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.

Just a fluffy little cloud soaking up the morning sun. ☁️☀️
chickens

Just a fluffy little cloud soaking up the morning sun. ☁️☀️

Just a fluffy little cloud soaking up the morning sun—who can resist that? ☁️☀️ I caught my little one perched on the fence, and I swear, watching those fluffy feathers catch the light makes everything better. 🥺❤️ Is there anything more heartwarming than a hen that resembles a living, breathing cotton ball? It’s moments like these that remind us why we love our feathered friends so much. If you’re curious about the quirks of chicken life, check out our article "Who wants dried worms for breakfast?" for a taste of the fun and chaos that comes with keeping these delightful creatures. Let’s celebrate the little joys that our chickens bring into our lives!

How many Roos do you spy
chickens

How many Roos do you spy

Are you ready to play a game of “How many Roos do you spy?” In this delightful chicken caper, our friend /u/graceforman shares a snapshot of her flock, featuring a mysterious black rooster on the left that was supposedly a pullet from TSC, alongside a couple of other feathered friends hatched by an ag teacher. At about three months old, these little cluckers are already stealing hearts! The second photo gives us a full view of the entire flock, while a close-up of the small black chicken invites us to admire its unique charm. If you're curious about raising young chicks, don’t miss our article “Baby chicks weak on arrival” for some helpful insights.

What comb type does he have, and any breed guesses? This is George
chickens

What comb type does he have, and any breed guesses? This is George

Meet George, the feathered friend who showed up in your yard just when you least expected it! While he’s not a giant among chickens, he certainly isn’t a bantam either—just the right size to bring a bit of charm and curiosity to your life. After rescuing him from a dire winter situation, you’re on a mission to identify his comb type and possible breed. With a little research, you’ve hit a wall, but that’s where the community comes in! Share your insights and guesses about George’s background. Could he be a mix, or perhaps a breed with a unique comb? If you’re also pondering the age-old question, “Roo or hen?” check out the article by /u/KiokoLo for some cluck-tastic insights!

A chicken needs a name
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

A chicken needs a name

Our young rooster is strutting his stuff and desperately in need of a cluck-tastic name! Pictured here with his favorite hen, Red Sonya, he’s outgrown his old moniker, Maby Baby. With his crowing and undeniable feathers, it’s time for a name that really captures his personality. This year’s flock boasts some whimsical names like MoHawk, Q-tip, and the Butt Sisters, so we’re looking for something equally egg-citing! As we ponder potential names, let’s not take ourselves too seriously—after all, it’s all in good fun! If you’re interested in more farm antics, check out “Oh, to be a hen among the mint and lemons.” Thanks for your thoughts, and may your day be better than mine! Bonus pics of Speedy and Galadriel included!

Conjoined/webbed toes?
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

Conjoined/webbed toes?

Welcome to the whimsical world of chicken ownership, where every feathered friend comes with their own unique quirks! If you’ve just welcomed your new chicks, you might be surprised to discover a few unusual traits, like conjoined or webbed toes. It sounds like one of your little ones is sporting a distinctive foot situation! While it’s natural to worry about whether this will cause issues down the line, it’s great to hear that she’s moving and walking just fine. These quirky toe formations can be more common than you think, but if you’re feeling concerned, a chat with your vet can provide peace of mind.

Midnight Majesty Maran - roo?
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

Midnight Majesty Maran - roo?

Hey, chicken keeper friends! I need your cluck-tastic expertise on a pressing matter. Meet "Maureen," my Midnight Majesty Maran, who’s about 8 weeks old and has those adorable feathered feet and striking gold eyes. But here’s the catch — I’m starting to wonder if Maureen might actually be a rooster! After recently rehoming another rooster, I’m not exactly looking to add another crower to my flock. I was so excited about those copper eggs, and the thought of losing that dream is making me a bit feathery with concern. If you’ve got any insights or advice, I’m all ears! And if you’re also navigating the world of potential roosters, check out our article "How many Roos do you spy" for more insights!

Hen attacking chick
chickens

Hen attacking chick

Oh no! It sounds like you’ve found yourself in a bit of a clucky situation with your hen and the little chick! While hens can sometimes act like feathered bullies, it’s important to address this behavior before anyone gets hurt. Since your hen has been peacefully coexisting with the chick until now, something may have triggered her sudden aggression. One option is to keep a watchful eye on their interactions while ensuring momma hen can stay close to her chick for protection. If you haven't already, check out our article, "Baby chicks weak on arrival," for tips on chick care and stress management. Remember, the goal is to create a safe environment where your feathered friends can thrive together without any fowl play!

Hello from Estill County, Kentucky
chickens

Hello from Estill County, Kentucky

Hello from Estill County, Kentucky! I have a stunning light Brahma hen whose beauty is only matched by her quirky personality. However, I must admit, her eggs seem a tad small for such a grand bird. On the other hand, my Isa Brown lays eggs so enormous that closing the carton lid is a challenge! It’s a delightful mystery, especially since I suspect my rooster might have a few surprises in his ancestry. If you’re curious about the charm of our feathered friends, you might enjoy our article, "Robert is already settled inside the house ❤️ 🫶," which captures the heartwarming essence of chicken life. Join me in celebrating the wonderful and sometimes perplexing world of chickens!

Roo or hen? (2 different chickens)
chickens

Roo or hen? (2 different chickens)

Are you team roo or hen? This delightful debate dives into the charming quirks of two feathered friends, exploring their unique traits that make them such beloved members of our backyard flocks. Whether you’re captivated by a rooster’s crow that announces the dawn or charmed by the gentle clucks of a hen laying her egg-citing treasures, there’s no denying that both have their own special flair. Join us as we unravel the playful rivalry between these two poultry pals and share some hilarious anecdotes along the way. And if you’re curious about the beauty of hens, check out “Hello from Estill County, Kentucky” for a closer look at the stunning light Brahma and her surprising egg size! Let’s cluck our way into this feathery feud!

chickens

What's this thing in my shamo's cheek?

Is your shamo mix giving you the ol’ chicken side-eye due to a mysterious lump in his cheek? After a tussle with another male, it sounds like he’s sporting a dark scab that’s causing quite the ruckus. While he seems to be getting around fine and is still begging for food, his eating habits have become a bit peculiar—favoring feed bags over foraging on his own. Plus, the fact that he’s stopped crowing is definitely a red flag. Don’t fret just yet! This could be a sign of stress or discomfort rather than something dire. If you're looking for more insight into chicken behavior, check out our article "How many Roos do you spy?" for some cluck-tastic tips!

Peckington Square Chicken City Live Cam

Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam

Welcome to the Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream—your front-row seat to the cluck-tastic antics of our feathered friends, available 24/7! Whether you’re a seasoned chicken whisperer or someone who’s chickening out at the thought of poultry, this livestream offers a delightful glimpse into the quirky world of chickens. Tune in to watch their playful shenanigans, from egg-citing pecking orders to the occasional game of fowl hide-and-seek. And if you're curious about chicken genetics, don’t miss our article “Chick getting red splash on feathers,” where we explore the fascinating world of feather colors and patterns. Join our community of chicken enthusiasts and let’s celebrate the delightful chaos of chicken ownership together!

Who wants dried worms for breakfast?
chickens

Who wants dried worms for breakfast?

Who wants dried worms for breakfast? If you’re raising feathered friends, you might want to consider adding some crunchy critters to their diet! Not only are these tasty treats a protein-packed delight for your chickens, but they also bring a little excitement to their morning routine. Imagine the clucking chaos as your flock dives into a pile of wriggly goodness! If you’re curious about the quirks of chicken dining or just want to enjoy some hilarious chicken antics, check out our article "🍉 CHICKENS vs A MOUNTAIN OF WATERMEL! 😳🐔 LIVE" for more fun insights. Join the conversation and share your own chicken stories—because every coop has its own cluck-tastic tales!

Thought one of my dad’s chickens deserved some love.
chickens

Thought one of my dad’s chickens deserved some love.

Sometimes, even our feathered friends need a little extra love! In this delightful submission from /u/FutureInitial5664, we dive into the charming world of chickens and the unique personalities they bring to our lives. There's something truly heartwarming about nurturing a chicken that might have been overlooked, and this story captures that sentiment perfectly. If you’re curious about the quirks of chicken care, you might find our article "What comb type does he have, and any breed guesses? This is George" particularly egg-citing! Join us as we celebrate the whimsical journey of chicken ownership, complete with laughter, love, and maybe a little fowl play. Your adventure in chicken companionship awaits!

my rooster passed away 😞
chickens

my rooster passed away 😞

It’s never easy to lose a feathered friend, and my heart goes out to you as you share the news of Waffle’s passing. Your sweet boy brought so much joy into your life, from snuggling on your shoulders to gently pecking at your hair. It’s clear he was more than just a rooster; he was the spark that ignited your love for chickens. The suddenness of his departure, without any signs of distress, adds an extra layer of heartache. But just imagine him now, happily pecking at all the bugs on the other side of the rainbow bridge, surrounded by endless sunshine. If you’re looking for a little distraction, check out “Who wants dried worms for breakfast?

Roo or hen?
chickens

Roo or hen?

Hey there, fellow chicken enthusiasts! 🐔 If you’re a new chicken owner like our friend Icy-Spray-3842, determining whether your feathered friend is a rooster or a hen can feel like solving a poultry puzzle. With no roosters allowed in your neck of the woods, it's a cluck-tastic idea to find out ASAP! Keep an eye out for those telltale signs—like comb size and feathering—that can help you crack the case. If you're in the same boat, you might also enjoy “Roo or hen? (2 different chickens)” where another community member navigates this very question. Let’s keep the chicken chatter going and help each other figure out our feathery pals!

Floor of Coop
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

Floor of Coop

Hey fellow chicken enthusiasts! It’s egg-citing to see so many of you diving into your coop-building adventures! My husband is currently constructing our chicken coop using the Third Coast Craftsman plans, and I’m on the lookout for some cluck-tastic ideas for the bottom of the coop. We want to ensure the wood lasts longer and cleanup is a breeze! I’ve spotted some coops with different flooring options, but I’m curious about what else is out there. If you have any creative solutions or experiences to share, I’d love to hear them! And while you're here, check out our article on “Switching to nipple style water, how hard to train?” for more tips on keeping your feathered friends happy! 🐔✨

I didn't know they can eat frog but it's always fun to watch them chase each other for food.
chickens

I didn't know they can eat frog but it's always fun to watch them chase each other for food.

Did you know that chickens can chow down on frogs? It's a cluck-tastic surprise that adds a whole new layer of excitement to their eating habits! Watching these feathered friends chase each other for food is not just entertaining; it’s a delightful glimpse into their playful personalities. From the pecking order to the hilarious antics, there's never a dull moment in the world of chickens. If you're new to chicken ownership, you might also enjoy our article, "First Egg!" where one of our community members shares the joy of finding their very first egg. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the show as your chickens engage in their own version of fowl play!

Hen or roo? 5.5 weeks ish
chickens

Hen or roo? 5.5 weeks ish

Is it a hen or a roo? The eternal question that has chicken enthusiasts scratching their heads! At around 5.5 weeks old, many of us find ourselves playing amateur detectives, trying to decipher those feathered mysteries. In this delightful discussion, submitted by u/fiophvc, we delve into the signs that might reveal the true identity of your feathery friend. With a mix of quirky observations and practical tips, this article is perfect for anyone navigating the sometimes bewildering world of chick gender identification. If you're curious about how much a chick can change, don’t miss our article "How much a chick can change," featuring Candy Girl, who proves that even the smallest chicks can have the biggest personalities!

I trained them to come when I yell beep beep, they know it means food.
chickens

I trained them to come when I yell beep beep, they know it means food.

Imagine training your feathered friends to come running at the sound of "beep beep!" It's a delightful scene when they associate that call with dinner time—especially when brown rice is on the menu! Chickens can be quirky companions, and watching them scamper over for a tasty treat is always egg-citing. In fact, their antics can remind us of the joy and humor that comes with raising these charming creatures. Speaking of delightful chicken experiences, if you've ever wondered about unusual egg-laying patterns, check out our article titled "5 eggs in 2 days from the same hen!!" It dives into the mysteries of hen behavior that might just ruffle your feathers in the best way possible!

Chick getting red splash on feathers
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

Chick getting red splash on feathers

Have you ever spotted an adorable chick sporting a splash of red on its feathers and wondered about its genetic origins? If you’re new to chicken genetics like our friend, u/Overall-Platform3452, you might be scratching your head over how that color came to be! With a Blue Ameraucana dad in the mix, the possibilities are certainly intriguing. The mom—whether she’s a white Ameraucana, a gold-laced Barnevelder, or a blue-laced red Wyandotte—could play a significant role in this feathered fashion statement. But let’s be real, genetics can be a bit of a wild card! For more delightful stories, check out “Broody mom rejecting chicks?” to see how other chicken enthusiasts navigate their flocks. Cluck-tastic discussions await!

3 week old chicks
chickens

3 week old chicks

Tiger, our adorable three-week-old chick, is starting to shed her chipmunk stripes—talk about a glow-up! With her transformation into a more partridge-like appearance, we might just have to rename her Partridge! It's fascinating to witness how these little feathered friends change so rapidly, reminding us that every chick has its own unique journey. If you’re curious about how much a chick can evolve, check out “How much a chick can change,” where we dive into the delightful surprises of chick growth and personality. Embrace the whimsy of raising chickens, as every day brings new adventures and plenty of cluck-tastic moments!

My song for my rooster Papi
chickens

My song for my rooster Papi

Get ready to cluck along to a delightful tune dedicated to the one and only Papi! 🎶 “Papi’s a good boy, Papi’s a good good boy. Papi’s Sooo beautiful, Papi’s a good, good boy!” 🎶 This catchy ditty perfectly captures the charm and quirks of our feathered friends, especially our beloved roosters who bring a dash of personality to the coop. Papi isn’t just a handsome fella; he’s a true companion in the chicken world, and this song celebrates all that makes him special. If you’re curious about the adventures of other roosters, check out “Happy roo,” where Honey proves that every bird has their own unique flair. Join the fun and share your love for these wonderful creatures!

Multiple Roosters
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

Multiple Roosters

Ah, the delightful chaos of having multiple roosters! If you’ve got 2 out of 5 of your new chickens strutting their stuff as roosters, you’re in for an egg-citing adventure. While living in a rural area means you likely won’t have to worry about noise complaints, there are a few things to keep an eye on. Roosters can sometimes be a bit territorial and may engage in some fowl play, especially around food or during mating season. It's important to monitor their behavior as they adjust to free-ranging. Speaking of adjustments, you might find our article, "How long do you let a broody bird go?" helpful in understanding chicken dynamics. Embrace the cluck-tastic journey ahead with your feathered friends!

chickens

Do you count your chickens every night?

Do you count your chickens every night? It’s a question that tickles the fancy of every chicken enthusiast, whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just starting your feathered adventure. There’s something oddly comforting about ensuring all your feathered friends are tucked in safe and sound before the sun sets. Plus, let’s be honest, counting chickens can be a little like playing hide-and-seek with your fowl pals—especially when they have a knack for sneaking around! If you’re curious about the quirks of chicken parenting, check out our article on Sebastian, the lavender orp rooster, who takes his role as a nest box inspector very seriously. Join the conversation and share your own counting tales!