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.
Found this chick at my house last night
Oh, the delightful mystery of suburban chicken encounters! It sounds like you’ve stumbled upon a cluck-tastic little guest! Since you’ve got this adorable chick, it’s important to know that while they can be independent, they do thrive with a friend. Chickens are social birds and having a buddy can help ease any loneliness (and potential drama) in their tiny hearts. As for nighttime? Creating a cozy, safe space outside is key—just ensure it’s secure against any nighttime mischief. If you’re concerned about your parrots and bird flu, consider a well-ventilated coop. And if you’re curious about how to care for a single chick, check out our article “Sick Hen?” for some insightful tips! Welcome to the whimsical world of chicken parenting!
Sick Hen?
Meet Nader, our free-range gal who’s usually the life of the coop! At just over a year old, she’s known for her adventurous spirit—so much so that she’s taken to roaming the ditches, even during pouring rain and tornado sirens! But today, something seems off. While she was strutting her stuff just yesterday, she’s now staying put in the coop, looking lethargic and allowing rare pets (a true sign something’s not right). No visible injuries are apparent, but her sudden change has us scratching our heads. Could a sickness hit her that quickly? If you’ve ever faced a similar situation with your feathered friends, or if you want to dive deeper into chicken care, check out our article on "Chicken nail loss" for more insights!

Chicken can’t walk
It sounds like you’re dealing with a cluck-tastrophe! When a chicken struggles to walk and seems to lack balance, it can be concerning. While she’s still eating, drinking, and pooping—good signs—there could be a few reasons behind her wobbliness. Possible culprits include nutritional deficiencies, an inner ear infection, or even a neurological issue. It’s important to observe her behavior closely and consider consulting a vet if her condition doesn’t improve. In the meantime, check out our article "Bald Spot" for insights on other common chicken concerns. Remember, your feathered friend deserves all the love and care, so let’s figure this out together!

Bald Spot
Meet Bald Spot, the hen with a mysterious case of belly baldness! If you're scratching your head wondering why your feathered friend is sporting these patches, you're not alone. It’s quite common for hens to experience feather loss for various reasons, even without a rooster in the mix. Factors like molting, stress, or even a little fowl play among the flock can lead to these bare patches. Interestingly, you mentioned another hen with the same situation—could it be a case of chicken camaraderie? If you’re eager to learn more about your hens’ behaviors and needs, check out our article, "Chicken Hatching," where we dive into the quirks of chick life. Let’s unravel this feathered mystery together!

Rose and Mama Serama
Meet Rose and Mama Serama, the delightful duo that brings a sprinkle of joy to every chicken enthusiast's life! Rose, with her quirky personality, and Mama Serama, the ever-watchful hen, create a charming dynamic that showcases the whimsical side of chicken keeping. Their playful antics and endearing relationship remind us why we adore our feathered friends, even when they ruffle our feathers a bit. If you're in the mood for a chuckle, check out the article "Had a visitor last night in the coop" for more cluck-tastic escapades from the coop. Join us as we dive into the heartwarming journey of Rose and Mama Serama, where every day is an egg-citing adventure!

Picked up some old chicken home decor from local Buy Nothing group and repainted them as portraits of a few of our girls 💕
Get ready to cluck with joy! Our fellow chicken enthusiast, /u/Ruffffian, has transformed some charming old chicken home decor into delightful portraits of their beloved feathered friends. It’s a heartwarming reminder that creativity and love for our girls can come together in the most whimsical ways. Plus, what better way to celebrate our poultry pals than with some personalized art? If you're also pondering whether your little one is a hen or a roo, check out our article, "Is my baby a hen or roo?" for some fun insights. Dive into the cluck-tastic world of chicken-loving creativity and share your own quirky chicken tales with our community! 💕 [link] [comments]

Muffin Recipe!
Alright y’all! You asked for it, and here it is—my cluck-tastic morning muffin recipe! What started as a pancake experiment turned into a bulk-baking dream, perfect for freezing and feeding my feathered friends. These muffins are not just a treat; they’re packed with health-boosting ingredients, from bright orange yolks to chili flakes that add a little kick! With just a mix of eggs, almond flour, pumpkin, and some other fowl-tastic ingredients, you’ll whip up a batch that keeps your chickens happy and healthy. Plus, you can customize them to your heart's content! If you're curious about recognizing your chicks, check out our article "Is my baby a hen or roo?" for more insights. Let’s get baking!

Hen or Roo?
Is it a hen or a roo? That’s the million-dollar question, and our friend /u/jhftc100 is back with another chicken conundrum! After previously posting about this feathered friend, they're seeking your expert opinions on whether their 9-week-old chicken is a boy or a girl. Sold as an Easter Egger pullet, we all know the surprises that can come with these colorful cuties! While our chicken parent is holding out hope for a hen, the suspense is palpable. If you’re curious about other chicken adventures, check out "My Sweet Missy and Sheldon," a heartwarming tale about some lively leghorns. Let’s cluck our way through this together and help /u/jhftc100 figure out this delightful dilemma!

Baby Buff frolicking in the flowers 💐
Get ready for some cluck-tastic cuteness! In this delightful post, we’re spotlighting an adorable Baby Buff frolicking in a field of flowers, submitted by the talented /u/Lillrw. Just imagine those tiny, fluffy feet bouncing among the blooms—pure joy for any chicken lover! This little one is a perfect reminder of the whimsical charm that our feathered friends bring to our lives. If you're curious about more chick adventures, check out our article, "What do you guys think? Is this chick a peewee or peeweiner?" for a fun dive into the world of pint-sized poultry. Join us in celebrating the hilarity and heartwarming moments that make chicken keeping such an egg-citing journey! 💐🐥

Had a visitor last night in the coop
Last night, the coop had an unexpected visitor, and you won't believe what happened! Submitted by our friend /u/Domphotog, this cheeky encounter is a delightful reminder that life with our feathered friends is always full of surprises. Whether you're a seasoned chicken whisperer or someone who occasionally chickens out at the sight of these clucky creatures, we can all relate to the amusing antics that can unfold in the coop. Be sure to check out the comments for some hilarious reactions and insights! And if you're curious about our feathered friends, don’t miss our article, "What type of chicken is this?"—it’s a cluck-tastic read! Join the conversation and let's celebrate the quirky charm of chicken life together!

My Sweet Missy and Sheldon
Meet Missy and Sheldon, my delightful leghorns who have turned every expectation upside down! Contrary to the flighty reputation of their breed, these girls have proven to be the sweetest companions. I initially worried about their wings and potential for escape, but they’ve stayed happily within the yard, making my “Goldilocks area” feel like chicken paradise. Their personalities blossomed after a scare with Coccidiosis, turning them into my affectionate little shadows. With every peck and playful run for treats, they’ve shown me the charm of leghorns—more broody and endearing than I ever imagined. If you're curious about the quirks of chicken companionship, check out our post on "chicken cuddles in pyjamas" for more heartwarming tales! 🩷🐔

Peek-a-boo
Peek-a-boo! It seems that checking the chick camera has become a delightful ritual for our community, and who could resist that adorable little face? 😂 Submitted by /u/iamloubielou, this charming moment reminds us just how captivating our feathered friends can be—seriously, it's hard not to smile! If you're also on a quest to understand the quirks of chicken parenting, you might want to check out "Hen chicks sparring??" where we explore the dynamics of raising meat birds alongside laying hens. With 37 clucking companions in one coop, it’s bound to be an adventure. Dive into the world of chickens and share your experiences with us; we’re all in this clucky journey together!

New Pullets!
Cluck-tastic news, fellow chicken lovers! We’ve just expanded our feathered family by adding three adorable pullets, bringing our flock count to a delightful 10. Among the new arrivals are two vibrant Easter Eggers and a charming Cream Legbar. And guess what? We snagged a black Easter Egger for free—talk about chicken math magic! Now, I’m on the hunt for the perfect names that fit our Tex-Mex theme, with “Fajita” already in the running for the colorful middle Easter Egger. If you have any spicy suggestions, I’d love to hear them! Meanwhile, check out our article “Two Chickens One Nesting Box” for a fun take on cozy chicken living. Let’s keep the clucking conversation going!

Hen chicks sparring??
Hey, chicken lovers! It sounds like your coop is bustling with 37 feathered friends, and those hen chicks sparring? Classic chicken shenanigans! Play fighting is often just a part of their socialization, but it’s always good to keep an eye on them. If they seem to be enjoying their log perches, that’s a great sign! As for toys, you might want to consider adding a few more fun distractions to keep them entertained and happy. Your crossbeak hen chick is lucky to have such a caring owner, and it’s wonderful that the whole flock is enjoying the water/feed mash. If you’re curious about more chick antics, check out our article “New chick!!!” for some egg-citing insights. Happy chicken raising!

7.5 Week Old Easter Egger - Roo?
Hey there, fellow chicken enthusiast! It sounds like you’ve got a cluck-tastic little Easter Egger on your hands! At 7.5 weeks old, it’s exciting to hear your feathered friend is starting to lose that chick-like peep and is beginning to sound more grown-up. This transformation can be a sign that your little roo (if that’s what they turn out to be) is hitting some significant milestones. As a first-time chicken raiser, it's completely normal to have questions about these delightful changes. If you’re curious about how to navigate the ups and downs of chicken ownership, check out our article, "How to 'phase out' of chicken ownership?" for some insightful tips. Keep enjoying the journey with your flock!

chicken cuddles in pyjamas
Who can resist the charm of chicken cuddles in cozy pajamas? Today’s delightful snapshot from /u/Affectionate-Emu53 captures a sweet moment with a feathered friend perched comfortably on their lap, complete with a few cheeky treats! The lovely weather adds an extra layer of bliss to this cozy scene—who wouldn’t want to snuggle up with their favorite chicken? It’s these little moments that remind us of the joy our feathered companions bring to our lives. If you’re curious about more chicken adventures, check out “They say you should never have favorites… This just happens to be my favorite one to photograph” for a peek into the art of capturing chicken personalities. Let’s celebrate these whimsical moments together!

Chicken hatching
Hatching chicks can be an egg-citing journey filled with anticipation and a sprinkle of worry! If you’ve noticed a crack in your chicken egg that’s been around for over 32 hours, it’s natural to wonder whether you should take action. While it might be tempting to remove the shell piece, it’s important to tread lightly. The crack could be a pathway for bacteria, but interfering too much might harm the developing chick. Instead of jumping straight to shell removal, consider monitoring the egg’s progress and consulting with fellow chicken enthusiasts. Speaking of shared experiences, check out our article “New Pullets!” where we delve into expanding our flocks—because who doesn’t love a few extra feathered friends? Happy hatching!

Rough estimate on age?
Curious about the age of this stunning feathered friend? You're not alone! In the whimsical world of chicken keeping, age can be a bit of a mystery, but fellow enthusiasts are here to help. Just like our charming friend in "Baby Buff frolicking in the flowers 💐," who brings joy as they explore their floral kingdom, this lovely lady might have her own unique story to tell. Whether you’re trying to decipher her age or just admiring her beauty, the community is ready to lend a cluck-tastic hand! Jump into the comments and share your thoughts—let’s figure this out together and celebrate the quirky world of our beloved chickens!

I've been calling her peenie weenie so much she now thinks it's her name 😭 she's named Peewee (sound)
Meet Peewee, the chicken who’s taken a whimsical detour into the world of nicknames! It seems our feathered friend has become so accustomed to being called "Peenie Weenie" that she now thinks it’s her official name—how egg-citing! This delightful little mix-up is just one of the many quirks that make chicken parenting such a joy (and a giggle). If you’ve ever found yourself in a similar situation, you’re not alone! Chickens are full of surprises and charm, often leading us down unexpected paths. For more fun chicken antics, don’t miss our article, “🐔 98° in Phoenix… POOL DAY for the Chickens! 😎💦,” where we dive into how our feathered friends beat the heat with style.

Help
Uh-oh! It looks like one of your chick's eyes is giving you a bit of a cluck for concern. Don't panic just yet—chickens can be as quirky as they are lovable, and eye issues can happen for a variety of reasons. Whether it's a case of fowl play (like a little pecking incident) or something more serious, there are steps you can take to help your feathered friend. Check out our community's experiences for tips and reassurance. Speaking of which, if you're in the mood for some light-hearted chicken antics, don’t miss “Chirping and running around the whole day but finally calms down when being held, she fell asleep in my hand after this hahaha.” Your worries might just turn into chuckles!

Chicken started honking?
Ever been startled by your feathered friends suddenly honking like a gaggle of geese? You’re not alone! This quirky behavior can leave even seasoned chicken keepers scratching their heads. Chickens can be full of surprises, and their vocalizations often reflect their moods, environment, or even a hint of mischief. Whether it’s a call for attention, a warning about potential fowl play, or just their unique personality shining through, understanding these sounds can deepen your bond with your flock. For a delightful peek into the world of chicken antics, check out our article on Henrietta, the coop's resident screamer, and her sweet lap snuggles. Join the conversation and unravel the mystery of those cluck-tastic honks!

Good or bad
Are chili peppers a cluck-tastic treat or a fowl folly for your feathered friends? It’s a hot topic among chicken enthusiasts, with some saying these spicy goodies could spice up your hens’ diet. However, there’s a lot of mixed information swirling around. While a dash of heat might be fun, it’s essential to know how it could affect your chickens. With that in mind, let’s dive into this sizzling dilemma together. If you’re curious about other chicken-related inquiries, check out our article “Introduced new chicks and old-new hens with my old hens. Make sense?” to see how folks are navigating their chicken dynamics. Let’s get to the bottom of this chili conundrum!

Introduced new chicks and old-new hens with my old hens. Make sense?
Introducing new chicks and old-new hens to my flock has been quite the feathered adventure! I recently welcomed a lovely black Australorp hen and (I think) a charming grey Polish hen into my coop after a good friend could no longer care for them. Thankfully, everyone is getting along plum well, and I can already feel the warmth of their growing bond. If I’ve mistakenly identified the grey hen, I’d love to be educated—after all, we’re all here to learn together! For those curious about brooder care, check out our article, "Brooder plate height for day olds?" It’s packed with insights to help you navigate the early days with your chicks, so you can keep those little cluckers happy and healthy!

Does anyone know the breed of this chicken? I am absolutely in love with her 🫶🏻
Does anyone know the breed of this chicken? I am absolutely in love with her 🫶🏻 - submitted by /u/Bubbly_Collar9178. It’s amazing how one little feathered friend can steal our hearts and bring a sprinkle of joy into our lives! Chickens come in so many delightful varieties, each with its own personality quirks. Whether you're a seasoned chicken whisperer or just beginning your journey into the clucky world of poultry, we’re all in this together. If you're feeling the urge for more chicken cuteness, check out “4 or 40?” where a new owner grapples with the temptation of expanding their flock. Join the conversation and share your thoughts on this feathered beauty! 🐔✨