chickens
chickens on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 2943 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.
Sad story but informative
Losing two sweet ladies in such a short time is a heart-wrenching experience for any chicken keeper, especially when they were thriving Copper Marans, just over a year old and laying well. The sudden deaths prompted a trip to the state lab, driven by concerns about bird flu. Thankfully, the results ruled that out, but the diagnosis of Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome was a bitter pill to swallow. This unfortunate condition could likely have been prevented, raising questions about diet choices. While feeding a balanced 16% protein feed supplemented with mealworms and sunflower seeds, it turns out that the high-carb treats, especially cracked corn, may have contributed to this tragedy.
Nacho!
Meet Nacho! – the feathered friend who's as cluck-tastic as they come! Submitted by the delightful /u/maxwutcosmo, Nacho is not just your average chicken; he’s a whirlwind of personality wrapped in feathers. With a penchant for egg-citing adventures and a flair for fowl play, Nacho embodies the quirky spirit that makes chickens both charming and a tad unpredictable. Whether he’s strutting around the yard or engaging in playful antics, this little guy is sure to bring a smile to your face. Join us in celebrating Nacho’s whimsical journey, and perhaps you’ll discover that the love-hate relationship with our feathered friends is truly egg-squisite! Check out the link for an entertaining peek into Nacho’s world and the comments for some clucky discussions!
Chickens attacked by raccoon
Oh no! It sounds like you've found yourself in a tough spot with your feathered friends after a raccoon raid. Losing two chickens is heartbreaking, especially when your son is attached to them. It’s great that you’ve already taken steps to care for the injured birds, like providing warmth, antibiotics, and cleaning their wounds. Chickens are resilient creatures, but they do need extra love and attention after such a traumatic event. While a vet visit can be pricey, there are some home remedies and supportive care practices you can explore. Keeping them comfortable, ensuring they have a clean environment, and monitoring their healing progress is essential. Let’s rally together to share ideas and help your chickens on their road to recovery!
Chickens in cold weather
When it comes to our feathered friends, ensuring they thrive in all seasons is essential, especially during the chilly winter months. Chickens are surprisingly resilient creatures, but they do have their limits when it comes to cold weather. In colder climates, you might notice them seeking refuge indoors, huddling together for warmth like a cozy chicken cuddle party. This behavior raises an intriguing question: can chickens truly be considered free-range if they prefer to stay inside during winter? It’s not about making a judgment, but rather understanding the reality of their lives in harsh conditions. By exploring how chickens adapt to cold weather, we can better appreciate their needs and ensure they enjoy a happy, healthy life, even when the temperatures drop.
I may have stolen a chicken today!
I may have inadvertently stolen a chicken today, and it’s a cluck-tastic tale! Living in a rural area surrounded by neighbors who also have chickens, I’m no stranger to the occasional poultry adventure. While returning home from the store, I spotted one of my neighbor’s ISA browns wandering about 40 yards from her coop. Curious and perhaps a bit mischievous, I couldn’t resist picking her up and returning her to safety. She was surprisingly hefty and incredibly calm—definitely not like my own more skittish hens. As I settled everyone in for the night, I counted 15 instead of my usual 14! Now I’m left wondering which neighbor might be missing their feathered friend and if she'll find her way home in the morning.
Trouble Makers
Ah, the delightful chaos of enjoying a nice day with our feathered friends! In “Trouble Makers - Enjoying a nice day,” we dive into the whimsical world where chickens reign supreme, turning even the simplest activities into egg-citing adventures. Picture this: a serene afternoon quickly transformed into a comical escapade as our lovable troublemakers strut their stuff, setting the stage for a light-hearted romp filled with laughter and unexpected surprises. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken whisperer or someone who finds themselves chickening out at the sight of these feathery mischief-makers, this piece invites you to embrace the quirky joys and relatable mishaps that come with spending time in their clucky company.
Is it 100% that this chick is a rooster lol?? Has very hen like feathers… long tail… and the comb is yellow on top (sorry for the unfocused video)
In the delightful world of poultry, deciphering the gender of your feathered friends can feel like a wild guessing game! Meet our subject: a chick with a perplexing mix of hen-like feathers, a long tail, and a yellow-topped comb. The question on everyone’s beak is whether this little one is a rooster or just a very unique hen. Many chicken enthusiasts can relate to the thrill and uncertainty of identifying their flock. While roosters often flaunt vibrant plumage and distinct combs, this chick's appearance might just be throwing us a curveball. Join the conversation to share your insights, experiences, and perhaps a little cluck-tastic humor as we unravel this feathered mystery together!
Chicken combo? (Flock 🐓🐓🐓 not bucket 🍗)
Looking to create a cluck-tastic chicken combo for your small flock? After a long hiatus due to the avian flu outbreak, you're ready to dive back into the delightful world of feathered friends, inspired by Arthur Parkinson’s charming *Hen Party*. With your fondness for cream legbars, silver and blue laced Wyandottes, and lavender araucanas, you're seeking harmonious combinations for a flock of 5 to 6. You want breeds that are as gentle as they are beautiful, especially with your wooded surroundings. Let’s explore some fabulous options that won't send you chickening out! Share your favorite breeds, and let's create the ultimate feathered dream team that thrives in your backyard paradise!
Does she look like a frizzle?
Have you ever found yourself gazing at a chicken and wondering, “Does she look like a frizzle?” If so, you’re not alone! This delightful inquiry, submitted by u/XxGensi_ArumxX, opens the door to a fun exploration of one of the quirkiest feathered friends in the chicken world. Frizzles, with their unique curled feathers, bring a splash of whimsy and charm to any coop, making them a favorite among chicken enthusiasts. Join us as we dive into the delightful characteristics of frizzles, share some cluck-tastic insights, and perhaps help you determine if your own feathered friend fits the frizzle bill. Whether you're a seasoned chicken keeper or just enjoying the feathered antics from afar, this discussion promises to ruffle some feathers in the best way possible!
First taste of freedom outside their run :)
Get ready for a cluck-tastic adventure as we dive into the first taste of freedom for our feathered friends! Submitted by the lovely /u/Beautiful-Project-30, this delightful moment captures the sheer joy of chickens stepping out of their cozy run and into the great outdoors. Picture this: curious little beaks poking around, fluffy bodies waddling in excitement, and the irresistible urge to explore every nook and cranny. It’s a heartwarming reminder of the delightful quirks of chicken life and how these charming creatures can bring a splash of joy (and a hint of chaos) into our days. Join us as we celebrate this egg-citing milestone in their journey—a true testament to the playful spirit of our beloved cluckers! 🐔✨
7 week old Road Island Red chick. Roo or hen?
Meet our 7-week-old Rhode Island Red chick, born on March 17, 2026! As first-time Rhode Island Red owners, we’re navigating the delightful yet sometimes bewildering world of chicken parenting. We find ourselves questioning whether our little feathered friend is a roo or a hen. At this age, distinguishing between genders can be a bit tricky, especially since we’re drawing comparisons with our other breeds. Rhode Island Reds are known for their charming personalities, but they can also be a bit confusing! If you have any insights or tips on how to tell if our chick is strutting toward roosterhood or clucking gracefully as a hen, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Join us in this cluck-tastic journey!
Any clues on gender? They’re about 4 weeks old. “Moss eggers”
Curious about the gender of your adorable 4-week-old Moss Eggers? You’re not alone! These feathered friends can be a bit of a mystery when it comes to determining their sex at such a young age. While many chicken enthusiasts rely on physical traits and behaviors, it’s essential to remember that each chick is unique and may develop at different rates. Look for signs like feather growth patterns, comb development, and even vocalizations, as these can offer clues. However, don't stress too much—many chicken lovers have a love-hate relationship with the guessing game of gender. Share your findings and observations with fellow enthusiasts in our community, and let’s navigate this cluck-tastic journey together!
I would like to introduce you all to Peewee! They are a cochin bantam just like may, but she is of the bobtail variation :) we are so happy to have them!
Meet Peewee, the latest addition to our feathered family! This charming cochin bantam, sporting the adorable bobtail variation, is sure to steal your heart. Just like May, Peewee brings a delightful blend of personality and quirks that make our chicken community so special. We’re absolutely cluck-tastic to welcome her into our coop! Whether she’s strutting around or making new friends, we can’t wait to see the mischief she brings. Join us in celebrating Peewee’s arrival and share your own thoughts and experiences with our feathered friends. Together, let’s embrace the joy and unpredictability that comes with raising chickens. Welcome, Peewee! We’re so happy to have you! [link] [comments]
Our newest addition! Meet peewee :D my partner thinks they're a girl but I have high suspicions there a little rooster, either way they are so loved!
Introducing our newest feathered friend: Peewee! 🐥 This adorable addition has already captured our hearts, but there’s a bit of a cluck-tastrophe brewing over their gender. While my partner is convinced Peewee is a girl, I’m raising my eyebrows and suspecting they might just be a little rooster in disguise. No matter the outcome, one thing is clear: Peewee is showered with love and affection, and we can’t get enough of their charming antics. Whether they’re strutting around or snuggling up, this little one brings joy and laughter to our days. Join us in welcoming Peewee to the flock, and let’s see what delightful adventures await with this quirky newcomer! Check out the link for more on Peewee’s journey! [link] [comments]
Why's my chicken doing this??
Is your feathered friend acting a bit quirky? If your chicken is slowly toppling over and seems to be seizing, it’s time to cluck into action. This behavior can be alarming, especially after the loss of another chicken in your flock. Chickens can experience various health issues, ranging from nutritional deficiencies to neurological disorders, which may cause them to lose balance or act strangely. It’s important to observe any other symptoms she might exhibit, such as changes in appetite or lethargy. While it’s natural to feel a bit frazzled in moments like these, understanding what could be happening is the first step toward getting her the help she needs.
Mystery chick
Oh, the thrill of a mystery chick! You’ve just received a feathered surprise with your hatchery order, and now you’re on a quest to unveil its breed—how egg-citing! It’s like a game of chicken detective, and we totally get how this delightful challenge can drive you a little clucky. Identifying your mystery chick can be a fun yet perplexing adventure, especially when you’re eager to learn more about your new feathered friend. Fear not, fellow chicken enthusiast! With a bit of keen observation and some community insights, we can crack the case together. So, let’s dive into the clues and uncover the secrets of your mysterious chick. Get ready to embrace the whimsy of chicken identification!
8 week lavender Orpington
Wondering whether your 8-week-old lavender Orpington is a hen or a roo? You’re not alone! The journey of figuring this out can be a cluck-tastic adventure filled with twists and turns. Early on, her comb popped up and turned a lovely shade of pink, leading to a strong belief that she was a cockerel by 4 or 5 weeks. However, as time passed, she grew into her features, and the wattle growth remained minimal. Interestingly, she behaves like a sweet pullet—shy and one of the least dominant in the flock. With younger companions, like the Turken and legbar in the pictures, you’re left pondering: is she a future egg-layer or a feathery fella? Let’s dive into this delightful mystery together!
Is this normal behavior?
Is your little chick indulging in a dust bath marathon? Fear not! It sounds like she’s just embracing her inner diva, perfecting the art of dust bathing—an essential chicken ritual that keeps their feathers clean and fabulous. At just two weeks old, she’s likely experimenting with this delightful behavior, and five minutes of dust bathing is quite normal for a curious chick! The fact that her fellow feathered friends are having a blast picking shavings off her just adds to the fun. Planning to introduce sand next week is egg-citing news that will surely elevate her bathing experience! So, sit back and enjoy the show; your chicks are just being their playful selves!
Baby chicken :)
Meet the adorable bundle of fluff that’s sure to steal your heart—baby chickens! These tiny, cluck-tastic creatures are not only cute but also full of personality. With their soft, downy feathers and curious little peeps, it’s hard not to fall head over heels for these feathered friends. Whether they’re waddling around the coop or snuggling up for a nap, baby chickens bring a delightful mix of joy and chaos to any backyard. They remind us that life can be both whimsical and unpredictable, much like our love-hate relationship with all things chicken. So, if you’ve ever found yourself chickening out at the thought of raising these little fluff balls, fear not!
How to introduce new chickens to chicken flock?!
Introducing new chickens to your flock can feel like an egg-citing adventure, especially when you’re adding nine pullets to your existing trio of roosters and one lovely hen. Since you’re already familiar with your current feathered friends, it’s important to ensure a smooth transition for everyone involved. Patience is key! Wait until the new pullets are fully feathered and close to the same size as your established chickens. When the time comes, try the “see but don’t touch” method—keep the new arrivals in a separate pen where they can get acquainted visually. Gradually allow supervised interactions, and watch for any signs of fowl play. With careful introductions, your flock will soon be clucking in harmony! Happy chicken parenting!
I just want to post my babys
Have you ever found yourself in a clucking conundrum, wanting to share your adorable feathered friends with the world? Well, you’re in luck! In this delightful post submitted by /u/milkedbarista, we dive into the whimsical world of chicken cuteness. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken wrangler or someone who’s still chickening out at the thought of these fowl creatures, this is the perfect spot for you. With a sprinkle of humor and a dash of vulnerability, we invite you to enjoy some egg-citing moments featuring these charming birds. So, gather ‘round, fellow chicken enthusiasts! Let’s appreciate the quirks and antics of our beloved babys in a way that’s both fun and relatable. Check out the post and join the conversation!
First time hatching Silkie chicks
Hey fellow chicken enthusiasts! I’m on day 17 of my first adventure hatching Silkie chicks with my broody hen, and everything seems to be going cluck-tastic so far! To keep my feathered friends safe, I’ve set up a cozy separated area in my regular coop, but I also have a rabbit hutch available that could serve as a safe haven after the hatch. I’m torn between leaving them in the coop or moving them to the hutch post-hatching. I want to ensure they have space to explore while keeping them protected from the other chickens. Since these are Silkies, I’m curious if their unique traits affect my decision. Any advice from seasoned Silkie parents would be egg-citingly appreciated! Thanks a bunch!
Breeding run?
Hey everyone! So, here’s the cluck-tastic scoop: after a predator attack, I’m revamping my chicken run from scratch. I’ve got a 35'x35' space to play with and plan to create separate sections for breeding. Each section will house 8-10 hens and a rooster, focusing on our Hmongs and backyard mixes, while adding a few new breeds to our lineup. Safety is my top priority this time around, so I’m going for a sturdy perimeter with 4x4 posts and hardware cloth, plus rocks to deter diggers. Now, I’m pondering whether to build the perimeter first and then section it off with 2x2 chicken fencing or make each section a standalone run. Any advice from fellow chicken enthusiasts would be much appreciated!
What could be causing missing feathers and redness?
Are your feathered friends looking a bit ragged and red? Missing feathers and skin redness can be concerning for any chicken keeper. Several factors might be at play, from pesky pests like mites and lice to more serious issues such as feather pecking among the flock. Stressful living conditions, nutritional deficiencies, or even underlying health problems can contribute to these feather faux pas. It’s essential to investigate the environment and behaviors of your flock, as well as their diet, to pinpoint the root cause. Fear not, fellow chicken enthusiast! With a little detective work, you can help your birds regain their cluck-tastic glory and keep them feeling their best. Let's dive into the possible culprits behind this feathered dilemma!