chickens

chickens on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 3117 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.

Here is my little buddy.
chickens

Here is my little buddy.

## Meet This Adorable New Friend! Just look at this little buddy, submitted by /u/TraditionOverall1412! We’re absolutely cluck-tastic about these heartwarming submissions, proving that the joy (and occasional chaos) of raising chickens truly unites us. Whether you’re a seasoned poultry pro or just starting to appreciate the feathered fun, seeing these sweet faces is always a treat. It’s clear that chicken companionship is egg-citing, and we love sharing these moments with our community. If you’re curious about the complexities of raising certain breeds, you might find our article, "Satin silkie - salmon faverole hybrid," particularly insightful—it tackles the unique challenge of sexing silkies, a common concern for many! Share your own chicken stories and photos with us – we can’t wait to see them!

Look at my Brahma roos, already 3-months old!
chickens

Look at my Brahma roos, already 3-months old!

Feast your eyes on these magnificent Brahma roosters, already strutting their stuff at three months old! Submitted by /u/joyprotyn, this post is a cluck-tastic showcase of feathered beauty. We love seeing your growing flocks – it’s egg-citing to witness the progress! This post joins a lively discussion already underway on our site, with members sharing their own chicken journeys. If you're considering adding to your own coop, perhaps you'd find some inspiration (and helpful advice!) in /u/theapollofarm’s post, “My Sonali breed chicks”: Can Anyone Guess their age? Keep those photos and questions coming – let’s build a community of chicken enthusiasts, even those who occasionally “chicken out” when a rooster gives them the side-eye!

A handsome prince I met out and about yesterday
chickens

A handsome prince I met out and about yesterday

## A Royal Encounter: Prince Charming Spotted Among the Clucking! Yesterday brought a cluck-tastic surprise! We received a delightful submission from /u/Opethfan91 detailing a chance encounter with a handsome prince – yes, *a prince* – spotted out and about. The story is charming, and we’re egg-cited to share it with you. It’s a reminder that even amidst the feathered chaos of chicken keeping, life can deliver unexpected moments of regal delight. This submission joins a growing collection of user stories showcasing the wonderfully unpredictable nature of life with chickens. Speaking of unpredictable, you might enjoy /u/gcalfred7’s hilarious tale of a rooster dictating parking arrangements – a true case of fowl play! Read the full story and share your own experiences with us.

Anyone have experience with this coop?
chickens

Anyone have experience with this coop?

So, you're eyeing a PVC/metal coop for your three feathered friends – cluck-tastic choice, especially with that sale! Prefab coops can be a bit of a gamble, though, and we get the hesitation. It’s smart to be thinking ahead about predator-proofing and extending that run – a happy hen is a secure hen! The housing size *does* sound promising for three ladies. Many of our community members have faced similar decisions, and their insights are invaluable. Check out the discussion unfolding below—it's a real egg-splosion of experience! For a slightly different perspective on unexpected egg surprises, you might also find our article, "Anyone feel like peanuts?", a fun read. Let's hear what folks have to say about this coop!

Help
chickens

Help

Okay, here's an introduction, crafted to meet all the specified guidelines, aiming for quotability and clarity: *** Feeling lost and cluck-stuck after a vet visit without answers? You’re not alone! /u/rbmartin26 is seeking guidance on what might be happening with their chicken, and we're here to lend a feather. It's frustrating when you're facing a chicken conundrum and the usual experts can’t pinpoint the issue. Don't chick-en out—our community thrives on shared experiences and troubleshooting. We understand the worry and uncertainty. You've come to the right place to connect with fellow chicken enthusiasts who may have encountered similar situations.

Had to Pay the Chicken Tax Today
chickens

Had to Pay the Chicken Tax Today

## Had to Pay the Chicken Tax Today - A Fowl Financial Update! Sometimes, feathered friends come with unexpected costs! /u/CartographerLess3945 recently shared a cluck-tastic (and slightly frustrating) experience navigating the “chicken tax” – those sometimes-surprising fees associated with keeping our beloved birds. It’s a reminder that chicken keeping isn’t *always* egg-cellent, and even seasoned enthusiasts encounter unexpected expenses. This post sparked a lively discussion in the comments, and we’re diving in to share the details. Curious about the broader world of chicken-related quirks? Check out /u/_Jumpy_Panda_'s charming account of a windy day spent with indoor chickens – a sweet reminder of the joys (and occasional chaos) of chicken ownership. Read the full submission and join the conversation [link]!

chickens

Prolapsed vent

chickens

One of my chickens just died from the heat

Losing a beloved chicken is heartbreaking, and we’re so sorry for your loss. It’s completely understandable to feel down, especially when your feathered friends are truly part of the family—as they clearly are for you. Dealing with grief while facing the public at work is incredibly tough, and we send our deepest condolences to you and your family, particularly your little one. Five chickens is still a flock, and each one leaves a unique void. With temperatures soaring to 105+ degrees daily, keeping your remaining chickens cool is paramount. You're already doing a great job with fans, water, and shade! You might also explore evaporative cooling methods. For more quirky insights into chicken care, check out our article, "she's so....

Can’t Park Here Mate!
chickens

Can’t Park Here Mate!

## When Your Rooster Directs Traffic: A Parking Predicament! Ever come home to find your feathered friends have other plans? /u/gcalfred7 certainly did! Their rooster apparently had some very specific parking instructions, leading to a delightfully chaotic situation. We’ve all been there – or at least, we’ve all *imagined* the absurdity of a chicken overlord dictating our lives. This submission perfectly captures the quirky, unpredictable nature of chicken ownership. It’s a cluck-tastic reminder that even the most mundane tasks can be turned into fowl play when you share your space with these feathered comedians. Speaking of unexpected chicken expenses, check out /u/CartographerLess3945’s recent post, "Had to Pay the Chicken Tax Today," for another egg-citing glimpse into the realities of backyard poultry keeping.

chickens

What can a rooster eat from my kitchen?

## So, Your Rooster's Become a Houseguest? What Can He Eat From Your Kitchen? A rogue rooster staking out territory in your HOA? We get it – it’s cluck-tasticly weird! You're likely wondering if you can offer a little kitchen kindness to your feathered friend without a trip to the feed store. While bugs and worms are a rooster's staple diet, supplementing with safe kitchen scraps is perfectly fine. Think leftover cooked veggies (no onions or avocados!), grains like rice or oats, and even bits of fruit. Just avoid salty, sugary, or processed foods. He's probably quite the adventurer, as showcased in our recent piece, "A handsome prince I met out and about yesterday," where a reader shared a similar unexpected encounter!

chickens

where can I take chickens I can't raise?

Biters
chickens

Biters

## Chicken Chompers: Dealing with Biting Behavior So, you've got chickens with a *cluck-tastic* attitude – and a penchant for nibbling (or worse!). /u/Embarrassed-Gap7803 is experiencing this firsthand after six years of raising feathered friends, including a recent run-in with some Plymouths exhibiting surprisingly aggressive behavior. It's a common, albeit unsettling, challenge: chickens, especially when feeling threatened or asserting dominance, can resort to bites. From knee-jerk reactions to "air jail," they’ve tried various methods with limited success. The key seems to be understanding that this behavior often mirrors their interactions with each other. If you're seeing squaring-off and puffed-up feathers, it's likely a display of dominance. While long pants and gloves offer immediate protection, the question remains: is there a deeper solution?

chickens

Is permanent marker safe to use to mark the date on eggs?

## Permanent Marker on Eggs: A Cluck-tastic Question! So, you're wondering if slapping a date on your eggs with a permanent marker is a good idea? The short answer: probably not! While it *seems* like a simple solution, permanent markers contain chemicals that *could* potentially leach into the eggshell, especially as it sits. We're not saying it's a guaranteed health hazard, but it's best to err on the side of caution with your feathered friends’ bounty. Luckily, there are egg-cellent alternatives! A food-safe pen, like those designed for cake decorating, is a much better choice. You can also use a sharpie *on the carton*, not the egg itself. Want to dive deeper into raising healthy chicks?

Cashew eats a dorito
chickens

Cashew eats a dorito

## Cashew's Chip Craving: A Moment of Fowl Play! Hold onto your hats, folks – and maybe cover your Doritos! Witness the cluck-tastic chaos as Cashew, one of our feathered friends at Peckington Square, indulges in a decidedly *unconventional* snack. Yes, we know chickens shouldn’t be munching on cheesy goodness, LOL, but sometimes you just have to appreciate the absurdity. (Watch with sound on – it's a bit loud!) This unexpected moment perfectly captures the quirky, unpredictable nature of chicken life, proving that even our most diligent layers have a mischievous side. For a deeper dive into the daily happenings at Peckington Square, check out our 24/7 livestream cam!

Satin silkie - salmon faverole hybrid.
chickens

Satin silkie - salmon faverole hybrid.

## Decoding the Satin Silkie-Salmon Faverole Hybrid: A Breeding Puzzle Ever wrestled with the timing of sexing chicks? /u/Zviratkachovam certainly has! Their quest to combine the fluffy charm of Satin Silkies with the rapid sexing ability of Salmon Faveroles has yielded a fascinating, albeit complex, result. Initial crosses produced a mix of black chicks and lighter-colored ones, with intriguing hints of Faverole roo markings in some. The question now is: can crossing one of those lighter, potentially male, chicks back to a Silkie increase the chances of producing a coveted salmon-colored Silkie? This breeding experiment highlights the challenges of hybridizing for specific traits. For a deeper dive into the joys (and rapid growth!) of Silkie roosters, check out our article, "Nimbus the Silkie Roo.

They are so 🥰🥰🥰🥰
chickens

They are so 🥰🥰🥰🥰

## A Windy Day & Indoor Chickens! 🐔🏠 Oh, the chaos! Yesterday’s blustery weather meant our feathered friends needed a cozy indoor retreat – and that retreat happened to be /u/_Jumpy_Panda_'s room! 🥰🥰🥰🥰 We’ve all been there, right? Sometimes, even chicken enthusiasts need a little shelter from the storm. It’s a cluck-tastic reminder that even the most independent chickens appreciate a warm, safe haven. This situation sparked a flurry of delightful (and slightly mad) energy, and we’re loving seeing the shared experiences unfold. For a deeper dive into the vibrant lives of our flock, check out the "Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam" – you might just find yourself captivated by their antics!

chickens

How to help her figure out nesting boxes?

## The Case of the Capstone Egg-Layer: Helping a Hen Find Her Nest So, you've got a chicken who's staging an egg-laying rebellion? It’s a cluck-tastic problem, but a cracked egg is *never* ideal! Many keepers encounter a hen who stubbornly prefers a different spot – like those lovely capstone blocks – despite readily available nesting boxes. It's comical, yes, but protecting those precious eggs is key. While some hens eventually come around, a little intervention can help. We'll explore strategies to encourage her nesting box behavior, from subtle nudges to more direct approaches, so you can avoid the heartbreak (and mess!) of cracked eggs. If you're also struggling with rehoming chickens, our article "where can I take chickens I can't raise?

Mystery Chicks
chickens

Mystery Chicks

## Unraveling Your Mystery Chicks! Got a cluck-tastic conundrum? You're not alone! Many chicken keepers find themselves puzzling over the identities of their new feathered friends, especially when sourced from places like Tractor Supply. /u/Sudden-Music29 is seeking our community’s expertise in identifying four young chicks exhibiting creamy white down, yellow legs and beaks, four toes, and distinctive gray head spots. One chick stands out with more white and less patterning than the others. With pea or straight combs (still developing!), and gray wing/tail markings, these chicks present a fascinating puzzle. Let's put our collective chicken knowledge to work and crack this case! For a similar exploration of identifying unique breeds, check out our article, "Satin silkie - salmon faverole hybrid.

chickens

Repaired

A truly cluck-tastic recovery! Witnessing chicken injuries can be unsettling, but our community consistently demonstrates remarkable resourcefulness. User /u/core369147 recently shared a detailed account of repairing a chick’s wound—likely the result of a territorial scuffle—using a saline wash, careful skin stretching, and a touch of super glue secured with medical tape to deter pesky mosquitos. This 20-week update highlights the dedication it takes to care for our feathered friends. For more heartwarming chicken tales, check out /u/Opethfan91’s charming story, "A handsome prince I met out and about yesterday." It’s a testament to the unique personalities that make chicken keeping such an egg-citing adventure!

chickens

Looking for Help Running a Poultry Forum

## Calling All Chicken Connoisseurs! Seeking Forum Leaders Our cluck-tastic poultry forum, egggcellntpoultry.proboards.com, is seeking enthusiastic individuals to join our feathered flock! We’re on the hunt for both active Moderators and an experienced Admin to help cultivate a welcoming and engaging space for chicken lovers of all levels. No prior moderation experience is necessary for Moderators – we’re happy to provide training! An interest in poultry is, of course, a definite plus. Admin candidates, however, *do* need proven experience managing online communities. Regular activity and consistent posting are key to keeping the forum vibrant. Interested in helping us build a thriving community? Comment below or send a message!

Nimbus the Silkie Roo
chickens

Nimbus the Silkie Roo

she's so.... ~green~
chickens

she's so.... ~green~

## The Great Green Chicken Mystery: What's Behind the Emerald Hue? A curious phenomenon has emerged in the chicken-keeping community: chickens turning green! User /u/beroisgreen sparked a lively discussion with a post detailing this unusual coloration, achieved using pet-safe food dye. While the visual is undeniably striking – think *evil fat chickens* rendered in vibrant green – it begs the question: is this harmless fun or something to be concerned about? We're diving into this *cluck-tastic* situation, exploring the science (or lack thereof) behind dyed chickens and offering guidance on responsible practices. For those already contemplating coop design, you might find our discussion on "Anyone have experience with this coop?

My Sonali breed chicks
chickens

My Sonali breed chicks

## My Sonali Breed Chicks - Can Anyone Guess Their Age? Feathered friends, we’ve got a cluck-tastic challenge for you! We’re showcasing our adorable Sonali breed chicks and hoping our community’s collective chicken wisdom can help us solve a little mystery. These fluffy bundles of joy are growing up fast, but pinpointing their exact age has us scratching our heads – and occasionally chickening out of a definitive guess! Take a peek at the photos and let us know what you think. Are they peeping youngsters or nearly ready to lay egg-citingly fresh eggs? Share your best estimates in the comments below!

chickens

I want to buy a cochinchina as my first chicken

So, you’re clucking with excitement about getting your first chicken – a Cochinchin, no less! That's egg-citing! With a family of four consuming around 4 eggs daily, let's figure out the flock size for you. We generally recommend starting with at least three chickens to ensure a consistent egg supply and provide them with the social interaction they crave. Three Cochins should comfortably meet your family's needs, and give you a few extra for baking or sharing. As a new chicken owner, prioritize a secure coop, predator-proofing, and daily health checks. Don't underestimate the importance of a dust bath area – it's chicken spa time! If you're encountering unexpected chicken behavior, our article "Help: What's happening with my chicken?" offers insights into troubleshooting common issues.