domestic animals
domestic animals on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 26 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.
Ummmm I think we have a goose in our coop
## A Goose in the Coop?! You Won't Believe This Egg! Hold the cluck – we’ve got a situation! /u/Coltron12 just reported a truly *egg-straordinary* event: a goose has apparently moved into their chicken coop, and it’s laying eggs of absolutely colossal proportions. Seriously, this thing doesn’t even fit in an extra-large! We’re sending all our best wishes for the goose’s well-being – a coop intrusion is never ideal. While we’re accustomed to large eggs, this is a whole new level of fowl play! If you're looking for ways to keep your flock happy and cool during warmer weather, check out our article "Chicken treat to cool off" for some refreshing ideas. Stay tuned as we try to unravel this bizarre, egg-cellent mystery!
Just told Sweetpea summer is almost over 🥹💔
Oh, the bittersweet pangs of summer’s end! We’re feeling it too, thanks to /u/Embarrassed-Stay2176’s heartfelt submission: “Just told Sweetpea summer is almost over 🥹💔.” It’s a cluck-tastic reminder that even our feathered friends notice the changing seasons. This sentiment perfectly captures the quirky love-hate relationship we all have with these sometimes-chaotic, always-entertaining creatures. We understand the emotional attachment to your flock – they become part of the family! For those wanting a constant dose of chicken city antics, be sure to check out our "Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam" for a non-stop look at these vibrant personalities. Let’s embrace the cozy vibes of fall together, and cherish every egg-citing moment with our beloved chickens.
My girl Jahn mid yawn
## A Mid-Yawn Moment with Jahn Isn't she precious? /u/Egg_Slut69 captured this wonderfully relatable moment of Jahn mid-yawn, a reminder that even our feathered friends need a little rest! It's easy to get caught up in the *egg-citing* world of chicken keeping, but recognizing those quiet, everyday moments is part of the joy. This image speaks volumes about the dedication required – and the sheer delight – of raising backyard chickens. Speaking of dedication, many of our readers grapple with the challenges of broody hens; you might find helpful insights in our recent article, "Nearly all my hens are broody." We're thrilled to share this charming snapshot and celebrate the simple beauty of chicken life!
My granny has a thing for chickens and roosters.
## Granny's Coop & a Whole Lot of Cluck: Welcome to the Kitchen! Wayward_Wayfinder has unearthed a delightful situation: their granny’s passionate devotion to chickens and roosters has transformed her kitchen into a veritable haven – a "witches' brewer" of feathered delights! We're diving headfirst into this quirky corner of farm life, celebrating the joys (and potential chaos) of a chicken-centric household. Whether you’re a seasoned poultry enthusiast or simply appreciate a good laugh, you're in the right place. We’ll explore everything from coop antics to the occasional surprise visitor. Speaking of surprises, you might find our article, "Ummmm I think we have a goose in our coop," equally entertaining—it highlights just how unpredictable life can be with feathered friends!
I just want to “talk” to whatever scaring them.
So, your chicken’s spooked, and you want to know *what* has it ruffled its feathers? We get it – sometimes our feathered friends act like tiny, panicked dictators. This query from /u/espada355 highlights a common concern: identifying the source of a chicken’s anxiety. Is it a shadow, a sound, or something else entirely? Understanding the trigger is the first step to calming your flock and restoring peace to the coop. Figuring out what’s causing the distress can be a bit like detective work, but it's *egg-citing* work! For a deeper dive into unusual chicken behavior, check out our article, "her greenness is on the water bucket," where we explore some surprising environmental factors that can unsettle our poultry pals.
Thank you all for the advice about the neighbor’s chicken being in my yard. Someone came and is taking it to his farm. The neighbor decided there were too many dogs that could catch up to her in the area.
A huge thank you to our community for the helpful advice regarding /u/Redsgal19's recent chicken visitor! It appears a solution has been found: a local farmer is now providing a safe haven for the wandering hen. Redsgal19 shared that her neighbor, recognizing the potential dangers posed by roaming dogs in the area, decided relocating the chicken was the best course of action. We appreciate the quick thinking and collaborative spirit of our users. This situation highlights the importance of responsible chicken keeping and neighborly awareness. For more insights into flock dynamics, check out our recent article, "New rooster in the flock 😍," exploring the adjustments that come with introducing a new leader.
What can a rooster eat from my kitchen?
## So, Your Rooster's Become a Houseguest? What Can He Eat From Your Kitchen? A rogue rooster staking out territory in your HOA? We get it – it’s cluck-tasticly weird! You're likely wondering if you can offer a little kitchen kindness to your feathered friend without a trip to the feed store. While bugs and worms are a rooster's staple diet, supplementing with safe kitchen scraps is perfectly fine. Think leftover cooked veggies (no onions or avocados!), grains like rice or oats, and even bits of fruit. Just avoid salty, sugary, or processed foods. He's probably quite the adventurer, as showcased in our recent piece, "A handsome prince I met out and about yesterday," where a reader shared a similar unexpected encounter!
How to help her figure out nesting boxes?
## The Case of the Capstone Egg-Layer: Helping a Hen Find Her Nest So, you've got a chicken who's staging an egg-laying rebellion? It’s a cluck-tastic problem, but a cracked egg is *never* ideal! Many keepers encounter a hen who stubbornly prefers a different spot – like those lovely capstone blocks – despite readily available nesting boxes. It's comical, yes, but protecting those precious eggs is key. While some hens eventually come around, a little intervention can help. We'll explore strategies to encourage her nesting box behavior, from subtle nudges to more direct approaches, so you can avoid the heartbreak (and mess!) of cracked eggs. If you're also struggling with rehoming chickens, our article "where can I take chickens I can't raise?
Wasn’t expecting Pickle to do that to me😩🤣 #KrissysChickens #PetChickens #BackyardChickens
Oh. My. Cluck! 🤣 Pickle just redefined “unexpected” – and I’m still laughing (and slightly pecked)! Sometimes these feathered friends have a sense of humor I wasn’t quite prepared for. Join the fun and witness the delightful chaos of backyard chicken life with #KrissysChickens #PetChickens #BackyardChickens. If you’re captivated by the antics of a whole flock, be sure to check out our “Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam” for a constant dose of cluck-tastic entertainment. We've also got a community forum where folks are tackling tricky questions – like what's up with a rooster's comb! – so don’t hesitate to join the conversation.
why do my chickens do this when i pet them?
## Why Do My Chickens Do *This* When I Pet Them? Ever notice your feathered friends getting…weird when you offer a gentle pat? A sudden peck, a frantic squawk, or even a full-blown flap-fest? You're not alone! This behavior, while sometimes startling, is often rooted in chicken communication and their quirky personalities. It can range from a sign of affection (yes, really!) to a display of dominance or even a request for more attention. Understanding the nuances of their reactions—a head bob, a wing lift, or a quick nip—can help you decode their "cluck-tastic" responses. Want to dive deeper into chicken antics? Check out our article, "This little shitstain attacked me mid phone call today," for a humorous look at unexpected chicken behavior!
When you’re broody but there’s cucumber snacks
## The Broody Dilemma: Cucumbers and Chicken Dreams So, your hen’s gone broody? It’s a cluck-tastic experience, but sometimes, a hen’s maternal instincts clash with, well, *everything* else. Like, say, your perfectly ripe cucumber snacks. Broodiness can be intense, and redirecting a determined hen's focus is a true test of patience! We've all been there – the unwavering stare, the protective fluffing, the sheer dedication to those eggs. It’s a beautiful, slightly chaotic, thing. This submission from /u/Stealth9erz perfectly captures that relatable struggle. Want to dive deeper into the fascinating world of broody hens? Check out our article, "If you pick up Valentina the Japanese Bantam she falls asleep," for more insights into this charming behavior.
This little shitstain attacked me mid phone call today
## Reginald's Reign of Terror: A Chicken Attack Story Sometimes, feathered friends aren't so friendly, as /u/final_flare discovered today during a perfectly ordinary takeout order. Apparently, Reginald, their chicken, deemed a mid-call interruption a prime opportunity to launch a full-scale assault. We've all had days where things go sideways, but a chicken-initiated ambush takes the cake! It's a cluck-tastic reminder that even the most docile-seeming creatures can surprise you. Dealing with unexpected chicken behavior is part of the fun (and occasional frustration) of chicken keeping. For more on the quirky ways chickens interact with their environment, check out our article, "Chickens can learn many different ways to get food." Stay safe out there, fellow enthusiasts – and watch your heads!
My sweet baby🥰
## Sweet Orpington Moments! 🥰 Isn’t it cluck-tastic when your feathered friends just *get* you? /u/Careful-Bear-8653 certainly thinks so, sharing their adoration for their calm Orpingtons – chickens known for their gentle demeanor and surprising tolerance for cuddles! It's egg-citing to see such a heartwarming connection between human and hen. Many of us appreciate the unique personalities within our flocks, and Orpingtons consistently earn high marks for their laid-back attitudes. If you’re curious about chicken behavior, you might find our article, "Why do my chickens keep jumping on my shoulder?", particularly enlightening – it explores some quirky reasons behind those unexpected avian antics! Keep sharing those sweet moments, fellow chicken enthusiasts!
Waiting for her turn to lay an egg
## The Cluck Stops Here: Nesting Box Expansion! Isn’t it egg-cellent to witness the simple joys of chicken life? Right now, I’m hard at work building another nesting box – our feathered friends are patiently waiting for their turn, and I’m endlessly charmed by their quiet anticipation. It’s a cluck-tastic reminder of the natural order! Providing comfortable spaces for laying is key to happy hens, and a little extra room never hurt anyone (especially when dealing with a brood!). If you're new to the world of broody hens and baby chicks, you might find our article, "Tips for new broody chicken mama?" helpful as you navigate this exciting phase. Stay tuned for more updates on our ever-growing flock!
What were these lovely ladies? featuring a bald man ???
## Decoding the Curious Crew: What Were These Lovely Ladies? /u/ibyeori recently shared a delightful (and perplexing!) encounter – a visit to see chickens in person after years of observing them online. Among the diverse flock, a particular breed captivated their attention, sparking a quest for identification. Featuring a bald man in the background—a truly majestic and curious scene! We're diving into the mystery of these feathered friends, aiming to uncover their breed and share the joy of experiencing chickens firsthand. And a quick note: who else finds the earthy scent of chickens surprisingly pleasant? It’s a unique appreciation! If you're also mourning a beloved chicken, as detailed in "In honor of my big baby: Pasa," you’ll understand the depth of connection these creatures inspire.
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.