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.
First time hatching!
Hatching chicks for the first time is nothing short of an egg-citing adventure! After nine cluck-tastic years with our backyard chickens, my daughters and I finally took the plunge into the world of hatching. We started with six eggs, and while we ended up with three adorable chicks—Kiwi, Potato, and Carlo—our journey wasn’t without its challenges. One egg wasn’t fertilized, another didn’t hatch after 25 days, and we sadly lost one shortly after hatching. Is that the norm? Regardless, witnessing the miracle of life unfold right before our eyes was an unforgettable experience, especially since two of the chicks hatched while my girls were home. Talk about the perfect family moment! Join us in celebrating this whimsical milestone and share your own hatching tales!
Coop floor space efficiency
Revamping your coop for greater floor space efficiency is a cluck-tastic adventure! With your new floating roosts giving your feathered friends a cozy perch above ground, it's time to tackle the food and water situation. While PVC setups can be intriguing, it's true that food can sometimes get stuck—definitely something to consider! Since your chickens are free-ranging and don’t need a mountain of food at once, you can explore vertical solutions to save precious floor space. Hanging feeders and waterers can be a game-changer! Plus, your open-faced coop design keeps humidity at bay, making it the perfect environment for summer lounging. What space-saving tricks have you discovered? Let's share ideas and make our coops the best they can be!
Separate a rooster from hens?
Separating a rooster from hens can feel like an egg-citing yet daunting decision for any chicken keeper. Whether you're dealing with a particularly feisty fowl or trying to manage your feathered friends' well-being, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully. Roosters can bring a sense of security and companionship to your flock, but they can also introduce challenges, such as aggressive behavior or overbreeding. Understanding the dynamics of your chicken family is crucial. In this discussion, we’ll explore the various reasons for separating a rooster from hens, the potential benefits, and how to do it safely and compassionately. Join us as we navigate this cluck-tastic conundrum together! Check out the full conversation [here](link) for valuable insights and shared experiences.
Lost my first chick today
Losing a chick can be a heart-wrenching experience, especially for a first-time chicken owner. Just two days after welcoming ten feathery bundles of joy, one little chick fell ill, leaving you to navigate the ups and downs of chicken care with a heavy heart. Despite your best efforts—electrolytes, egg yolk, and wet starter grain—nothing seemed to help. Cuddling her in those final moments, you did everything you could to make her feel loved and safe. Burying her near the future coop is a touching tribute, reminding us that even brief encounters can leave a lasting impact. It's perfectly okay to feel this loss deeply; after all, every little chick deserves a place in our hearts.
Chickens of the day
Welcome to "Chickens of the Day," where we celebrate our feathered friends in all their quirky glory! Today, we’re shining the spotlight on two adorable Cochin chicks: Joan and Lady of the Lake. These pint-sized bundles of fluff bring endless joy and a touch of whimsy to our lives. But wait—there’s more! We’ve got bonus pics featuring the ever-adorable Maybe Baby, the fabulously fluffy Miss Fluffy Butt, the spirited Foghorn, and the charming Athena, our pillow-stealing pit mix. Each of these delightful characters adds a unique flair to our flock, reminding us that life with chickens is never dull. Join us as we dive into their antics and celebrate the joy they bring to our days!
Chickens Chickening Around
Join us for a cluck-tastic adventure with Penelope Featherington, the fabulous Splash Polish chicken, as she struts her stuff on a particularly good feather day! With her vibrant plumage and quirky personality, Penelope embodies the whimsical spirit of chicken life. Whether she's parading around the coop or engaging in some playful antics, there's never a dull moment. This delightful tale invites you to witness the charm and mischief of our feathered friends, reminding us all that life is better with a little laughter and fun. So, grab your favorite snack and prepare to be entertained by Penelope's escapades—because who knew that a day in the life of a chicken could be so egg-citing? Join the fun and celebrate the joy of our feathery companions!
help id these these two chick's pls!
Are you ready to dive into the delightful world of chickens? In this post, we have a fun request from our fellow chicken enthusiast, u/Eastern_Meaning_7972, who’s looking for some help identifying two adorable chicks! Whether you’re a seasoned chicken whisperer or just someone who finds these feathered friends a bit intimidating, this is the perfect opportunity to share your knowledge and experience. Chickens can be quite the quirky characters, and identifying breeds can sometimes feel like a game of fowl detective. So, let’s cluck together and help out a fellow member of our community! Join the conversation, share your insights, and let’s uncover the mystery of these charming chicks! Check out the link for more details and to lend a helping hand.
Two Brooding Hens
Welcome to the whimsical world of brooding hens, where drama unfolds alongside adorable fluff! In this feathered saga, we have two dedicated hens sharing the spotlight for the first time, with one proud mama already welcoming a chick to the mix. However, not all eggs are created equal—one little egg seems to be taking its sweet time hatching, leading to some fowl squabbles as the hens tussle over the adorable newcomer. The burning question is whether replacing the unhatched egg with a different chick overnight could restore harmony, or if our feisty hens will continue their antics, clucking and squabbling over their precious little one. Let’s dive into this clucky conundrum and explore the best way to keep the peace in this quirky coop!
Where can I find adult hens?*
Looking to add some cluck-tastic adult hens to your flock? You’re not alone! Many chicken enthusiasts, like yourself, want to snag a few laying hens to enjoy fresh eggs while their chicks grow up. However, finding these feathered friends can be more challenging than a game of fowl hide-and-seek. If livestock websites aren’t cutting it and a local farm hasn’t responded yet, it’s time to explore other options. Prices can vary widely, with some places charging around $150 per hen, which might seem steep. Don't lose hope—consider checking out local poultry shows, farmers' markets, or social media groups dedicated to chicken lovers. You might just find the perfect hens at a price that won’t ruffle your feathers too much!
Can I have a Brahma rooster if some of my hens are bantams?
Considering adding a Brahma rooster to your flock of 14 chickens, including both standard and bantam hens, is an egg-citing decision! Brahma roosters are known for their docile nature, making them great companions for families with young children. Since you already have 9 standard hens and 4 bantam hens, the presence of a Brahma should generally be harmonious. The key is that Brahmas are unlikely to aggressively mate with bantams, especially if there are ample standard hens in the mix. Your bantam rooster will likely continue to thrive with his bantam ladies, fostering a peaceful dynamic in your free-ranging flock. So, go ahead—embrace the cluck-tastic potential of a Brahma rooster while keeping those feathered friends happy!
Mites on eggs
Mites on eggs can be a real cluck-tastrophe for any chicken lover! If you've found these tiny critters infesting your nesting boxes and eggs, it’s time to take action—especially with a broody hen about to hatch those adorable chicks. While mites can be a nuisance, they typically don’t directly harm baby chicks, but their presence can lead to stress for mother hens and potential health issues for the hatchlings if left unchecked. To tackle this pesky problem, many chicken enthusiasts swear by diatomaceous earth (DE) as a natural remedy. It’s effective when applied correctly, but you’ll want to ensure the environment remains safe for your feathered friends. Let’s dive into the best strategies to banish these mites and keep your coops egg-citingly healthy!
Gender confused (Plymouth barred rock)
Meet your delightful gender-confused Plymouth Barred Rock! At around 13 weeks old, this feathered friend has left you scratching your head—especially since you expected a rooster. While you’ve noted the absence of wattles and saddle feathers, which his older brother flaunts, his big yellow legs and white plumage certainly lean rooster-ish. But that quirky behavior? Preferring human company and veering towards the house instead of the coop? That’s a true chicken conundrum! Plymouth Barred Rocks are known for their sex-linked traits, so let’s unravel this mystery together. With a little community insight, we can help you determine whether this charming character is a hen or a rooster. Don’t fret about the photos; your feathered friend’s personality shines through!
Super thin eggshells
Oh no, it sounds like your Wyandotte is having a real shell of a time! Laying eggs with super thin shells can certainly be alarming, especially when they break in the nesting boxes. It’s great that you’re providing access to oyster shells; that’s a fantastic source of calcium that many chickens need for strong eggs. Since your feathered friend previously laid normal eggs, this sudden change raises some concern. While it’s possible that her calcium intake is still lacking, there could be other factors at play, such as stress, age-related changes, or even underlying health issues. Let’s gather some cluck-tastic insights from the community to ensure your girl stays healthy and happy! What have you noticed about her behavior or environment?
How do I get this stuck eggshell off of my chick's head?
Oh no, it sounds like you’ve got a little chick in need of some feathered friend TLC! When a chick hatches, it's not uncommon for bits of eggshell to cling stubbornly to their tiny heads, especially if they dry out. While it might be tempting to just leave it be, it’s important to ensure your little one is comfortable and safe. Gently soaking the shell with a damp cloth is a great start, but if that’s not doing the trick, you may need to take a bit of extra care. In this guide, we’ll explore the best options to help you carefully remove that pesky eggshell without causing any distress to your adorable chick. Let’s get to the cluck-tastic rescue mission!
Hen or roo
Welcome to the delightful debate of "Hen or Roo," submitted by the wonderfully curious u/Unique-Passion3089! This cluck-tastic discussion dives into the charming world of our feathered friends, exploring the differences, quirks, and unique personalities of hens and roosters. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or someone who simply admires these lovable creatures from afar, you’re in for an egg-citing journey filled with laughter and insights. Are you team hen, with their reliable egg-laying and sweet dispositions, or do you lean towards the roos, with their charismatic crowing and protective nature? Join us as we navigate this whimsical world, share your thoughts, and connect with fellow enthusiasts who share in the joys (and occasional chaos) of chicken companionship!
What is this chick
What is this chick? Well, it’s not just any ordinary poultry—this little silver beauty was touted as rare, but I think it simply caught my eye with its striking appearance. On sale, no less! Nestled in the pan, this feathered friend has a sibling sitting contentedly outside, ready to charm anyone who glances its way. Chickens can be quirky companions, and sometimes, their uniqueness is what draws us in. Whether you're a seasoned chicken enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the world of feathered friends, the allure of a cool-looking chick is universal. Join me in celebrating this delightful addition to the flock and let’s explore the wonders of chickens together!
Separate a rooster from hens?
Are you in a cluck-tastically tricky situation with your rooster? It sounds like you’ve got a feathered friend who’s taken his role a bit too seriously! While roosters can be charming companions, their behavior can sometimes turn a little aggressive, especially when they feel the need to protect their territory or impress the hens. You’ve already identified the ideal hen-to-rooster ratio, but since expanding your flock isn’t an option, you might consider separating him from the ladies. Setting up a separate coop and run could give your girls a break from his overzealous advances while still allowing him to enjoy some free-range fun. Let’s dive into some creative solutions and hear from others who’ve successfully navigated this feathered dilemma!
This is my boy, Rusty.
Meet Rusty, my charming feathered friend! The first three photos capture his younger days, full of youthful antics and undeniable cuteness. As he grew, Rusty’s personality blossomed, showcased in the next two images where his unique character truly shines. And if you’re wondering about his breed, the last picture features Rusty alongside a Black Copper Maran, sparking some delightful discussions among fellow chicken enthusiasts. I was fortunate enough to receive him from a generous friend with a bustling flock, and I couldn’t be happier with my beautiful boy. People keep saying I hit the jackpot with Rusty’s stunning looks and vibrant personality. What do you all think? Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments!
Too early to tell?
Are you clucking curious about whether your adorable chicks might be roosters? You're not alone! Many first-time chicken tenders find themselves in the same feathered boat, especially when it comes to straight-run Americana Easter Eggers. At just four weeks old, these little fluffballs can look quite different from each other, making it tricky to determine their gender. While some signs may start to appear, like comb development or behavior quirks, it's still a bit too early to call it with certainty. Join the conversation as we unravel the mysteries of chick gender identification together! Share your thoughts, experiences, and maybe a few laughs as we navigate this egg-citing journey in chicken tending!
Can you help me tell if this silver EE is a roo or hen. I got them as pullets, and right off the bat I was skeptical, but yesterday I heard crowing. The place won’t refund until mid May, and says hens are often mislabeled Roos early on. What do you think? Is Silvia really Silvio?
Are you scratching your head over whether your silver Easter Egger (EE) is a hen or a rooster? You’re not alone! Pullets can sometimes pull a fast one on us, especially when they start to crow like a confident little roo. It sounds like your feathered friend, Silvia, may be channeling her inner Silvio! Crowing is often a telltale sign of a rooster, but sometimes hens can get a bit vocal, too. With the refund policy looming until mid-May, it’s crucial to figure this out soon. Let’s dive into some key traits to help you determine Silvia’s true identity. Together, we’ll uncover the mystery of your cluck-tastic companion!
What to do for chicken?
Oh no, it sounds like your Polish chicken has had quite the rough time! Those pecks to the head can lead to some serious business, and it’s great that you’ve been proactive by separating him from the flock and providing electrolytes and mash. Dilated pupils and balance issues can be concerning signs, possibly indicating some brain swelling from those pesky pecks. While Vaseline can aid in healing, you might consider using Blue-Kote to prevent any further pecking and help with the healing process. Monitoring him closely is key—if you notice any changes or if he seems to be in distress, don’t hesitate to consult a vet. Your feathered friend is lucky to have such a caring chicken parent looking out for him!
In memory of my baby girl
In memory of my baby girl, submitted by u/PlasticTomato240, captures the profound love and heartache that comes with losing a cherished pet. This heartfelt tribute reflects the playful yet tender bond shared with a beloved feathered friend, reminding us of the joy and laughter that chickens can bring into our lives. Through whimsical storytelling and genuine emotion, the piece invites readers to join in a shared experience of loss and remembrance. It's a celebration of the quirks that make our feathered companions so special, as well as a reminder of the vulnerability we all feel when saying goodbye. Join us in honoring the memory of a beloved chicken, and let’s cherish the moments that make our lives richer and more meaningful.
Went for chick feed, chicks were in sale. Hello australoorps and black magic marans
In a classic case of chicken math gone awry, I ventured out for a simple bag of chick feed and stumbled upon an irresistible sale on adorable chicks! Enter the enchanting Australorps and the mystifying Black Magic Marans, both vying for a place in my heart—and my coop. It’s a slippery slope, folks, because once you see those little fluffballs, it's hard to resist the urge to bring them home. However, I must remind fellow chicken enthusiasts that when chicks are on sale, it’s not just a bargain; it’s a potential recipe for chaos! Remember, while these feathered friends can bring joy, they also require commitment, so think twice before falling down the rabbit hole of poultry purchases. Happy clucking!
Oh that boy’s DANCING! Cyrus loves the Shoop Shoop song 🎶
Oh, that boy’s dancing! Cyrus has taken the world by storm with his infectious love for the "Shoop Shoop Song." This delightful tune has inspired him to bust a move like no other, capturing the hearts of onlookers with his quirky rhythm and playful spirit. Whether he’s twirling or shaking his groove thing, Cyrus embodies pure joy, reminding us all that sometimes you just have to let loose and dance like nobody's watching. His energetic performance not only showcases his vibrant personality but also encourages everyone around him to join in on the fun. So, grab a seat, turn up the music, and get ready to enjoy the cluck-tastic spectacle that is Cyrus dancing to his favorite song!