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.

I love chickens, so I made a game about flying one
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

I love chickens, so I made a game about flying one

If you’re a chicken lover with a penchant for fun, you’re in for a treat! The delightful mind of u/GreenLemonMusic has hatched a cluck-tastic game that lets you soar through the sky as one of our feathered friends. Imagine flapping your wings and navigating challenges in a whimsical world, all while embracing the quirky charm that chickens bring to our lives. This game is a feathered flight of fancy that promises laughter and joy for both seasoned chicken enthusiasts and those who might still be chickening out when it comes to our fowl friends. And if you're curious about the dynamics of roosterhood, don’t miss u/brandlll's article on their mixed chicks! Let the fun begin!

Wobbley acting chicken
chickens

Wobbley acting chicken

Welcome to the whimsical world of chicken care! It sounds like you've got quite the feathered crew on your hands. Introducing new chickens can be a cluck-tastic adventure, but it also comes with its challenges. It’s concerning to hear about your lady who’s been hanging back and showing signs of discomfort. A red and swollen vent can be a sign that she needs some extra TLC. Soaking her in warm water is a great start! As for isolating her, that might be wise to ensure she gets the rest she needs without the hustle and bustle of her flock. Don't forget to check out our article, “5 eggs in 2 days from the same hen!!” for more insights into your chickens’ behaviors. Happy clucking!

How much a chick can change
chickens

How much a chick can change

Meet Candy Girl, the smallest, most nondescript chick who turned out to be a vibrant surprise! Growing up, she didn't seem like much—just another tiny fluffball in the coop. But as she matured, Candy Girl blossomed into a colorful personality, proving that great things come in small packages. Her transformation reminds us that every chick has a story waiting to unfold, often filled with unexpected charm and character. If you’re curious about the delightful antics of chickens, check out our piece, "Happy roo," featuring Honey and his nest-building skills. Embrace the whimsy of our feathered friends and discover how they can truly change your perspective—one cluck at a time!

His little chirps are soothing to the soul.
chickens

His little chirps are soothing to the soul.

His little chirps are soothing to the soul—there’s just something about the gentle melody of a happy chick that can melt even the most hardened hearts. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or just an admirer from afar, these adorable sounds remind us of the simple joys of farm life. The delightful antics of our feathered friends not only bring laughter but also a sense of comfort and connection. If you’re looking for more heartwarming chicken stories, check out "All this space to run and still a mama's boy :)" submitted by u/Mothmans_. Embrace the whimsy and joy that comes with raising chickens, and let their sweet chirping fill your days with happiness!

All this space to run and still a mama's boy :)
chickens

All this space to run and still a mama's boy :)

Get ready to chuckle! Our latest post, "All this space to run and still a mama's boy :)," submitted by the ever-entertaining /u/Mothmans_, captures the heartwarming antics of a little chicken who just can’t seem to break away from mama’s side. This delightful tale showcases the quirky bonds we share with our feathered friends, reminding us that even the most adventurous chicks can have a soft spot for their moms. If you're intrigued by the playful side of poultry, you might also enjoy “The garden helpers have arrived,” submitted by /u/Evil_Jellyfish_, which explores how our chickens help us in the garden. Dive in and join the fun as we celebrate the whims of chicken life!

How do i price these eggs?
chickens

How do i price these eggs?

Are you ready to crack the code on pricing your freshly laid eggs? Welcome to the whimsical world of egg selling, where surplus meets chicken debt—an all-too-familiar tale for many first-time chicken owners! With your Mystic Onyx girls laying eggs in all shapes and sizes, it’s time to figure out how to price them without feeling like you’re in a fowl play situation. While you may be tempted to go cheap due to their quirky dimensions, striking a balance is key. Should you wash those eggs or keep them unwashed? Fear not! The answers are just a cluck away. For more insights, check out our article "How do you preserve the quality of your eggs?" for tips on keeping your egg game strong!

Sour crop????
chickens

Sour crop????

Oh no, it sounds like your young poullet might be dealing with a case of sour crop! This condition can happen when her crop isn't emptying properly, leading to that water balloon feeling and those watery droppings. It’s essential to act quickly, especially since you've already experienced the heartbreak of losing a chicken. You might want to consider offering her some apple cider vinegar in her water to help balance things out, but make sure to consult a vet for the best treatment. Remember, you’re not alone in this chicken adventure—check out our article on "Met some chickens with attitude" for a lighthearted distraction and community support! Keep an eye on your feathered friend; we’re rooting for her recovery!

My sweet little bantam
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

My sweet little bantam

Meet Finn, short for Chicken Finnger, your charming little bantam! This feathered friend was rescued from Tractor Supply, and you might be wondering about his gender. With his vibrant red coloring compared to his pals, you’re on the right track in assuming he’s a roo. Roosters often flaunt their vivid hues as they strut their stuff! If you’re curious to dive deeper into the delightful world of chicken gender surprises, check out our article, "What do you do if a 'pullet' turns out to be a rooster and you absolutely can’t keep roosters?" Join the fun and share your chicken adventures with us—there’s always room for more cluck-tastic stories in our community!

Upgraded to hardware cloth
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

Upgraded to hardware cloth

Upgrading to hardware cloth is a cluck-tastic way to boost your chicken coop’s security! After three years of relying on chicken wire, which has kept our feathered friends safe from predators, I decided to make this change for the long haul. While I haven’t suffered any losses, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to our beloved birds. Hardware cloth offers stronger protection and peace of mind, ensuring that my flock can roam without a worry. If you’re contemplating similar upgrades, you might also enjoy our article "Unexpected frizzled chick," which dives into the surprises that come with raising chickens. Join the conversation and let’s keep our flocks safe and sound together!

Yolko - Nest in Peace
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

Yolko - Nest in Peace

Meet Yolko, the once-bullied hen who transformed into a nurturing leader of the flock. Six years ago, she came into our lives alongside her partner, Clementine, and I must admit, she didn’t start off as my favorite. However, as Clem's health declined, Yolko revealed a sweet and protective side that melted my heart. After Clementine's passing, Yolko matured into a confident head hen, guiding her flock—especially Drizzle—with kindness, save for the occasional playful peck. Her “Yolko yolks” were always a delight, producing large, tasty eggs that became a favorite in our kitchen. It’s hard to believe that this spirited, friendly chicken is now gone. As we say goodbye, we remember her legacy: a true feathered friend. Nest in peace, Yolko.

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

What do you do if a “pullet” turns out to be a rooster and you absolutely can’t keep roosters?

Hey there, fellow chicken enthusiasts! It sounds like you’re gearing up for an egg-citing adventure with your new feathered friends! However, if one of your “pullets” surprises you by crowing like a rooster, don’t panic! Mistakes can happen, even with the best hatcheries. Planning ahead is a cluck-tastic approach! Many first-time owners have faced this dilemma, and rehoming can be a bit of a journey. Some have successfully found new homes through local farms, feed stores, or even online communities. If you're curious about the rehoming process, check out our article, "Anyone in Northeast Georgia want a rooster?" for real-life experiences. Remember, while it’s tough to part with a feathered friend, you’re not alone in this quirky chicken caper!

chickens

Dual purpose birds

Hey y’all! It’s been a cluck-tastic journey for my husband and me as we’ve shifted from our original plans of breeding dual purpose birds to raising and selling Cornish crosses. Our customers rave about the delicious meat, and we’re loving it too! But we can’t help but circle back to the reasons we wanted dual purpose birds in the first place. We’re considering offering both Cornish crosses and Freedom Rangers, along with our Barred Rock eggs, to give our customers more choices. The big question is: will they notice a difference in flavor or texture? I’d love to hear your thoughts, especially since you don’t get a lecture on sustainable farming when you pop into the grocery store!

Chicken Leg Tags
chickens

Chicken Leg Tags

Hey there, fellow chicken enthusiast! Welcome to the delightful world of naming your feathered friends—what a cluck-tastic adventure you’re embarking on! With your 11 Rock Island hens, you’re bound to discover their unique personalities, especially since a few have distinct markings. Using leg tags is a brilliant idea for tracking their health and wellness, and yes, they’re often called leg bands. You can find them in a rainbow of colors to match each bird’s fabulous personality! Speaking of quirky chicken antics, you might enjoy our article, "Caught the neighborhood snack thief red-handed..." for a hearty laugh. Best of luck with your girls, and don’t hesitate to share your naming ideas—we’d love to hear them!

chickens

Getting chickens to go into the coop

Getting your chickens to cozy up in the coop can sometimes feel like a feathered mystery! With 16 lovely ladies taking turns being the boss and a crew of 7 new chicks just hitting their teenage phase, it’s understandable that introducing them might come with a few hiccups. After all, those little ones seem to prefer hanging out under the coop rather than making their way to the warmth inside. You’ve put in the effort, even giving them a gentle nudge by picking them up and placing them at the door, but they still seem to be chickening out! If this sounds familiar, don’t fret—you’re not alone in this coop conundrum.

Everyone's favorite game🤣 hen or roo?
chickens

Everyone's favorite game🤣 hen or roo?

Get ready to put your chicken-guessing skills to the test with everyone's favorite game—Hen or Roo? In this delightful showdown, we have a silver-laced Wyandotte on the left and a large fowl Cochin on the right, both strutting their stuff at just six weeks old! Can you tell which one is the charming hen and which one is the dashing rooster? Share your guesses and join the fun! While you're at it, check out another feathered friend story, "TJ got a pool upgrade this year," submitted by u/SatanikRaccoon. It’s cluck-tastic to see how our poultry pals make a splash in their lives! Dive into the comments and let’s see who can crack the code of these adorable chicks!

Our New Additions
chickens

Our New Additions

Get ready to cluck with excitement, because we have some fabulous new additions to share, submitted by the delightful u/CarolinaCoops! Whether you're a seasoned chicken enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the world of feathered friends, this post is sure to tickle your funny bone and warm your heart. From the charming quirks of our beloved birds to the antics that leave us in stitches, there's plenty to enjoy. And if you're in the mood for more chicken shenanigans, be sure to check out the article “Caught the neighborhood snack thief red-handed…” — it’ll have you laughing out loud! Dive in and join the clucky conversation!

Why is my chicken yawning?
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

Why is my chicken yawning?

Have you ever caught your bantam chicken yawning and thought, "Is she tired or just bored?" Well, you’re not alone! At around eight weeks old, your feathered friend is still growing and discovering the world, and yawning can be a perfectly normal behavior for chickens. It could simply be a sign that she’s relaxed or just waking up from a cozy nap. However, if you notice any other unusual behaviors or signs of distress, it might be worth keeping a closer eye on her. For more insights into your chicken’s quirky antics, check out "Unexpected frizzled chick," where fellow enthusiasts share their delightful experiences with their own feathery companions. Remember, every day with chickens is an egg-citing adventure!

What is this chick doing?
chickens

What is this chick doing?

Ever found yourself scratching your head, wondering, “What is this chick doing?” You’re not alone! Chickens are quirky little creatures, and their behaviors can sometimes leave us perplexed. Whether it’s an odd dance, a peculiar peck, or a sudden burst of energy, these feathered friends have a way of keeping us on our toes. If your chick has been acting a bit off or just plain silly, don’t worry—we’re here to help unravel the mystery! Plus, if you're curious about chicken breeds and their unique traits, check out our article "In your opinion, what’s the best chicken breed and WHY?" for some egg-citing insights! Let’s dive into the wonderful world of chick behavior together!

Day 337 of drawing 1 chicken per day
chickens

Day 337 of drawing 1 chicken per day

Welcome to Day 337 of my chicken-drawing adventure! As I inch closer to a full year of sketching one chicken a day, I can confidently say this might be my favorite creation yet! What started as a project to teach my kids the value of persistence has blossomed into a delightful lunchtime ritual at work. Each drawing is inspired by the amazing photos shared in our backyard chicken group—thank you all for the cluck-tastic inspiration! While I may not have the most refined talent, I’ve been grinding away, and I’m proud of my progress. If you’re interested in more chicken fun, check out “Morning Mom, another busy day” for some delightful insights! 😁

chickens

How do you preserve the quality of your eggs?

Are you ready to embark on an egg-citing journey to preserve the quality of your beloved eggs? Whether you're stocking up for a weekend brunch or simply want to ensure your feathered friends' hard work doesn’t go to waste, there are plenty of ways to keep those eggs fresh and fabulous! One popular method is to store them in a chiller at the right temperature, but let's crack open a few more ideas together! We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences, so don’t be shy about sharing. And if you’re curious about your little ones, check out “Everyone's favorite game🤣 hen or roo?” for a fun exploration of your growing flock. Let’s get clucking on preserving those egg-cellent treasures!

Any guesses on their breed?
chickens

Any guesses on their breed?

Have you ever found yourself scratching your head over your chickens’ true breed? That’s exactly what our friend, u/lemon_candybar, is experiencing! Initially told they were Black Sex-Links, they quickly dismissed that notion when these feathery friends didn’t match up. As time passed, they leaned towards thinking they might be Black Australorps, but now, a year in, they’re left puzzled by their unique dark brown plumage. Are they simply a mixed breed? If you’ve faced similar poultry mysteries, dive into this cluck-tastic discussion! And if you want to share in the fun, check out our article “Caught the neighborhood snack thief red-handed…” for more whimsical chicken antics! Let’s unravel this chicken conundrum together!

Unexpected frizzled chick.
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

Unexpected frizzled chick.

Hey there, chicken enthusiasts! It looks like our friend Happy-Emphasis5231 has stumbled upon an egg-citing surprise with their new batch of chicks. While expecting standard feathered friends from a reputable breeder, they found an unexpected frizzled chick instead! This raises some clucking questions: How did those quirky feathers come about, and is it a cause for concern? Fear not, frizzled feathers can add a delightful twist to your flock, and who knows—it might be the start of a fabulous frizzled Easteregger trend! If you're curious about the potential of these unique birds, check out our article "My sweet little bantam" for more fun insights into the colorful world of chickens. Let’s dive into this feathered mystery together!

Have you ever seen a black copper maran rooster like mine?(white on feathers)
chickens

Have you ever seen a black copper maran rooster like mine?(white on feathers)

Have you ever spotted a black copper Maran rooster like mine, with those eye-catching white tail feathers? I’ve scoured the internet for images and come up empty-handed, leaving me to wonder if my feathered friend is truly one-of-a-kind. The unique blend of colors makes me feel like I’ve struck gold in the chicken world! If you’re a fellow chicken enthusiast or simply appreciate the quirks of our feathered friends, I invite you to join the conversation. Let’s share our experiences and thoughts on the fascinating traits of different chicken breeds. Plus, if you're curious about chickens with attitude, check out “Met some chickens with attitude” submitted by /u/No_Performance_746 for some cluck-tastic tales!

chickens

I assume this is scaley leg?

Is that scaley leg we're seeing in these three chickens? It’s a common concern among chicken keepers, especially when our feathered friends start showing signs of discomfort. Chickens No. 1 and 3, with their feathery legs, might have you wondering if scaley leg is still lurking underneath those lovely plumage. While scaley leg can affect any chicken, it often presents itself in specific ways. If you’re curious about this condition, you're not alone! For more insights into unusual chicken behaviors, check out the article "Woke up to one of my girls like this... 😢," where a concerned owner shares about her chicken's strange sitting habits. Let’s dive into the world of chicken health and see what we can discover together!