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.

Saying a painful goodbye to my flock
Today marks a bittersweet chapter in my life as I grapple with the painful decision to say goodbye to my beloved flock. My journey with chickens began in childhood, where their antics offered a reprieve from life’s troubles. After years of feeling lost in anxiety and despair, a chance encounter with a striking rooster reignited that joy, prompting me to bring chickens back into my world. However, the harsh reality of predators in my area has forced me to confront the impossible: I can't ensure their safety. With a heavy heart, I’ve decided to sell my hens and end my flock, focusing on my future. I hold onto the hope that one day, I’ll create a safe haven for these feathered friends once again.

Best Friends !
Get ready for a cluck-tastic adventure in "Best Friends!"—a delightful exploration of the quirky bond between humans and their feathered friends. Submitted by the ever-intriguing u/xxoblivionxd, this piece dives into the whimsical world of chicken companionship, where laughter and vulnerability coexist. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or a casual chicken enthusiast, you’ll find relatable moments and humorous anecdotes that make you appreciate the joys (and occasional chaos) of having chickens in your life. With its playful tone and engaging storytelling, "Best Friends!" invites you to embrace the delightful madness of chicken ownership while fostering a community of fellow chicken lovers. So, prepare to chuckle, nod in agreement, and maybe even cluck along as you read!

Chickens going outside 7-8 weeks
Congratulations on your new feathered friends! At almost 8 weeks old, your chickens are likely well on their way to being fully feathered, which means they can handle those chilly Michigan nights—especially if temperatures dip to around 35 degrees. While a heating lamp may seem like a cozy option, it’s great that you’re thinking about acclimating them to the outdoors without relying on heat. If they’ve been enjoying some outside time in their run, they’re already getting used to the fresh air! Just keep an eye on them during those colder evenings—if they seem uncomfortable, you can always bring them inside for a night or two. Remember, it’s all about finding that cluck-tastic balance for your flock!

She’s practicing for the 2028 LA Olympics... rate her routine! 🏅🦖
Meet my Buff Orpington, the feathered diva of the backyard, who’s convinced she’s training for the 2028 LA Olympics! 🏅 With a balance score of 10/10 and fluffiness that’s off the charts at 100/10, she struts her stuff like a pro. The landing? Well... let’s just say we’re still perfecting that little detail! 😂 It’s a sight to behold, watching her navigate her “tightrope” like a true performer. Does anyone else share this quirky experience with a hen who thinks she’s auditioning for the circus, or is it just a SoCal phenomenon? ☀️👯♀️ Join me in celebrating our feathered friends and their hilarious antics! Let’s hear your chicken tales in the comments!
Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam
Welcome to the Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam, your front-row seat to the cluck-tastic antics of our feathered friends! Whether you’re a seasoned poultry enthusiast or just someone who finds joy in the delightful chaos of chickens, this livestream is egg-citingly perfect for you. Tune in anytime to watch our quirky flock strut, peck, and engage in their daily shenanigans. From hilarious chicken chases to the occasional fowl play, there’s never a dull moment! Join our community of fellow chicken lovers, share your thoughts, and let’s embrace the whimsical world of poultry together. Get ready to laugh, learn, and maybe even overcome a little apprehension about these charming cluckers. Happy watching!

Help! Redness to the face!
Oh no, a little feathered friend is feeling under the weather! As a first-time chicken owner, noticing redness on your hen’s face can be concerning, especially when she’s scratching at it. While it’s great to hear that your flock gets along well, this could be a sign of pesky mites or even ant bites. Don’t fret—there are simple ways to help her out! First, check her surroundings for any signs of pests. A gentle cleanse with warm water can soothe the irritation, and you might want to consider a safe, natural treatment for mites if that’s the culprit. Let’s dive into what you can do to make your chicken feel cluck-tastic again and keep those feathered friends happy and healthy!
Chicken walking like a penguin
Meet Elvis, a charming hen with a personality as distinctive as her name! This 1-2 year-old feathered friend has recently developed a quirky new way of moving—she's waddling around like a penguin! While this amusing sight might bring a smile, it’s not all fun and games, as her fellow hens have started to peck at her, prompting a rescue mission indoors. Although Elvis appears to be in good spirits and maintains a clean appearance, her new waddle raises questions. What could be causing this change in her gait? Is it a temporary quirk or something more concerning? Let’s dive into the mystery of Elvis’s penguin strut and share insights to help this clucky gal feel her best again!
Squirrels... ugh.
Squirrels—those bushy-tailed bandits—can really test our patience, especially when it comes to protecting our beloved chickens! While I’m crossing my fingers that these furry foes aren’t eyeing your feathered friends, their penchant for digging can create more than just a few holes in your coop’s defenses. It sounds like you’ve put in a solid effort with hardware cloth and cement blocks, but those persistent critters always seem to find a way around our best-laid plans. If you’re feeling a bit lost in the battle against these furry invaders, fear not! In this lively discussion, let’s share some cluck-tastic tips and tricks to keep those squirrels at bay and ensure your coop remains a safe haven for your chickens. Your insights and experiences are welcome!

chicken who has been limping and laying eggs with no shell laid this. she's very sluggish please help
Oh no, it sounds like your feathered friend is having a rough time! A limping chicken that’s laying eggs without shells can be a cause for concern. Sluggishness and limping might indicate a health issue, and those shell-less eggs—yikes!—could point to calcium deficiency or other nutritional problems. Chickens are pretty resilient, but they also need our TLC to bounce back. It’s essential to assess her diet, check for any injuries, and possibly consult a vet to get to the bottom of this situation. Remember, your chicken depends on you for care and support. Let’s get to clucking about how to help her feel better and back to her lively self again!

Midnight majesty marans ~6 weeks old, 2 roosters?
Hey there, fellow chicken enthusiast! It sounds like you’ve got a bit of a cluck-tastrophe on your hands with your three Midnight Majesty Marans. At six weeks old, those feathered friends can be tricky to identify, especially when combs haven’t yet revealed their secrets. The short wing feathers and lack of tail feathers in two of your chicks could very well indicate they're roosters, as males tend to show these traits earlier. Since you can’t have roosters in your city, it’s wise to plan ahead—better safe than sorry! Let’s dive into the chicken chat and see if we can unravel this feathered mystery together. TIA for sharing your journey with us!

First time chicken owner and I gotta say these guys are adorable
As a first-time chicken owner, I can confidently say these feathered friends are absolutely adorable! From their quirky personalities to their soft, fluffy feathers, chickens bring a unique charm to any backyard. Watching them waddle around, pecking at the ground and sharing their silly antics, is a delightful experience that never fails to brighten my day. Of course, there are moments of clucking chaos that can leave you in stitches, reminding you just how unpredictable these lovely creatures can be. Whether you're considering adding chickens to your family or simply enjoy their antics from afar, there's no denying that these little bundles of joy have a way of capturing our hearts. Join me on this egg-citing adventure into the world of chickens!

what do i do? whats wrong?
Welcome to the whimsical world of chicken parenting! It sounds like you’re navigating quite the adventure with your new feathered friends. First off, it's completely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed—chickens can be quirky and unpredictable! The bigger chicken’s lack of eggs could be due to several factors, like her adjustment to a new environment or diet changes. Diarrhea might signal a dietary issue, especially with the feed situation you mentioned. Worms are a tasty treat, but moderation is key! Keep an eye on her behavior, especially her tail position, as it can indicate her mood. Don't worry; you're not alone in this journey, and there’s a vibrant community ready to share tips and support. Let’s get clucking on some solutions!

How much my eggs cost all in - $156/dozen LOL
Ever wondered how much it really costs to keep your own chickens for egg production? Well, let me cluck you in on a little secret: it’s about $156 per dozen! Now, before you start chickening out, let me assure you this is slightly tongue-in-cheek. People often ask if raising chickens saves money, and I wanted to share my experience in a light-hearted way. Mind you, I’ve only been tracking my egg production for a week, so at this rate, it looks like I’ll break even in about five years—talk about a long game! Join me on this whimsical journey of chicken-keeping, where humor meets reality, and let’s see if those feathered friends are worth the investment!

Curious about outside!
It sounds like you’re on the brink of an exciting adventure with your feathered friends! With the coop set to be finished this weekend and temperatures hovering in the 40s and 50s, it seems like the perfect time to let your chickens stretch their wings outside. While 37°F might feel a bit chilly, your leghorns are generally pretty resilient. If they’ve been cozy in a 60°F basement, a gradual transition could help them adapt. However, if you’re worried about the cold snap, waiting a week might be wise to ensure they’re comfortable. Just think of all the cluck-tastic memories you’ll make once they’re finally outside! Whatever you decide, it’s clear that this chicken momma is ready for some outdoor fun.

Meet my chickie coven
Welcome to my chickie coven, where feathered friends reign supreme! As a first-time chicken parent and proud flock leader, I’m thrilled to introduce you to my quirky crew of six. Meet my three Dominique divas: Nancy of the Winged Eyeliner, the boss with beauty to match; Lottie Shadow Queen, our goth grrrrrl with a flair for the dramatic; and Ursula the Masked Bandit, here to steal hearts with her charm. Then we have the three Cinnamon Queens: Glam Golden Glinda, who insists on no autographs; Willow Will O’Wisp, the mysterious beauty who prefers no touching; and sweet Winnifred, kissed by an angel on her head. Join me on this cluck-tastic adventure filled with laughter, love, and a little bit of madness!

Please help - is this egg ok?
Oh, the egg-citement and anxiety of hatching day! It sounds like you’re in quite the cluck-tastrophe, and we totally get it—losing eggs can feel like a real heartbreaker, especially when your students are counting on those little miracles. A dark egg on day 26 could mean a few things, and it’s natural to feel a mix of hope and worry right now. Let’s work together to figure out if your feathered friend is just about ready to make its grand entrance or if it’s time to face the egg-citing reality of an unviable egg. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and we’re here to help you navigate these tricky times with your classroom’s favorite hatchlings!

Help! My chicken keeps scratching her face raw
Oh no, it sounds like your feathered friend is having a bit of a rough time! When a chicken starts scratching her face raw, it can be concerning, especially for a new chicken tender like yourself. First things first, let’s breathe easy—mites aren’t the only culprits behind such behaviors. Chickens can scratch for various reasons, including allergies, irritation, or even boredom. Observing that she blinks frequently on one side may indicate discomfort, so it’s essential to take a closer look. In this cluck-tastic journey of chicken care, you’re not alone! Let’s dive into some possible solutions to help your chicken feel better and keep her from chickening out on her playful antics. Your concern shows you're a caring chicken tender already!

This is our first time with chickens!
Welcome to our cluck-tastic adventure into the world of chickens! Meet our feathered friends—who are currently cozying up in our garage while we figure out this whole chicken-keeping thing. We might be winging it, but we’ve consulted a few chicken experts to ensure the girls have everything they need: food, clean water, and warmth. We’re also in the process of building a super-secure coop to keep those pesky predators like coyotes, foxes, and raccoons at bay. As we navigate this new chapter in coastal NC, our kids can’t help but shower the chickens with love (and kisses). Here’s hoping they don’t catch any chicken-related germs! Join us on this egg-citing journey as we learn, laugh, and cluck our way through chicken ownership!
Is this hormones or something more sinister.
Have you ever had a feathered friend go completely bonkers? One Easter Egger has returned after a mysterious absence, and she’s acting like she’s just discovered a secret stash of bath salts! Darting around, puffing up like a proud tom turkey, and screeching at everything in sight, she’s got the entire flock in a tizzy. It’s not every day you see a chicken acting neurologic, especially after disappearing for so long. With a small line of woods behind the house, there’s a chance she was off laying eggs or perhaps having an adventure of her own. Is this behavior just the antics of a super broody hen, or could there be something more sinister at play? Let’s dive into the cluck-tastic chaos!

Just wanted to show my 6 day old silkies☺️
Meet the adorable six-day-old silkies submitted by our feathered friend, /u/Live_Committee_9491! These fluffy little bundles of joy are not just a feast for the eyes; they’re a delightful blend of charm and chaos that perfectly embodies the whimsical world of chickens. Silkies are known for their unique, fluffy plumage and sweet personalities, making them the ultimate feathered companions. Whether you're a seasoned chicken keeper or a curious newcomer, watching these tiny chicks explore their surroundings is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. So, get ready for some cluck-tastic cuteness as we dive into the delightful antics of these silkies. Click the link to see more and join the conversation about these egg-citing little ones!

Party butt?
Party butt, anyone? It seems like my new silkies, shipped from Cackle Hatchery, are all experiencing the same quirky issue—pasty butt! While this condition is relatively common, it's intriguing to see it affect all of them at once. Pasty butt occurs when droppings accumulate around the vent, which can be both uncomfortable for our feathered friends and a bit alarming for us chicken enthusiasts. It’s certainly not the party trick I expected from my silky crew! If you’ve encountered this before or have tips on how to tackle it, I’d love to hear your experiences. Let’s dive into the delightful world of chicken care together and bring some cluck-tastic solutions to this situation!

Double check: are these too small?
Are you diving into the delightful world of all-black Silkies? How egg-citing! It sounds like you've got a charming mix with your Mystic Onyx hens and a Silkie roo. When it comes to the size of the eggs, it's natural to wonder if they're too small for hatching. Generally, Silkie eggs can vary in size, especially when mixed with other breeds. The comparison to a regular-sized egg from a "normal" chicken is helpful, but keep in mind that Silkies are known for their unique quirks. If your girls have just started laying consistently since March or April, it might be worth giving them a little more time. As they mature, their egg size may increase, giving your hatchling dreams a better chance to soar!

Can somebody tell me what’s wrong with this chick?
Hey, fellow chicken enthusiasts! It sounds like you’ve got a little chick in distress, and that's definitely a cluck-tastic concern. With all your other feathered friends thriving, it’s natural to worry when one isn't quite keeping up. Your chick’s closed eyes, wobbly stance, and lack of appetite can be alarming, especially for a first-time chick parent. Luckily, you're not alone in this journey, and there are steps to take to ensure your little one gets back on track. Chirping is a good sign, so let’s explore what might be going on and how you can help. Together, we can figure out this fowl mystery and ensure your chick gets the care it needs—because every little chick deserves a fighting chance!

First chicks of the year <3
Spring has officially sprung, and with it comes the arrival of the first chicks of the year! Submitted by the delightful /u/harmanow, this heartwarming post captures the joy and excitement of welcoming these adorable feathered friends into the world. There's something undeniably magical about watching fluffy little chicks take their first wobbly steps, and this moment is sure to bring a smile to both seasoned chicken enthusiasts and those who might be a bit chicken themselves. Whether you're a proud new parent to these pint-sized peepers or simply an admirer from afar, this post invites you to share in the cluck-tastic joy of new beginnings. Join the conversation and celebrate the egg-citing start of the chick season with us! [link] [comments]