domestic animals
domestic animals on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 11 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on domestic animals 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 domestic animals, 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.
Ever have the feeling that you're being watched ?
Ever felt those eyes on you, even when you’re just stepping outside? Meet Gayle, the rooster who’s proving chickens can be surprisingly… devoted. /u/Tangiboo reports this feathered friend follows them around like a loyal canine, seemingly keeping watch even when they're indoors. He's a "damn fine rooster," apparently, and a master of observation. We’ve all experienced the quirks of our flock, and Gayle’s behavior certainly sparks curiosity. Thinking about chicken routines? Check out /u/AustinRatBuster’s charming post, "My chickens every morning," for a glimpse into a typical poultry day. From watchful roosters to unusual feather patterns, there's always something new to discover in the world of chickens!
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!
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!
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!
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.
Ginger, the Great Door Blocker.
## Meet Ginger, the Great Door Blocker – She’s Got Standards! Let’s be honest, we’ve all encountered a chicken with a mind of their own. But Ginger? Ginger takes things to a whole new, *cluck-tastic* level. This intrepid hen has decided our user, /u/beepbopbippitybop2,’s doorway is prime real estate – regardless of the perfectly good perches available elsewhere. It's a situation many chicken keepers can relate to, and a testament to the wonderfully unpredictable nature of our feathered friends. Is she asserting dominance? Simply enjoying the view? Who knows! What *is* clear is that Ginger’s door-blocking antics are a source of both amusement and mild frustration. For more tales of unexpected chicken behavior, check out our recent article, "Any advice?
this chicken ate my damn tomato from my garden
## Tomato Trauma: When Roosters Reign Supreme (and Steal Your Harvest) Oh, Harry. Some feathered friends are just…extra. /u/polandonjupiter shared a tale of poultry-induced heartbreak: a rogue rooster, apparently emboldened by a porch-top crowing session and a lack of treats, decided their single, perfectly ripe tomato was a fair target. Shame on you, Harry! It seems even aprons aren't a foolproof solution for a rooster with a penchant for mischief. This incident highlights a common conundrum: managing rooster behavior. If you're dealing with a similar situation, or just curious about identifying your own flock members, check out our "Rooster ID" article for breed identification tips. We’re here to navigate the cluck-tastic, and sometimes chaotic, world of chicken keeping – one stolen tomato at a time.
What should I name my rooster?
## What Should I Name My Rooster? A Cluck-tastic Challenge! So, your flock is rocking a distinctly country, female artist vibe? We get it! Naming a rooster to fit that theme is an egg-citing challenge. While we're all about embracing the quirky side of chicken ownership, finding the *perfect* name is serious business. Don't "chicken out" – we’re here to help you brainstorm! We’ve got a few ideas beyond the obvious, leaning into both classic country legends and more modern stars. Think about your rooster’s personality – is he a showman, a gentle giant, or a mischievous rascal? Let's find a name that truly captures his spirit.
Just showing off some chickens <3
## A Cluck-tastic Flock! 🐔❤️ Feast your eyes on this delightful display of poultry pride! /u/Golden__River is showing off their impressive crew – a vibrant bunch of 28 chickens, including a couple of handsome roosters. It's a truly *egg-citing* sight, and a testament to the joys (and occasional chaos!) of backyard chicken keeping. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just starting to consider welcoming feathered friends to your homestead, this post is sure to bring a smile. Speaking of roosters, be sure to check out our recent article, "Dumping aggressive roosters is cruel and cowardly," for important considerations on responsible flock management. Join the conversation and share your own chicken love stories in the comments!