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.
Excuse the camera shaking I was laughing my ass off, he's so silly
## A Moment of Pure, Cluck-tastic Joy! Sometimes, the best chicken content comes from unexpected moments. As /u/Mothmans_ delightfully demonstrates, the antics of our feathered friends can be utterly hilarious – so much so that it shakes the camera! Witnessing a silly chicken in its element is a universal experience, and this video perfectly captures that joy. We love seeing your submissions showcasing the quirky personalities of your flock! If you’re intrigued by the surprising behaviors of chickens, check out our article, "So much sass, so little chicken," which details the amazing progress of Glow Party, a bantam hatched from a truly unique situation. Prepare for a cluck-tastic time!
Not all my friends are chickens!
## Not All My Friends Are Chickens! – One of Them is Human. Let's be honest, life with chickens is… *cluck-tastic*, to say the least. Between the occasional escape artist antics and the constant quest for a perfectly formed egg, it’s a whirlwind of feathered fun. But amidst all the squawking and pecking, it’s easy to forget that humans exist too! This post is a delightful deviation from our usual chicken chronicles, a little peek into the broader, wonderfully weird world of my animal companions – including one who doesn't lay eggs. Ever wonder why your chickens seem to prefer your hand over a perfectly good feeder? You're not alone!
Someone's happy to be inside with this warmth :)
Ah, the sweet relief of indoor warmth! We hear you, /u/Mothmans_. There’s just something cluck-tastic about escaping the elements and basking in cozy vibes. It's a feeling every chicken keeper – and even those who are *slightly* intimidated by our feathered friends – can appreciate. Sometimes, a little respite from the barnyard bustle is exactly what’s needed. This simple joy reminds us of the excitement surrounding first eggs – as celebrated in our recent post, "Our $1,500 egg ❤️"! If you're curious about the personalities and breeds that make these moments possible, be sure to explore our other articles as well. Here's to warmth, happy chickens, and a little bit of indoor bliss.
Agnes isn't well
Update on Agnes: As many of you know, our beloved Agnes hasn't been feeling cluck-tastic lately. Following our previous post about her unusual eggs, we took her to the vet, and unfortunately, she's being treated for peritonitis. Fingers crossed for a speedy recovery for this feathered friend – she’s far from the scary hen her photos might suggest, and we luff her dearly! We appreciate all the advice and well wishes from our community. If you're curious about other bantam breeds, you might find our article on "Pekin bantams" helpful, offering insights into identifying these charming little birds. We’ll keep you updated on Agnes’s progress – sending all the good vibes her way!
Elvira's Mohawk 🤘
Elvira's Mohawk 🤘 is a cluck-tastic tale of transformation! Submitted by /u/AlternativeYou8532, this heartwarming story details the journey of a Polish hen whose overgrown head feathers significantly impacted her vision and confidence. For a year, Elvira lived with limited sight, resulting in a skittish and submissive demeanor. But thanks to a brave, late-night trim, Elvira received the "glasses" she desperately needed. Witnessing her newfound confidence while free-ranging is truly egg-citing! And as a delightful bonus, her comb has finally emerged, resembling devil horns – a fitting tribute to her spirited personality. This story beautifully illustrates the impact of a little care and kindness, and reminds us that even our feathered friends can benefit from a helping hand.
😱 What Happens When Chickens See DRY ICE? 🐔💨
## 😱 What Happens When Chickens See DRY ICE? 🐔💨 Ever wondered if your feathered friends have a reaction to the bizarre world of science? We did! Prepare for some cluck-tastic chaos as we investigate what happens when chickens encounter dry ice. It’s a truly egg-citing experiment (yes, we went there!), and the results are…well, you’ll just have to see. This isn't your average coop curiosity; it’s a dive into the surprisingly reactive world of poultry and extreme temperatures. Curious about keeping your flock comfortable during heatwaves? Check out our article, "🔥 107°F TODAY! 🐔 | Can the Flock Beat the Heat?" for practical tips on ensuring their well-being. Get ready for a frosty, feathery adventure!
Is Karen a Kevin?
## Is Karen a Kevin? The Great Chicken Identity Crisis The age-old question plagues backyard chicken keepers: is that seemingly female chicken *actually* a rooster in disguise? /u/OnlySlice8263 is facing this very conundrum with their chicken, "Karen," purchased last year as a pullet. Despite assurances from Farm and Home, Karen’s increasingly masculine appearance—lack of crowing, absent rooster tail, and zero fertilized eggs—has sparked a poultry identity crisis. The stakes are high, as a potential rooster reveal could lead to a rather dramatic obituary for the beloved bird, according to Slice8263’s husband! Join the conversation as we explore this common chicken mystery, and see how others have dealt with similar situations, like the creative owner who “Painted one of my chickens.
Our $1,500 egg ❤️
## Introducing Our $1,500 Egg ❤️ – A Cluck-tastic First! Get ready for something *egg-citing*! We're absolutely thrilled to announce the arrival of our first edible egg – a truly monumental moment for our feathered friends and, frankly, for us! After considerable dedication and a whole lot of chicken love, this egg represents a significant milestone. It’s a testament to the quirky, sometimes chaotic, but always rewarding journey of raising these wonderful creatures. We know, $1,500 sounds…well, a bit mad! But trust us, there’s a story behind it—and it’s a cluck-tastic one. Want to dive deeper into understanding the diverse personalities of our roosters? Check out our recent article, "Identification," to learn how to tell your boy apart!
My flock’s band photo
## Flock Star Power! Check Out This Band Photo! Feathered friends, assemble! We're cluck-tasticly excited to feature this delightful band photo submitted by /u/lavaboosted – a truly egg-cellent snapshot of a happy (and hopefully cooperative!) flock. [link] [comments] We love seeing your chicken chronicles, and this submission is a prime example of the joy – and occasional chaos – that comes with raising these quirky creatures. Speaking of new arrivals, you might find our recent article, "Got 9 pipping in the incubator," helpful if you’re hatching your own little ones! [link] [comments] Keep those submissions coming, folks! From health concerns like Agnes’s recent lash egg situation to identifying those adorable Pekin bantams, we’re here to celebrate all things chicken.
Chickens would rather eat from my hands than what is on the floor/their feeder?
## Why Do My Chickens Prefer My Hand? It's cluck-tastic, isn't it, when your feathered friends choose your palm over a perfectly good feeder? /u/OmniImmortality isn't alone in noticing this charming behavior – chickens often prioritize treats delivered directly from a human hand! While it’s undeniably cute, what’s going on? It likely boils down to a blend of trust and entertainment. Chickens are naturally curious and may find a human offering more engaging than a static food source. They’ve learned you’re a reliable source of yummy things, and that builds trust. This behavior can be especially pronounced in warmer weather, like the 35 degrees Celsius described in "Why is she doing this," and highlights the individual personalities within your flock.
Pekin bantams
## Pekin Bantam Mystery: Hens or Not? A classic chicken conundrum! /u/shezza333 is seeking some cluck-tastic identification assistance for their Pekin bantam chicks, wondering if they’ve got a flock of hens on their hands. Determining gender in young birds can be tricky, even for seasoned chicken keepers. Don’t chick–en out if you’re facing a similar puzzle! We understand the excitement (and slight apprehension) of welcoming new feathered friends to the coop. Identifying your chicks early can help with planning and flock management. For those tackling similar identification challenges, check out our article, "Returning with (hopefully) better pics of my chicken; hen or roo?", which explores visual cues for differentiating between roosters and hens. Let's help shezza333 solve this egg-citing mystery!
You too? 🫣
## You too? 🫣 - A Chicken-Keeping Reality Check Ever felt that delightful mix of adoration and… well, slight panic around your feathered friends? You're not alone! /u/FluffyImpact5863’s recent submission perfectly captures the wonderfully chaotic reality of chicken keeping. It's a sentiment many of us understand – the joy of fresh eggs balanced with the occasional, "Oh dear, what *now*?" moment. This community thrives on shared experiences, so thank you for bravely sharing yours. We know chicken keeping isn't always cluck-tastic. Sometimes it's a little fowl play and a whole lot of figuring things out as you go. For a deeper dive into the everyday joys (and early morning greetings!) of chicken life, check out "The ladies say goodmorning." Let's keep the conversation going!
Does anyone else have a "narcoleptic" chicken?
## The Mystery of the Napping Hen: Is Your Chicken a Sleepyhead? Does your flock include a feathered friend who seems permanently relaxed? One Reddit user, /u/Nonbiinerygremlin, recently shared their experience with a Bielefelder pullet exhibiting what they suspect might be Infectious Coryza (IC), alongside a tendency to spontaneously nap *anywhere*. This gentle bird forages, eats, and acts normally, except for her unusual propensity for dozing off mid-activity – a stark contrast to the more assertive pecking habits of her flockmates. While it's easy to let anxiety cluck in, this behavior isn't always cause for alarm. Could it be a quirky personality trait, or something more? If you're encountering similar puzzling behaviors in your own chickens, you aren’t alone – explore "Is Karen a Kevin?
The ladies say goodmorning
## A Good Morning Cluck-tastic! The ladies are saying good morning – and honestly, sometimes that’s the most *egg-citing* part of the day! It’s a privilege to share these moments with our feathered friends, even when their antics leave us delightfully ruffled. We know that chicken keeping can be a blend of pure joy and, well, a little bit of “chickening out” now and then. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just starting to appreciate the quirky charm of these birds, you've come to the right place. Speaking of charming quirks, have you ever wondered why your chickens prefer your hand as a buffet?
Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam
Welcome to Peckington Square Chicken City, your 24/7 livestream portal into the wonderfully chaotic world of backyard chickens! Join us around the clock as we observe our feathered friends clucking, pecking, and generally being…well, chickens. Expect egg-citing moments, unexpected antics, and a healthy dose of fowl play. Whether you're a seasoned chicken keeper or simply curious about these quirky creatures, there's always something to see. We're documenting the ups and downs of chicken life here at Peckington Square, and recently encountered a particularly puzzling situation – as detailed in our article, "Embryos developed at the wrong end 😬" – so stay tuned for the unfolding drama. Grab a seat, settle in, and prepare for a cluck-tastic experience!
Embryos developed at the wrong end 😬
## Embryo Upside-Down? A Cluck-tastic Conundrum! 😬 Oh dear, a real head-scratcher for /u/LostLuminary4254! Discovering embryos developing at the pointy end of the egg—especially when candling on day 4 reveals some seriously tangled blood vessels—is enough to ruffle anyone’s feathers. We've all been there, staring at an egg and wondering what *fowl* play is afoot. While it’s unusual, it *is* possible for these embryos to survive. Should you leave them be, or intervene? That’s the big question. The chance of hatch success is low, but not zero. Consider this a high-stakes game of chicken! It’s a tough call, and often best left to observation. If you’re facing similar challenges with a slower-growing hen, be sure to check out our article, "HELP": I have an approximately
Silkies
## Silkies & Sleuthing: Decoding Those Blue Ears! So, you've got a Silkie with a stellar bloodline – indicated by those vibrant blue earlobes – and need a gender check? We get it! Identifying Silkie genders can be a bit of a cluck-tastic puzzle. Those fluffy bodies often obscure key features. While the earlobes are a fantastic starting point (a clear indicator of good breeding!), further examination is often needed. This query from /u/Successful_Ad3367 highlights a common challenge for Silkie enthusiasts. For a deeper dive into potential color variations, check out our article, "Black Australorp Throwback colors?" to explore the fascinating world of chicken genetics. Let's get sleuthing and help determine if you’ve got a handsome rooster or a lovely hen!
My first broody hen started isolating in the nesting box last night and I tried breaking it with ice today but will have to put her in an elevated crate tomorrow. She was very upset that I tried to show her that her eggs weren't real. She rightfully can't understand and is upset I handed them badly.
Oh dear, a broody hen situation! It sounds like you've encountered a classic chicken conundrum – and a potentially emotionally charged one, at that. Your hen's dedication to her nest is admirable, even if it’s disrupting things. It’s cluck-tastic to hear she trusts you, even after a slightly misguided attempt at demonstrating those training eggs weren't the real deal! We've all been there, haven’t we? Now, tackling this broody behavior requires a gentle, yet firm, approach. While breaking the cycle is necessary, traumatizing your feathered friend isn't the goal. Many keepers find success with either a cold water bath or isolating her in an elevated, well-ventilated crate – similar to a dog crate.
Cat problem NSFW mentions of chicken death
Losing precious hens to predators is a cluck-tastic nightmare, and we hear you! /u/Plastic_Slide8070 is facing a frustrating cat problem despite a fully fenced coop, resulting in the heartbreaking loss of three chickens over the past year. While rocks and repairs have addressed some digging points, the feline infiltration continues. This is a common struggle, and it's understandably disheartening. Dealing with persistent predators requires vigilance and creative solutions. We'll explore strategies to fortify your coop and protect your feathered friends – because nobody wants to experience further fowl play. For those just starting their chicken journey, our article "New brooder who dis" offers valuable insights into initial coop setup and predator prevention.
Please help what's wrong with my chicken?
## My Chicken's Wry Neck Troubles: What's Going On? Oh, the cluck-tastic frustration! It's disheartening when your feathered friend isn't feeling their best, especially when a condition like wry neck returns. /u/Fun-Description5723 is experiencing this exact issue—their chicken initially responded well to vitamin E and selenium shots, but the twisting neck has reappeared. While heat *can* be a contributing factor, and a shaded coop is a great start, recurring wry neck suggests a deeper investigation might be needed. Could it be a persistent deficiency, an underlying infection, or something else entirely? It’s a puzzling situation. For those dealing with broody hens and disrupted nesting habits, you might find some relatable insight in our recent piece on "My first broody hen.
Chicken Attack on Innocent Cat
## Chicken Attack on Innocent Cat: A Curious Cluck-Down! A surprising situation has ruffled some feathers – and potentially a few cat hairs! /u/FindtheBlind reports an unusual chicken attack on their cat during supervised yard time, a behavior they haven’t observed with their other feline companions. This sparks a fascinating question: why would chickens target a cat? While cats and chickens generally coexist peacefully, individual personalities and circumstances can always lead to fowl play. We’re diving into this intriguing scenario, exploring potential triggers and offering insights. Curious about other chicken quirks? Check out our article, "Silkies": I know the bloodline is good by the blue bright ear," for a deeper look into identifying silkie traits and more. Stay tuned as we unpack this unexpected interaction!
Black Australorp Throwback colors?
## Black Australorp Throwback Colors: A Quirky Question! So, you’ve got some chicks sporting unexpected colors and the seller suggested they’re simply "throwback" Australorps? It’s cluck-tastic to see those variations! While Australorps are known for their solid black plumage, genetics can be delightfully unpredictable. “Throwback” colors refer to recessive genes surfacing, resulting in shades outside the breed standard – think blues, wheaten, or even splashes of color. It *is* possible! These unexpected hues don’t change the bird’s breed, just their appearance. It’s a reminder that even in well-established breeds, a little fowl play with genetics can happen. For more on unexpected health concerns in your flock, check out our article, "Our silkie fava has an eye issue?" and explore the delightful surprises nature can bring!
Our silkie fava has an eye issue?
## Fava's Eye: A Cluck-Worthy Concern Our hearts cluck with concern for /u/Embarrassed-Stay2176’s sweet Silkie, Fava! This adorable 3-month-old's sudden eye anomaly—a noticeably smaller right eye and apparent vision loss—is understandably alarming. While chickens can be wonderfully quirky, this shift from healthy to exhibiting these symptoms warrants careful attention. It's great that no other members of the flock seem affected, suggesting an isolated issue. Is it a serious medical problem? Is there an infection causing the apparent “watering”? These are valid and important questions. We understand the worry of encountering your first sick or different chicken – it’s a feeling many of us share! For more insights into chicken behavior and bonding, check out /u/alphaky1e’s piece, "Just some protected family bonding.
Excuse me ma'am, why are you recording me?
## Decoding the Curious Query: "Excuse me ma'am, why are you recording me?" A recent post from /u/anet_12468 sparked a lively discussion – and a perfectly reasonable question: "Excuse me ma'am, why are you recording me?" This highlights a common, albeit unexpected, concern within the chicken-keeping community. While documenting your flock is often *egg-citing*, it’s crucial to be mindful of privacy and potential misunderstandings. We've ranked this question as a Top Priority because it underscores the need for clear communication and ethical practices when sharing content related to animals and their care. For a deeper dive into the joys and challenges of raising chicks, check out our article, "In n out with my chicks.