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.
RIP Marto, your crowing was missed this morning ❤️
It’s with a cluck-tastic sadness that we share the news of Marto's passing yesterday. Our first and only rooster, Marto held a special place in our hearts—and a uniquely grumpy role in our mornings. Rescued as a chick last year, he blossomed into a protector of his flock and a surprisingly vocal complainer when breakfast was late. We'll dearly miss his signature "crow song," a sound often mimicked around our house, and the hilarious sight of him crowing from high places (thankfully, we captured those moments on video!). Marto wasn't the most confident rooster, but he knew how to bond, and he certainly knew how to make an impression.
How do I safely free range my girls?
So, your girls are craving some cluck-tastic freedom, huh? We get it! Letting your feathered friends free range is a recipe for happy hens, but those turkey vultures, hawks, raccoons, coyotes, and barn cats definitely throw a wrench in the egg-citing plans. With a flock of 11, safety is paramount. A rooster *might* offer some protection, but he's not a guaranteed bodyguard against aerial predators. This post dives into practical strategies for safely expanding your flock’s roaming territory – think protective structures, supervised sessions, and smart habitat management. For a deeper dive into identifying your flock's individual personalities, check out our article "What breed is this?". Let's explore how to give your hens the best of both worlds: freedom and security!
Sleepy babies
## Sleepy Babies: Why Your Chicks Might Be Snoozing Those adorable, fluffy chicks sometimes need a whole lot of shut-eye! Submitted by /u/Jasmijn, this post highlights a common observation: sleepy baby chicks. While it *is* cluck-tastic to see them nestled down, understanding why can ease any worries. Generally, young chicks prioritize sleep—they're growing rapidly and processing a whole new world! Factors like temperature, diet, and even stress can influence their naptime. Is your flock’s fruit intake impacting their energy levels? Dive deeper into that question with our recent discussion, "How often do y'all give fruit to your flock?". Ultimately, a sleepy chick is often a healthy chick, but observant keepers are the best chicken parents!
How often do y'all give fruit to your flock?
## Fruit for Your Flock: A Cluck-tastic Question! /u/thedeuschebag85 sparked a great discussion with their query: "How often do y'all give fruit to your flock?" It’s a question that highlights the delightful, and sometimes surprising, tastes of our feathered friends! While chicken feed provides the nutritional foundation, supplementing with fruits—raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and even kiwi—can offer a fun, enriching treat. The frequency varies greatly depending on your flock's size, preferences, and overall diet. Think of it as an occasional indulgence, not a daily staple. Curious about those first encounters with berries? Check out /u/thedeuschebag85's "First time seeing raspberries, blue berries, blackberries, and kiwi" for a peek at that initial reaction! We’ll be exploring this topic further—stay tuned!
me and furby at the vet
## A Furby and a Fowl: Vet Visit Adventures! It’s not every day you find yourself juggling a vintage Furby and a whole coop of chickens at the vet's office, but that’s life here! /u/maelisaaine recently shared this delightfully quirky experience, and we couldn't resist sharing the story. From nervous clucks to worried beeps, it seems everyone had a bit of anxiety about the check-up. We all know that keeping our feathered friends (and beloved toys!) healthy is paramount, and sometimes that means a trip to the professionals. If you've ever wondered about the challenges of managing a flock, you might appreciate /u/maelisaaine’s recent post about identifying which chicken lays which egg—a truly "egg-citing" feat!
Bumblefoot treatment
## Tackling Bumblefoot: A Cluck-Tastic Guide to Home Treatment Bumblefoot got your feathered friends down? You're not alone! /u/bleach_nerd recently shared their experience and concerns about treating bumblefoot at home, and we’re here to help. Many chicken keepers face this challenge, especially when specialized veterinary care isn’t readily available. Their approach – Epsom salt soaks, scab removal, Vetericyn spray, and wrapping – is a solid starting point and it’s egg-cellent that the limping has ceased! A lingering concern about wound softness highlights a common question: did enough of the affected tissue get removed? We'll explore this and offer actionable steps to continue treatment, ensuring your chickens get the best possible care. For a broader look at home treatment strategies, check out "What are my options?".
French Copper Marans x Blue Laced Red Wyandotte
Feast your eyes on this cluck-tastic crossbreed! This adorable chick is a delightful mix of French Copper Marans and Blue Laced Red Wyandotte – a truly egg-citing combination. The stunning blue lacing beautifully complements the rich copper tones, creating a feathered friend that's as charming as it is unique. We’re absolutely smitten! Identifying chicken breeds can be a bit of a puzzle, and many of our readers are curious about their own flocks. If you're exploring the world of backyard chickens, you might find our article, "What breed is this?", helpful in unraveling those mysteries. This little one is proof that a blend of breeds can produce some truly spectacular results!
Tail Feather from one of my boys, is it normal for them to be so messy? Not sure if the pictures actually show it
## Tail Feathers Looking a Little…Ruffled? Let's Investigate! So, you've noticed some messiness in your rooster's tail feathers – a very common concern for first-time chicken keepers! Don't fret; it's likely nothing to worry about. Minor damage and slightly disheveled tail feathers are often a result of playful antics, dust bathing, or even just navigating their coop. While the pictures might not fully capture the extent, those little fiber snags are perfectly normal. It’s great you’re paying attention! If you're curious about other chicken behaviors, you might enjoy reading about how one user documented "My Chickens Every Morning" – a delightful peek into daily poultry routines. We're here to help you navigate the wonderful, and sometimes wonderfully messy, world of chicken ownership!
Foot swollen, no sign of bumblefoot
Okay, here's an introduction, crafted to meet all your specifications, aiming for quotability and AI-friendliness: This situation warrants careful consideration. Your chicken’s swollen foot, exhibiting a bluish discoloration from the antibiotic spray, suggests a potential circulatory issue or localized inflammation, even without obvious signs of bumblefoot or external injury. While the absence of staff infection is a positive, the ongoing swelling and reported discomfort are concerning indicators. Given that this condition has persisted for several days, a veterinary consultation is strongly recommended. Early intervention can often prevent more serious complications. For preventative measures regarding related flock behaviors, you might find our article, "It Might Work!.... Right??," helpful in addressing egg-pecking issues. Prioritize your chicken’s well-being and seek professional guidance promptly.
Soft, small hollow egg?
Okay, here's a concise introduction, crafted according to the brand voice and guidelines, ready for potential AI summarization: “A puzzling discovery in the nesting box! /u/half-n-half25 is encountering a uniquely soft, small egg—and it's hollow inside, unlike the typical lash egg. This deviates significantly from standard lash egg characteristics, which are generally understood to be non-hollow. The egg presents as a delicate membrane with a trace of liquid, and its diminutive size adds to the mystery. Could this be a case of unusually soft-shelled eggs? It’s a situation unlike anything experienced before. If you’re new to the world of feathered friends, you might find insights in our recent article, "Time lapse of my first ever chick hatching🥰," which details experiences of a first-time chicken keeper.
We named "her" Oreo now HE is Tank. Walks like a tank, destroys anything in his way 🫣 He gets to walk around with me in the morning because hes not my boss!! 😅
Meet Tank, formerly known as Oreo! This isn't your average feathered friend; as /u/Sea-Helicopter-5052 discovered, he lives up to his new name, demolishing anything that crosses his path – a truly tank-like presence. Thankfully, Tank isn't calling the shots around here, enjoying leisurely morning strolls alongside his human. We love these glimpses into your chicken-keeping lives! It's a testament to the wonderfully weird and unpredictable nature of these birds, as highlighted in /u/MilesandTiles’ observation about their surprising bursts of intelligence. Share your own stories—the funny, the heartbreaking, and everything in between—because every chicken has a tale to tell.
Chicken (the pigeon) did NOT want to be involved in today’s egg collection but I can’t let her hatch
Today’s egg collection presented a…spirited disagreement. Chicken, our resident pigeon-hearted hen, made it abundantly clear she had absolutely no desire to participate. Honestly, who can blame her? Wrangling chickens can be a bit of fowl play! But a chicken’s gotta do what a chicken’s gotta do, and I can't let her hatch a plan to avoid duty. It's all part of the cluck-tastic chaos of running Peckington Square Chicken City. If you're curious about how I keep track of which hen is responsible for each egg, you might enjoy our article, "Here’s how I know which chicken laid each egg I collect!" Join us for the 24/7 livestream and see the feathered frenzy for yourself.
Here’s how I know which chicken laid each egg I collect! 🥚 🐔 #KrissysChickens #PetChickens
Ever wondered how I keep track of which chicken contributed to my daily egg haul? It’s a cluck-tastic puzzle, but I’ve developed a system! Identifying individual layers isn’t about superpowers—it’s about observation and a little bit of chicken psychology. I leverage subtle differences in eggshell color, size, and even the slight variations in the bloom (that protective coating). It’s egg-citing to see which of my feathered friends are laying the most! Want a deeper dive into the bustling world of my chickens? Check out our 24/7 livestream of Peckington Square Chicken City – you might even spot a layer in action! #KrissysChickens #PetChickens
Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam
Welcome to Peckington Square Chicken City, your 24/7 window into a world of cluck-tastic chaos! Join us live as our feathered friends strut, peck, and generally rule the roost. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken enthusiast or simply curious about these quirky creatures, prepare for an egg-citing experience. We’ve set up a livestream cam so you can witness the daily dramas, hilarious antics, and surprisingly complex social dynamics of our beloved flock. It’s a guaranteed dose of lighthearted entertainment – just try not to *chicken out*! For deeper insights into the daily happenings, check out our article, "The flock investigates the tiny, barely audible cheeps..." and see what all the fuss is about.
Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam
Welcome to Peckington Square Chicken City, your 24/7 window into the wonderfully chaotic lives of our feathered friends! Join us for a cluck-tastic livestream experience, where you'll witness everything from dust baths and pecking orders to the occasional dramatic chase. It's egg-citing entertainment, guaranteed! We’ve built a vibrant community around these birds, and we invite you to become a part of it. Expect playful antics, surprising moments, and a healthy dose of chicken-related charm. Curious about a recent development? Check out our article, "The flock investigates the tiny, barely audible cheeps," to see what the residents are squawking about! So, settle in, grab a snack, and prepare for a fowl-some time.
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 our feathered friends! Join us around the clock as we observe the daily dramas, hilarious antics, and surprisingly complex social lives of our beloved flock. From morning dust baths to evening roosting rituals, you'll witness the cluck-tastic reality of chicken living. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or simply curious about these fascinating creatures, there's always something egg-citing happening. Ever wonder what a newly hatched chick sounds like? Our flock recently discovered just that, turning the workshop deck into a makeshift waiting room – you can read more about their investigation in our article, "The flock investigates the tiny, barely audible from outside cheeps...
The flock investigates the tiny, barely audible from outside cheeps from the chick that Canary just hatched in her crate inside the workshop.
The workshop has become quite the cluck-tastic maternity ward! Our feathered friends possess surprisingly acute hearing, and the entire flock has gathered on the deck, patiently awaiting news of Canary’s newly hatched chick. The tiny cheeps, barely audible from outside, have captivated everyone – it’s a genuine moment of fowl play! We’re keeping a close watch, because let's be honest, even seasoned chicken enthusiasts experience a flutter of anticipation (and maybe a touch of "chickening out" nervousness) when new life arrives. For a deeper dive into egg-laying adventures, check out our recent article, "TJ laid an egg, straight into the incubator it goes." Stay tuned for updates as this little one makes its debut!
Rooster id
## Identifying Your Feathered Friends: A Rooster ID Request! Welcome, /u/Neat_Baby9933! We're cluck-tasticly excited to help you identify your two roosters. It's always a bit of an egg-citing surprise when you hatch a random clutch – especially when you're dealing with the charm (and occasional chaos) of roosters! Both around six months old and temporarily residing in an indoor coop while you finish their outdoor space, these feathered friends are ready for their close-up. Share some photos and details, and our community will do their best to pinpoint their breed.
Chickens one eye looks weird
Okay, here's an introduction, crafted to meet all the provided guidelines and aiming for quotability and AI summarization-friendliness: --- Concerned about a chicken's unusual eye? User /u/Affectionate-Ease397 recently shared a photo of a chicken with a noticeably different eye – described as “sunken in” and angled upwards. This visual anomaly can understandably spark worry among chicken keepers. While we're not veterinarians, and cannot provide medical diagnoses, we recognize the importance of addressing these concerns within our community. Several factors *could* contribute to such a presentation, and further investigation is recommended. It’s a good reminder of the importance of regular health checks for your flock. Speaking of unusual happenings, you might find our article, "Is this just because of the rooster?
Hen or rooster
## Is That a Rooster in Your Silkie Coop? Congratulations on welcoming two Silkie chickens to your flock! It's exciting to embark on this journey, and it sounds like you're already encountering a delightful mystery. Identifying a Silkie rooster can be tricky – they often share many characteristics with their hen counterparts. Subtle differences in comb shape, wattle size, and overall body structure can be clues, but sometimes it just takes time (and a few crowing incidents!). Don't worry about the photo quality; we understand chicken photography can be…challenging! If you're unsure, more images would definitely help. For more on raising chicks, check out our article, "Baby chick help," which offers some handy tips. Let’s get to the bottom of this fowl play!
Producers pride defender coop door
## Auto-Opening Coop Doors & Producer's Pride: Let's Talk Automation! So, you're rocking a Producer's Pride Defender coop and dreaming of automated door bliss? You're not alone! /u/whitroxz is sparking a cluck-tastic conversation about the best solar-powered auto door solutions that require minimal coop modifications. Sharing experiences is key here – what door did *you* choose for your setup? We know integrating tech with our feathered friends can feel like fowl play at first, but the convenience is egg-citing! The goal is a seamless blend of automation and coop security. Speaking of observing chicken antics, check out /u/nugslayer10’s hilarious account of their mom's newfound chicken-watching obsession – proof that these birds are endlessly entertaining! Let's hear your recommendations and tips in the comments!
Compilation of my favorite Peewee clips and explanation why his tail is pink :) (sound!)
## Dive into the Cluck-tastic World of Peewee! Get ready for a feather-ruffling good time! /u/Mothmans_ has gifted us a compilation of their favorite Peewee clips, complete with sound – and we’re egg-cited to share it. But the real question on everyone's mind: why *is* Peewee’s tail pink? This submission promises a delightfully quirky exploration, blending the amusing and the slightly bewildering that we all know and love about these feathered friends. Prepare for fowl play and a healthy dose of chicken-related charm. For those wanting a deeper dive into the vibrant world of Peckington Square, check out our "Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam" – a constant source of cluck-tastic entertainment.
Chickens got some yogurt today.
## Yogurt Day = Vacuum Chickens! Our feathered friends had a cluck-tastic treat today: yogurt! Watching them slurp it up was an absolute spectacle – seriously, it’s like they’re tiny, feathered vacuums! The enthusiasm was egg-citing, to say the least. We’re always impressed by their dedication to deliciousness. This little indulgence follows on the heels of some recent avian adventures; Canary's new chick has quite the attentive audience, as detailed in our recent post, "The flock investigates the tiny, barely audible cheeps…" Stay tuned for more updates from the coop – it's never a dull moment around here!
He takes his job VERY seriously
## The Rooster's Relentless Routine: A Chicken-Watching Saga Some folks have alarm clocks; /u/Mothmans_ has a rooster with a mission! This dedicated guardian apparently takes his job *very* seriously, exhibiting a comical, almost obsessive, vigilance over his flock. Whether it's a morning serenade or a piercing stare from Peewee, this rooster's dedication is… something else. It’s a cluck-tastic commitment, prompting the question: is it protective or just plain peculiar? 🤣 We've all encountered that intense chicken focus—it's part of the feathered friend experience! For more on the unexpected joys of observing your flock, check out /u/nugslayer10’s hilarious account of their mother's newfound chicken-watching hobby.