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.
A week difference! They grow so fast :))
In the whimsical world of chickens, it’s amazing how quickly our feathered friends grow! Just a week can make a cluck-tastic difference—those little fluff balls transform into vibrant, curious chicks, ready to take on the world (and maybe even the garden). If you’ve ever watched this rapid growth, you know it’s a mix of awe and a dash of madness, as you wonder how something so small can become so… well, chicken-like! For those navigating the ups and downs of chick care, don’t miss our article, "Roo or hen?", where you can dive into the delightful challenge of identifying your pullets and cockerels. Join the conversation and share your own experiences!
Why does he sit like this?
Why does he sit like this? It's a question that tickles the curiosity of every chicken enthusiast and casual observer alike! Our feathered friends often surprise us with their quirky behaviors, leaving us wondering if they’re just funny little guys or if something more serious is at play. In this light-hearted exploration, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of chicken antics and discuss whether your chicken's peculiar sitting position is simply a goofy quirk or a sign of a neurological condition. Spoiler alert: sometimes it’s just fowl play! If you're curious about other chicken-related topics, check out our article, "Tips if you get chicks, don’t blink," for more entertaining insights into the world of these charming cluckers.
Help!! Chick found on back and couldn’t get back up!
Oh no, it sounds like you’ve got a little chick in a bit of a pickle! Finding your one-month-old feathered friend on her back can be quite alarming, especially when she’s wobbling around like a tiny chicken acrobat. It’s great that you scooped her up and gave her a cozy spot in your kitchen while you figure out the next steps. Her initial splits position could indicate she’s a bit unsure on her feet, but don’t worry just yet! You might want to try enticing her with some tasty treats or exploring hydration options, like that electrolyte probiotic mix.
Elderly Chicken
Meet Pepper, my beloved elderly hen who has gracefully strutted through nearly a decade of life! Once the flock leader, she’s always been a quirky mix of sweet and sassy—especially when it comes to snatching treats! I adopted her when she was already a seasoned gal at seven years old, and to my surprise, she’s thrived well beyond expectations. While she still enjoys her little fat chicken runs, I’ve noticed her slowing down lately, often opting for cozy lap time instead. It’s bittersweet, as I face the reality that this winter may be her last. But I’m committed to showering her with love and special treats every day. Sharing this journey not only helps me cope but also connects me with our community.
Brahma Babies
Welcome to the world of Brahma Babies! You’ve recently added two feathered friends to your flock, and the excitement is palpable. With one Isabella chick outpacing the lemon in size and feathering, you’re right to wonder about their gender. While it’s still early days, those redder cheeks on Isabella could hint at a potential rooster—yikes! With only one other chick (fingers crossed for a hen), you’re wise to consider the possibility of adding another to avoid a lonely lady in your coop. If you’re eager for more insights, check out our related article, "Got any treats," where fellow chicken enthusiasts share their tips for pampering your feathered pals. Happy chickening!
mites or lice infestation
**Hi Reddit!** I’m currently housesitting for a friend and have stumbled upon a cluck-tastrophe in her chicken coop—tiny bugs are crawling everywhere! Before I unleash my own version of Armageddon, I need your help identifying whether these critters are mites or lice. We’re on Hawai'i Island, and these pesky bugs are swarming the hens’ feathers and bedding, even making their way into the eggs that just started pipping. They seem particularly concentrated around the skin of the hens’ faces. Any insights on what type of pest this could be would be greatly appreciated, along with tips on how to clear out this infestation quickly—especially for the newborn chicks and the rest of the flock. TIA!
🥵 97°F TODAY! Feeding Chickens & Egg Check LIVE
It’s a sizzling 97°F today, and that means it’s time to check in on our feathered friends and see what kind of egg-citing surprises they have for us! Join us for a live session as we dive into the quirks of feeding chickens in this heat. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken whisperer or just chickening out at the thought of handling these feathery divas, we’ve got you covered! Don’t forget to check out our article, “Easily one of the coolest barnyard mixes I’ve hatched out,” for some egg-spert advice and delightful stories from fellow chicken lovers. Let’s embrace the heat and make sure our girls are happy, hydrated, and ready to lay some cluck-tastic eggs!
If I'm 5'9", how tall does that make him? 🤔
If you're 5'9", you might feel like a giant among your feathered friends, but wait until you meet the two-year-old Índio Gigante rooster from Criatório SG in Brazil! These majestic birds are like the dinosaurs of the chicken world, towering over typical breeds and bringing a touch of whimsy to any backyard. Imagine the cluck-tastic moments that come with having such a magnificent creature strutting around! It’s a true delight to have them here in the U.S., where their size and personality can leave anyone in awe. If you want to dive deeper into the world of birds, check out our article on "Chicken videos" for some hilarious and heartwarming chicken antics! Get ready for a fowl-tastic adventure!
When it’s not sour crop
When it comes to our feathered friends, things aren’t always as they seem—just ask Candy girl! Her crop was filling up and she was regurgitating, leading to a bit of a cluck-tastrophe. It took a second vet and some X-rays to uncover that her crop wasn’t the culprit after all. This journey through confusion and concern is all too familiar for chicken lovers, highlighting the importance of expert advice when our beloved birds act a little off. If you’ve ever found yourself scratching your head over a perplexing chicken problem, you’re not alone! For more insights into unexpected chicken adventures, be sure to check out “I found a baby chicken (I think) and I don't know what to do.” Let’s navigate these quirky challenges together!
Dirty chicken bums
Hi all! If you’re a new chicken owner like me, you may have encountered the perplexing issue of dirty chicken bums. It can be quite the feather-ruffling situation! With 15 chickens and one rooster, I’ve noticed about six of my feathered friends sporting less-than-pristine rear ends. I’ve tried using roosty’s flock armor, but it hasn’t worked wonders. Thankfully, it doesn’t smell yeasty, so I don’t suspect vent fleet. As the weather warms up, I’m worried about fly strike, so I’m considering soaking and deworming. I have fenbendazole but need advice on ensuring proper dosage. For anyone else dealing with this, have you checked out "Why does he sit like this?" for some quirky insights into chicken behavior? Let’s cluck it out together!
Who else has this happened to?
Have you ever found yourself enjoying a sunny afternoon while your chickens roam free? Well, let me tell you about a hilariously messy experience! Picture this: I was freshly sunscreened, lounging on a towel in my yard, when my biggest fluffball, an Orpington, decided to pay me a visit. Instead of a simple "hello," she enthusiastically shook her freshly dust-bathed feathers all over me! Suddenly, I was covered in dirt—sticky and clinging to my not-quite-dried sunscreen. Seriously, girl, you have a whole yard to play in! 🤣 If you’ve had your own chicken mischief moments, you’re not alone! And speaking of chicken antics, check out our article on "Dirty chicken bums" for more fun and relatable tales from fellow chicken enthusiasts!
Integrating chicks part 2
Integrating chicks into an existing flock can feel like a delightful yet chaotic adventure—especially when Mother Nature decides to throw a tantrum! As you navigate this clucky challenge, it sounds like your big chickens are mostly kind, with one particularly feisty hen causing some serious fowl play. While it's great that your broody girl enjoys the company of the little ones, that bully needs to be handled with care. Consider isolating her for a bit to give the chicks more freedom and reduce their stress. But don’t forget to check out our article, "Chicken saddle but make it fashion," for a quirky solution to pecking issues. Let’s help those feathered friends find their pecking order without too much drama!
Delayed update on Sharons progress
Oh, the adventures of chicken keeping never cease to amaze! After a brief and totally unjust ban for defending my feathered friends against some horse abuse nonsense (seriously, who does that?), I’m back with an update on our beloved Sharon. She’s fully reacclimated to the flock and has decided that the garage is her personal palace, pecking at the door to be let in. Neighbors have reported her escapades, but I’ve resorted to tossing treats in the yard to keep her and her posse entertained—though my 12-year-old dog is now paying the price with some rather explosive consequences! Thanks, Sharon! Despite the chaos, I wouldn’t trade her antics for anything.
Please help!!
Oh no, it sounds like pretty boy is having a rough time! This young pullet, likely just a few months old, seems to be struggling with discomfort and limited mobility. You’ve noticed a weird bulge on his foot, which can be concerning. While there’s no visible puncture wound, that swollen mound could indicate a few possibilities, from a simple injury to something more serious. The good news is that the chicken community is here to help! If you’re looking for advice on how to assist him from home, we’ve got your back. Be sure to check out “Teaching my rooster public humiliation because he pecked me” for some feathered friend insights while we navigate this together!
How long do the symptoms of scaley legs last after treatment?
When it comes to treating scaly leg in chickens, many wonder just how long those pesky bumps will stick around after treatment. Recently, we welcomed a little rooster with a serious case of scaley leg, complete with hard lumps on his upper legs. After treating the whole flock, questions linger about the duration of these symptoms and whether they cause pain. It’s a common concern for chicken lovers, especially for those new to the flock life, like our neighbor who sadly couldn’t care for his chickens anymore. If you're facing similar challenges, you might find our article "Tips if you get chicks, don’t blink" helpful as you navigate the whimsical world of chicken care. Let’s dive into the details of scaly leg recovery!
Chicken videos.
Get ready for a cluck-tastic adventure with our favorite feathered friends! This hilarious chicken video captures the antics of our quirky companions in all their glory, showcasing their playful personalities and the delightful chaos they bring to our lives. Whether they’re strutting around the coop or engaging in some classic fowl play, these chickens never fail to entertain. If you’re a little chicken yourself when it comes to these amusing creatures, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Dive deeper into the amusing world of chickens with our article “My chickens are SO nosey🤣🐔 #KrissysChickens,” where we explore the delightful curiosity that makes chickens such captivating pets. Join in on the fun and embrace the whimsy of chicken life!
Break my heart and confirm these roosters :(
Oh, the heartache of chicken gender revelations! You’ve got a Splash Ameraucana and an Easter Egger that are stealing your heart—but your intuition might be steering you towards rooster territory. With your Buff Orpington already crowing like the king of the coop, it’s hard to ignore the new sounds echoing from your gorgeous duo. The first one sounds like a definite rooster, while the second, your daughter’s favorite, is throwing you for a loop with hen-like behavior. Will you be clucking with joy or facing a fowl fate? Let’s hope for a happy ending! For more cluck-tastic insights, check out our article on “birthday pancakes” for a fun twist on celebrating your feathered friends!
What breed is she? (the black one)
What breed is she? The mystery surrounding the identity of your black chicken adds an air of intrigue to your feathered friends! The previous owner’s uncertainty only fuels the curiosity. While you’ve considered breeds like the Ayam Cemani, those quirky white and brown stripes on her feathers and around her eyes suggest she might be a unique mix rather than a purebred. Chicken genetics can be a wild ride, blending colors and patterns in unexpected ways! If you’re eager to dive deeper into the fascinating world of chicken breeds, check out our article, “Easily one of the coolest barnyard mixes I’ve hatched out,” for more insights. Let’s solve this chicken conundrum together!
I wonder if he'll get as big as her he's still so small! ♡
I wonder if he'll get as big as her; he's still so small! ♡ This delightful question from /u/Mothmans_ captures the curiosity that many chicken enthusiasts share as they watch their feathered friends grow. It's always a cluck-tastic adventure to see how size and personality develop, especially when comparing little ones to their more seasoned companions. If you’re pondering similar questions about your flock, you’re in good company! And speaking of growth, check out our article "Hen or Roo," where we explore the mysteries of identifying young chickens. It’s a fun way to dive deeper into the quirks of chicken-keeping, ensuring you’re never left scratching your head. Join the conversation and let’s celebrate the whimsical world of chickens together!
Happy Hour is now being served. (Button quail eggs are caviar to chickens btw)
Happy Hour is now being served, and it’s time to treat our feathered friends to something truly special! Did you know that button quail eggs are the caviar of the chicken world? These tiny treasures pack a punch of flavor that your chickens will absolutely adore. As we dive into this egg-citing culinary experience, let’s celebrate the joy of pampering our flock with delightful snacks. Plus, if you’re curious about muddy coops and how to handle all that rain (especially in places like Houston), check out our article “Muddy coop - problem?” for some cluck-tastic insights. So, grab a seat and join us in this whimsical journey of chicken happiness—your girls will thank you!
Cutiest things i ever seen
Get ready to cluck with delight as we dive into the "Cutiest things I ever seen," submitted by the ever-enthusiastic /u/Silver-Ad-3981! This post is sure to ruffle your feathers in the best way possible, showcasing the adorable antics of our feathered friends that never fail to bring a smile. Whether you're a seasoned chicken whisperer or someone who just can’t resist a cute chicken moment, this collection will warm your heart. And if you’re curious about how to introduce those adorable pullets to your existing flock, check out our article, "Introducing pullets to the flock." Join the fun and share your own clucky experiences in the comments!
It was cold, so I give this chicken a hat
When the chill sets in, even our feathered friends deserve a little extra warmth, right? This delightful tale from u/TTFH3500 showcases a charming solution to the frosty weather: a cozy chicken hat! Because why shouldn’t our clucky companions strut their stuff in style? It’s a whimsical reminder of the lengths we go to for our beloved birds, blending humor with a touch of vulnerability. After all, who among us hasn’t felt the urge to pamper our pets? If you’re curious about more heartwarming chicken antics, check out “May is feeling a lot better :) although she now demands I hand feed her leaves and grass” by u/Mothmans_ for another delightful glimpse into the world of our quirky avian pals. Let the fun begin!
girl or boyyyy?
Are you team girl or boyyyy? This delightful conundrum comes from the charming half Silkie, half Ameraucana chick submitted by /u/Willing_Internet3608. With their unique blend of feathery flair and personality, these little ones can leave us scratching our heads—especially when it comes to identifying their gender. The Silkie’s soft, fluffy feathers and the Ameraucana’s quirky traits create a captivating mix that has us all clucking with curiosity. If you’re as intrigued as we are, be sure to check out our article, "Hen or Roo," where we dive deeper into the telltale signs of gender in chickens. Join the fun and share your thoughts—will this chick be a beloved hen or a spirited rooster? Let’s find out together!
New chicken parents!
Welcome, new chicken parents! Embarking on the feathered adventure of chicken ownership can be both egg-citing and a tad nerve-wracking. As a vet tech student, you bring a wealth of knowledge about animal care, but every chicken has its own quirks that make them uniquely lovable (and sometimes a bit maddening)! Don’t hesitate to ask for tips and tricks as you navigate this cluck-tastic journey. From keeping your flock healthy to ensuring they have plenty of fun, the chicken community is here to support you. For some relatable tales, check out “Escape To The Front Yard,” where our feathered friends discover the best drinking puddles. Here’s to many joyful moments with your new flock!