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.
First time raising chickens
Are you scratching your head over whether your 8-week-old Delaware chicken is a rooster or a hen? You’re not alone! The mysterious crowing right before bedtime—while snoozing through the morning—can leave any first-time chicken keeper puzzled. These feathered friends can be a handful, especially if they’re the biggest and boldest in the flock. If your little one is displaying some feisty behavior, it might just be their way of asserting dominance. For more insights on identifying your birds, check out our article, "I need to be reminded that it's too early to tell," where we dive into the challenges of sexing chicks. Remember, you’re not just raising chickens; you’re embarking on a cluck-tastic adventure!
Help me identify
Are you scratching your head over a little chicken with a darker red comb and a slightly larger stature than its hatchling pals? You're not alone! This is a common conundrum among chicken enthusiasts, especially when those fluffy bundles of joy are just 6-8 weeks old. Patience is key, but who can wait when you’re navigating the delightful chaos of chick development? While you're on this feathered journey, be sure to check out our article, "Ok, I hate to be this guy, but what do I have here?" for more insights on identifying your adorable flock members. Dive in and let’s unravel the mysteries of your feathered friends together!
Need help figuring out whats going on here
Hey there, fellow chicken lovers! 🐔 If you’re scratching your head over a quirky chicken conundrum, you’re not alone! User Tiger248 is seeking some cluck-tastic insights into a puzzling situation with their feathered friend. This girl walks with her back end low, but otherwise, she’s strutting around just fine. It sounds like a mystery worthy of a chicken detective! While it’s good news that the rest of the flock is healthy, the cause of her behavior remains elusive. Have you experienced something similar or have any advice to share? Let’s chicken out together and offer some support! And if you’re looking for more fun and engaging chicken content, check out “Help name the flock - unhinged names welcome 🤗” for some light-hearted inspiration!
Hen or roo
Wondering whether your feathered friend is a hen or a roo at around four weeks old? You’re not alone! This crucial stage can leave even the most seasoned chicken enthusiasts scratching their heads. While it might feel a bit early to tell, there are some telltale signs to look for, such as feather growth patterns and behavior. Join the conversation and share your best guess as we all navigate the delightful—and sometimes bewildering—world of chicken gender identification. If you're curious about other age-related queries, check out "Is this a male or a female, about ~4 months old I think?" for more insights. Let’s unravel the mystery together, one cluck at a time!
Ok, I hate to be this guy, but what do I have here?
Alright, fellow chicken enthusiasts! Let’s dive into the delightful mystery of a little chick that caught the eye of our friend, u/KillerD_1988, during a recent feed run at Rural King. Rescuing this feathered friend from the “mismatched” leftovers bin, our hero has already identified a lavender Orpington, a cream legbar, and a Jersey giant among the bunch. However, the identity of this chocolate fuzzball with golden-tipped feathers and feathery feet remains a puzzling clucker! If you’ve got any insights or guesses about her breed, we’d love to hear them! And if you’re curious about the ups and downs of chicken care, check out our article “Cute chickens” for some adorable inspiration. Let’s unravel this chicken conundrum together!
My chicken layer is now One Year Old and hasn’t layed eggs.
Hello, fellow chicken enthusiasts! It's been a year since I welcomed three lovely pullets into my flock—a Hy Line Brown, a Black Australorp, and a “Blue Sex Link.” While my other girls started laying eggs at just four months old, my Blue Sex Link has yet to join the egg-laying club, leaving me a bit puzzled. She’s active and healthy, with no signs of worms or parasites, and enjoys her days roaming green pastures. Her combs are a bit of a mystery, showing both black and red hues. I’m curious about her health and whether anyone else has experienced similar situations with their feathered friends. If you want to delve deeper into chicken behavior, check out our article on "rooster behavior?" for some fun insights!
am i just maternal, or do i have the most beautiful chick i’ve ever seen?? (help with breed identification?)
Are you feeling that maternal instinct or just utterly captivated by the photogenic charm of your feathered friend? If you’re wondering about the breed of your stunning chick, you’re in the right place! Chickens can be surprisingly diverse in appearance, with some breeds flaunting looks that make them Instagram stars—seriously, why are they so unbelievably photogenic? Join the fun and let’s crack the mystery together! Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or just dipping your toes into the world of poultry, we’re here to help you identify your beautiful chick. Plus, you might want to check out “I just want everyone to see Cptn. Gary Cheeseman.” for more delightful chicken content. Let’s get cluckin’!
Broody hen
Got a broody hen who's taken her job a bit too seriously? It sounds like she’s turned her nest into the hottest egg-laying spot in the coop! While it’s adorable to see her committed, those extra eggs from her feathered friends can lead to some sticky situations—literally! If you find a cracked egg under her, you may be wondering how to salvage the rest. The good news is you can gently clean the affected eggs with plain, unchlorinated water. However, once cleaned, you’ll need to refrigerate them to ensure they stay safe for eating. For more tips on hen behavior, be sure to check out our article, "Hen or Roo," to enhance your chicken-keeping journey!
Runaround Sue tucks the chicks in for bed, one peeks out from under a wing and another jumps on her back.
As the sun sets and the temperature dips to a cozy 49 degrees F, Runaround Sue is busy tucking her eight feathered friends in for the night. With a playful peep, one little chick sneaks a peek out from under a wing, while another decides to take a leap onto Sue's back—clearly not ready to settle down just yet! To keep the chilly winds at bay, Sue has thoughtfully added a carpet strip as a windbreak, ensuring her fluffy companions stay snug and warm through the night. For more adorable chicken antics, check out “Cute chickens” by /u/melik2dignocraft, where you’ll find even more heartwarming stories from the world of poultry. Happy clucking!
Help name the flock - unhinged names welcome 🤗
Are you ready to unleash your creativity and help name our feathered friends? 🐔🤗 Join us in a whimsical quest for the most unhinged and hilarious chicken names imaginable! Whether you’re a seasoned chicken whisperer or someone who just admires their quirky antics from afar, we want your input. Let’s celebrate the delightful chaos of chicken life together! And while you’re here, don’t miss out on our article “Album cover. What's the band name?” for some more fun and inspiration. So, dust off your imagination and let’s get cluck-tastic with those names! Check out the comments for some egg-citing suggestions, and let’s see whose creativity takes flight!
Did you know? I'm new and had no idea, but she decimated this Lil guy.
Did you know that chickens can be surprisingly feisty? Our friend /u/WesternNo3250 recently caught her hen in the act of a rather dramatic showdown, mistaking a small creature for a quirky stick at first! It turns out that her feathered friend was just being a chicken, engaging in some classic fowl play. It’s moments like these that highlight the quirky antics of our beloved birds and remind us that they have a personality all their own. If you’re curious about more chicken shenanigans, check out the article on “Hens Not Using Nesting Boxes” for insights into the sometimes baffling behavior of these delightful creatures. Chickens sure know how to keep us on our toes!
Our bully chicken died & the rest of the flock has been so chill since
Last week, our beloved bully chicken, Big Phat Baby, passed away, and the dynamics of our flock have shifted dramatically. She was a hefty gal who reveled in her role as the treat-stealer, throwing her weight around like a true diva. Her sudden departure left our remaining five girls a bit shaken at first, but it’s been a week, and they’ve settled into an unexpectedly calm routine. It seems our feathered friends are enjoying a more peaceful pecking order—no more drama, just a bit of bedtime pecking when the little Easter Eggers try to snuggle under the Barred Rocks. Have you ever experienced a similar mood shift in your flock after a bully chicken made an exit?
Coop Upgrade for Hot Summer Days!! 🥵
As the sun blazes down and summer heat sets in, our feathered friends need a comfy coop upgrade to beat the heat! 🥵 Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or just starting your flock journey, ensuring your coop is a cool oasis is key to keeping your chickens happy and healthy. In this article, submitted by the ever-creative /u/Beautiful-Project-30, we’ll explore fun and practical ways to enhance your coop for those sizzling summer days. From ventilation tips to shade solutions, we’ve got you covered! Plus, if you’re in the mood for some light-hearted chicken fun, check out “Help name the flock - unhinged names welcome 🤗” for some quirky inspiration. Let’s dive into the cluck-tastic world of summer coop upgrades!
New Roo, needs a name
Meet New Roo, the striking new addition to the flock! After the unfortunate departure of my previous rooster to a coyote encounter (cue the tears), this handsome man has swooped in to fill the void. I’ve been told he’s half Silkie, but what do you think? His unique look has me both intrigued and a tad puzzled. Plus, naming him feels like a cluck-tastic opportunity! I’m sure our community has some egg-citing ideas up their sleeves. Speaking of feathered friends, if you’re interested in more about the care and quirks of our beloved birds, check out “Any ideas what could be going on with her?” for some insights on chick stability. Join the conversation and let’s find the perfect name for our new pal!
Bruno
Meet Bruno, our feathered friend who was once in rough shape but is now clucking his way to recovery! Every day, he’s becoming friendlier and more sociable, proving that a little love and care can go a long way. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the world of poultry, Bruno’s journey is a heartwarming reminder of resilience. Speaking of charming chickens, don’t miss out on the delightful tale of Cptn. Gary Cheeseman, aka Handsome B. Devil, who’s turning heads with his good looks! Join us in celebrating these quirky characters and their adventures. Your feathered friends might just surprise you!
Any ideas what could be going on with her?
Has your feathered friend been a bit wobbly on her feet? At 45 days old, it’s concerning when a chick shows instability, especially when she’s eating, drinking, and maintaining her weight just fine. Quarantining her was a smart move, as it allows you to monitor her closely without risking the health of your other birds. While there could be a variety of reasons for her unsteady gait—from nutritional deficiencies to developmental issues—it's crucial to observe her closely. If you’re looking for some heartwarming stories of recovery, check out "Bruno," who is steadily improving. Remember, keeping an eye on her behavior and environment can provide valuable clues as you seek to understand what might be going on.
Is this a male or a female, about ~4 months old I think?
Curious about the gender of your feathered friend? You’re not alone! Understanding whether your chicken is a male or female can be a bit of a cluck-tastic mystery, especially when they’re around four months old. At this age, some physical traits can help you determine their gender, like comb size and feather patterns, but it’s not always straightforward. If you’re feeling a bit lost, you’re in great company! Join fellow chicken enthusiasts in unraveling these mysteries together. Plus, check out our article "Help me identify" for tips on recognizing subtle differences among your flock. Let’s dive into the delightful world of chickens and get to the bottom of your chicken conundrum!
Best broody breakers?
Are your feathered friends turning into broody monsters? You're not alone! Broodiness can be a real challenge, especially when a hen refuses to leave her nest despite a little time in chicken jail. As one of our fellow chicken enthusiasts shared, a few days in a cozy dog kennel usually does the trick—unless you're dealing with a particularly stubborn hen, like her new girl who's been broody for almost a week! If you’re in the same clucking boat, we’d love to hear your go-to broody breakers. Meanwhile, check out our article, "Help! My poor chicken has a piece of beak missing," for more tips on caring for your flock. Let's brainstorm some egg-citing solutions together!
Tiny egg
Meet our feathered friend, Tiny Egg, who just surprised us with the tiniest egg we've ever seen—measuring a mere 10 grams! For scale, we used a garlic clove, because why not add a little culinary flair to this egg-citing discovery? After boiling and peeling, we found a curious little blood clot instead of the expected yolk. Sometimes, our chickens keep us on our toes, and this unexpected surprise is a perfect reminder of the quirky, whimsical nature of chicken-keeping. If you're wondering about some common chicken behaviors, check out our article, "Is there a 'normal' amount of fighting?" to dive deeper into the delightful chaos of chicken life. Who knew keeping chickens could be so full of surprises?
Album cover. What's the band name?
Get ready to cluck along to the whimsical tunes of *The Feathered Friends*! This eclectic band effortlessly blends quirky melodies with playful lyrics, creating a sound that's both egg-citing and relatable. Their latest album cover features a charming illustration of chickens jamming out, capturing the essence of their light-hearted approach to music. Whether you're a seasoned chicken keeper or just someone who enjoys a good laugh, *The Feathered Friends* invite you to join their quirky world. Dive into their delightful discography and don’t miss the chance to explore related topics like "My chicken layer is now One Year Old and hasn’t laid eggs." It's a cluck-tastic journey you won't want to miss!
rooster behavior?
Is your rooster pulling off some quirky antics? One of our roosters, not the head honcho, seems to have a flair for the dramatic. He squeezes himself into a tiny space between a table and a crate, making some truly ungodly noises until his hens come to check on him! Sometimes he scratches and pecks at the crate, and other times he just lounges there like a fluffy loaf. What’s the deal? Is he just being a goofball to grab the hens’ attention? 🤣 If you've ever witnessed this kind of fowl play, we’d love to hear your thoughts! For more insights into rooster behavior, check out our article “Rooster Legs and Feet Getting Puffier Over Time.” Let's crack this chicken conundrum together!
Throwback to Chicken Coop Build.
Throwback to Chicken Coop Build: It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since my family dove headfirst into the delightful chaos of chicken ownership! With 12 adorable hens and no clue what we were getting into, we quickly learned that garage life wasn’t suited for our feathered friends. Armed with a YouTube tutorial and a sprinkle of enthusiasm, we crafted our very own coop, and now we’re reaping the rewards with 8 cartons of eggs! Watching my kids bond with our chickens has been priceless, turning our homeschooling sessions into egg-citing lessons about where food comes from. Plus, we recently welcomed 6 baby chicks and have plans for meat rabbits soon!
Meet Dorli, the chicken who takes sand baths on stone slabs.
Meet Dorli, the chicken who’s taken the art of relaxation to a whole new level—sand bathing on stone slabs! You might think she’s just being quirky, but really, she’s the ringleader of this feathery escapade, with Fini following her lead like a devoted sidekick. It’s a sight to behold! While they do have perfectly good sand baths scattered around the garden, there’s something about those stone slabs that keeps Dorli coming back for more. And let’s not forget her penchant for scratching those plates, always on the lookout for a tasty snack! With four rescue chickens, it’s fascinating to see how their personalities shine—especially when one of them is, shall we say, not exactly top of the class.
Daytime predators
Summer can be a cluck-tastrophe for chicken keepers, especially when predators start making off with our beloved feathered friends. Recent losses of three guinea hens and four chickens have left many of us scratching our heads—and perhaps a bit feathers ruffled! With birds free-ranging all day and tucked away safely at night, it’s perplexing when we find only a trail of feathers and no signs of our missing flock. The mystery deepens when we consider the timing: something snatched a massive Brahma, an Americana, a black Australorp, and a guinea during the evening hours. If you're in Southern Minnesota and have experienced similar feathered disappearances, let's unravel this mystery together.