or just a quirky chicken quirk, you’ve come to the right place. For a deeper dive into common chicken concerns, check out our article, “Sanity check: Are these normal looking legs or do I have a mite infestation?” Let’s unravel the cluck-tastic mysteries of our beloved poultry pals together!
I gave up and put her to work
I gave up and put her to work! After three days of moving crates and keeping her locked out, my broody Cochin just wouldn’t quit. These feathered friends are notorious for their stubbornness, and she’s proving to be no exception—especially with no eggs to sit on! So, I decided to give her some turkey eggs, though they might be duds. In three weeks, if I don’t see any signs of fertility, I’ll pull them. But if they’re fertile, she might just be committed to her new job! If you're curious about other broody tales, check out "Does Rosi need a saddle?" to see how my Brahma girl handles her own feathery drama!
Almost a month later and still not crowing, is it still too early to buy tiny pearl earrings and decorative egg baskets?
Almost a month in, and our feathered friend is still silent—no crowing yet! I know it might sound a bit delusional, but I’m starting to wonder if this little one might actually be a lady in disguise. Unlike my other roosters, this one lacks that menacing glare and hasn’t joined the crowing club. I even caught one of my roos trying to mount them—could we be dealing with a bisexual rooster, or is he just a little too friendly? With waddles and combs developing at different rates, I’m left in suspense—will I know the truth when an egg appears or a crow finally breaks the silence? Share your chicken wisdom and help me navigate this cluck-tastic mystery!
gross rear feathers
Are your hens sporting some rather gross rear feathers? You’re not alone! Our two feathered friends are currently enjoying a cluck-tastic diet of grain, dried worms, and fresh produce, with a sprinkle of Peck Purity and Flock Armour. We even set up a little “spa” for their daily dirt baths—though they only indulge a couple of times a week! Lately, we’ve added diatomaceous earth to their spa mix, hoping it helps with that pesky poop stuck to their feathers. While we’re bathing them on sunny days, we’re curious if there’s a better solution. If you’re facing similar feathered dilemmas, check out our article, "New Roo, needs a name," for a community that understands the quirky challenges of chicken care!
I just want everyone to see Cptn. Gary Cheeseman.
Meet Cptn. Gary Cheeseman, affectionately known as Handsome B. Devil! This charming feathered friend is ready to steal your heart—and maybe a few snacks from your backyard. Submitted by the delightful /u/beepbopbippitybop2, this post invites you to bask in the glory of Gary’s unique personality and undeniable charisma. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken enthusiast or just here for the clucking cuteness, Gary’s antics are sure to entertain. If you’re curious about other chicken tales, don’t miss our article on coop upgrades for hot summer days—it’s perfect for keeping your flock cool and comfortable! Join the fun, share your thoughts, and let’s celebrate the quirks of our beloved chickens together!
Help! My poor chicken has a piece of beak missing
Oh no! A missing piece of your chicken's beak can be a cluck-tastrophe, but don’t worry—we’ve got your back! Chickens can adapt surprisingly well, even with minor beak injuries. While her beak grows back—typically taking a few weeks—focus on providing soft, easy-to-eat food like mashed fruits or wet feed to help her munch without too much effort. Keep her environment stress-free, and monitor her closely for any signs of distress or infection. If she seems to struggle or if the injury looks severe, it’s wise to consult a vet for further guidance. For more insights on chicken health, check out our article on "Weak Wheezing Hen" to ensure your feathered friend stays happy and healthy!