domestic fowl
domestic fowl on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 24 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on domestic fowl 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 fowl, 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.
Introducing the newest members of our flock🥰🐔 #KrissysChickens #PetChickens #BantamCochin
## Meet the Newest Cluck-Tastic Residents of Peckington Square! 🥰🐔 Get ready for some serious cuteness overload! We’re absolutely egg-cited to introduce the newest additions to our flock: a delightful group of Bantam Cochins! These feathered friends are already bringing a whole new level of charm and personality to Peckington Square. Prepare for fluffy tail feathers, adorable waddles, and maybe a little bit of fowl play! We’re so thrilled to share these sweet personalities with you, and we invite you to join us on this cluck-tastic journey. Want a front-row seat to all the chicken city action? Check out our "Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam" for a continuous look at life on the farm. Welcome to the family, little ones! #KrissysChickens #PetChickens #BantamCochin
This is Tammy, she died this summer and now we only have two cream legbars
It’s always heartbreaking to say goodbye to a feathered friend. /u/HistoricalPut3667 recently shared a poignant update: Tammy has crossed the rainbow bridge this summer, leaving behind a smaller flock of two cream legbars. Losing a beloved chicken is a uniquely bittersweet experience, and we appreciate their willingness to share this moment with our community. We understand the emotional toll of these losses, and recognize that caring for chickens often involves navigating unexpected challenges. If you’ve encountered similar situations, or are seeking guidance on supporting a chicken’s well-being, you might find our article, "The Queen found her Throne," helpful. It offers insights into honoring the memory of a special hen.
New rooster time
## New Rooster Alert: Buff Orpington to the Rescue! Big news, fellow chicken enthusiasts! After a less-than-ideal relationship with my previous rooster (😬), I’m welcoming a new feathered friend to the flock: a Buff Orpington! Research consistently points to this breed as a calmer, more agreeable option for those of us who prefer not to feel like prey when venturing into the yard. But let's be honest, does *anyone* truly agree with research about rooster temperament? I’m curious – how many of you disagree? Share your experiences in the comments! For those experiencing similar broody behavior, you might find some helpful insights in our recent article, "Nearly all my hens are broody." Let the cluck-tastic rooster adventures begin!
Can anyone help ID this breed?
## Mystery Chicken Alert! Can You ID This Unusual Fowl? Our community is buzzing about a unique chicken sighting in the US Virgin Islands! /u/stellabewah encountered a chicken unlike any she'd seen amongst the islands’ abundant “wild” population—larger than the typical scrawny, leggy birds, and remarkably docile, allowing for a close approach. Described as having fully developed wings (no baby fuzz!), this chicken presents a fascinating identification puzzle. We're hoping our collective chicken wisdom can crack the case. Do you recognize this description? Share your thoughts and theories in the comments! For those pondering new flock members, you might find some helpful insights in our recent post, "New rooster time," as we explore the joys (and challenges!) of introducing a Buff Orpington.
thought my last rooster was taken from me today
The chicken-keeping life can deliver some truly *cluck-tastic* surprises, and sometimes, those surprises involve a whole lot of frantic searching and a dash of disbelief. One user, /u/Technical_Horse206, recently shared a tale that perfectly encapsulates this blend of chaos and humor: after a desperate search following their rooster’s disappearance, they found him snoozing peacefully in the laundry basket. Yes, you read that right! The relief (and perhaps a touch of frustration) is palpable in their story. This experience highlights the unpredictable nature of our feathered friends. For a deeper dive into the quirks of chicken ownership, check out our article "My granny has a thing for chickens and roosters," which explores another delightfully eccentric homesteading story.
Chick Pics
Welcome to Chick Pics, a cluck-tastic corner of Reddit for all things feathered! We're thrilled you've joined our community of chicken enthusiasts—and those still chickening out a little. As a brand new chick owner, navigating the world of Bantam breeds can feel like fowl play, especially when Google leaves you scratching your head. Don't worry, you've come to the right place! Our community thrives on shared experiences, from identifying mystery chicks to tackling tricky situations, like a roaming neighbor’s hen – as seen in /u/Redsgal19's recent post about a wandering chicken. Share your photos and questions; we're here to offer advice, share a laugh, and celebrate the egg-citing journey of chicken ownership. Let's get those breeds identified!
One of my hens has two different colored eyes
## Heterochromia in Chickens: A Cluck-tastic Oddity! Wowza! Check out this egg-citing find from /u/rexallia – a hen with two different colored eyes! This fascinating condition, known as heterochromia, isn't as rare as you might think in the chicken world, and it’s undeniably cute. ☺️ While the exact cause can vary, it simply means the hen's irises developed differently. This isn't the first time we've seen unusual chicken quirks – /u/beroisgreen recently shared a similar observation about their hen’s eye color in relation to their water bucket! Want to delve deeper into understanding your feathered friends' behaviors? Explore our related article, "her greenness is on the water bucket," for more insights. It’s a cluck-tastic reminder that every chicken is wonderfully unique!
What breed is my chicken??
## Mystery Chicken Alert! Decoding Your Black & White Beauty So, you’ve got a chicken conundrum! You were expecting a Black Copper Maran, but your feathered friend arrived with a splash of white spots instead. Don’t worry, you’re not alone – chicken identification can be trickier than a game of fowl play! Feather feet are a helpful clue, but it doesn’t quite point to a standard Maran. Several breeds can display that striking black and white speckled pattern, and early development can sometimes obscure breed characteristics. We’ll explore some possibilities and help you narrow it down. If you're dealing with a clutch of chicks and unsure of their origins, you might find some helpful insights in our article, "Chick Pics," which addresses similar identification challenges.
Why my hen sitting on her egg attack me every time I even touch her just to pet her?
## Why is My Broody Hen Attacking Me? So, your hen's turned into a feathery, protective ninja, launching attacks when you simply try to offer a friendly pat? You're not alone! Broodiness is a powerful instinct; when a hen is set on hatching eggs, she becomes fiercely territorial and will defend her nest with surprising vigor – even nipping! This behavior, while startling, is perfectly normal. She’s prioritizing those precious eggs and views you as a potential threat. While a bite is concerning, thankfully minor injuries are common. Understanding this instinct is key to managing the situation. For a deeper dive into identifying breeds exhibiting strong traits, check out our article, "TSC strikes again. Any idea on the breed?
New rooster in the flock 😍
## Meet the New Sheriff in Town! 😍 The flock just got a whole lot louder (and possibly more opinionated)! A huge welcome to the newest rooster, submitted by /u/SatanikRaccoon – check out the adorable photo [link]. Adding a rooster is always an *egg-citing* development, bringing fresh energy and, let's be honest, a whole new level of crowing. Are you experiencing some unexpected hen behavior now that you've added a rooster? You might find some helpful insights in our article, "Why my hen sitting on her egg attack me every time I even touch her?" It's a cluck-tastic read! We're thrilled to see our community growing and sharing their feathered friend adventures. Share your rooster introductions with us – we love seeing them!
What breed of chickens are these?
Identifying chicken breeds can be a cluck-tastic challenge, especially when starting with chicks! /u/goldqueen88 is seeking help recognizing their feathered friends, who are currently around 12 weeks old. TSC (That Southern Coop) initially identified the gray chicken with fluffy legs as a Midnight Maran and the black and white one as a Sicilian Buttercup, but they aren’t quite sure. It's a common conundrum – sometimes those little chicks can throw a curveball! If you’ve ever felt confused about chicken identification, you’re not alone; check out /u/johnnysubarashi’s “So confused” post for a relatable experience. Can you lend a hand in identifying these beauties? Share your breed guesses in the comments below!
One chicken
## The Last Cluck Standing: Will Your Solo Hen Be Okay? After 15 years of feathered friends, it's tough to see your flock dwindle! Losing a chicken is always heartbreaking, and you're right to wonder about your survivor. Having just one hen, especially after a loss, can be unsettling. While chickens are social creatures, it's not a guaranteed path to loneliness or "chicken madness." Many single hens thrive, adapting to their solitary life. Observe her closely for changes in behavior—anything beyond her usual quirks. She might miss the company, but with consistent care and attention from you, she can absolutely continue to live a happy, cluck-tastic life.
Most entitled little fat chicken I have ever had
## Meet Bec_son’s Resident Griddle Gremlin! We’ve all got *that* chicken – the one with an outsized personality and an even bigger appetite. /u/Bec_son’s recent post perfectly captures this phenomenon: introducing what she calls the “most entitled little fat chicken” she’s ever encountered! Apparently, any culinary activity on the griddle is cause for this feathered friend to launch a full-scale bench-top reconnaissance mission. It's a hilarious reminder of just how individual chicken personalities can be. Are you dealing with a similarly demanding flock member? Perhaps you’re still trying to determine if *your* new addition is a hen or a rooster? Check out our article, "Everyone’s favorite game: hen or roo?" for some helpful identification tips!
Love this little weirdo
Meet this little weirdo – a truly unique naked neck chick! Broody moms can be *mean*, as /u/Responsible_Data7336 discovered, making a clear picture tough to capture. Despite the challenges, this chick is undeniably captivating, especially considering it's the sole survivor of a Plymouth Rock hen who, in a bit of fowl play, pilfered a clutch of eggs. We're obsessed! This heartwarming story highlights the joys and occasional frustrations of chicken keeping. Curious about creating a relaxing outdoor space for your flock? Check out our article, "Finally got their outdoor area finished to sit with them," for inspiration and a cautionary tale about rogue shovels. It's cluck-tastic!
Why do my chickens keep jumping on my shoulder?
## Why Are My Chickens Perched on My Shoulders? A Cluck-tastic Mystery! So, you've got feathered friends with a fondness for your shoulders? You're not alone! Many chicken keepers experience this surprisingly common, and undeniably cute, behavior. Your chickens likely see you as a warm, stable perch – a giant, mobile roost! Roosters, in particular, may be asserting dominance or simply enjoying the elevated view. It's a sign of trust, too; they feel comfortable enough to relax on you. While undeniably charming, be mindful of potential scratches or, ahem, unexpected deposits. For a deeper dive into all things chicken city, check out our “Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam” for a constant stream of fowl antics!
First egg!
## First Egg! A Cluck-tastic Moment! The anticipation was real! Many keepers recognize the tell-tale "egg song," and /u/Chocolateapologycake certainly did. Walking into the coop to discover a brand-new egg is a feeling unlike any other – a true milestone in the chicken-keeping journey. "Most expensive egg I’ll ever eat!" they exclaimed, and who can blame them? This fresh-laid treasure represents weeks of care and dedication. It's moments like these that solidify the joy (and occasional chaos!) of raising feathered friends. If you're new to the adventure, you might appreciate exploring our article, "Is this marcs?", which addresses potential flock health concerns – always a good thing to keep in mind! Congratulations to /u/Chocolateapologycake on this egg-citing achievement!
10 Friendliest Chicken Breeds!!!
## 10 Friendliest Chicken Breeds!!! Let's face it: chickens can be… unpredictable. But fear not, fellow fowl enthusiasts (and those tentatively dipping a toe into the chicken world)! Not all feathered friends are created equal. We’ve compiled a definitive list of the 10 friendliest chicken breeds, guaranteed to bring smiles and maybe even a few head scratches. From gentle giants to curious little fluffballs, these breeds are known for their docile temperaments and love of human interaction. Get ready to meet your new best friends! Want a front-row seat to chicken camaraderie? Check out our 24/7 livestream of Peckington Square Chicken City – it’s cluck-tastic!
Skip settles the age old question, "Are Wyandottes noisy"?
## Are Wyandottes Noisy? Let Skip Settle the Debate! The age-old question has returned: just *how* noisy are Wyandottes? Skip’s here to deliver the unfiltered truth—what happened, when it happened, and exactly how it went down, even if you witnessed the spectacle yourself. A recent submission from /u/beepbopbippitybop2 details a ten-minute avian performance that left one hen, Midge, decidedly unimpressed, but ultimately resulted in a successful egg-laying session for all. Skip, initially concerned, thoroughly checked on the involved hen and confirmed she was perfectly fine—just a delightfully mischievous character. This lively discussion echoes similar observations about chicken quirks, like the surprisingly intelligent moments shared by many of our feathered friends, as noted in /u/MilesandTiles’ piece, "Chickens are such weird animals.
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!
Rooster abandonment
## Rooster Runaways: Are Abandoned Roosters Crowing Up Everywhere? It seems like a cluck-tastic phenomenon is unfolding across neighborhoods: roosters showing up unexpectedly. From Reddit threads to doorsteps, stories of wandering roosters are becoming increasingly common. Is rooster abandonment a growing practice? The sheer number of these feathered friends appearing in yards suggests it might be. We’ve noticed a surge in inquiries, and frankly, it’s gotten so prevalent that some of us are contemplating building dedicated bachelor pads – a third coop just for the displaced gents! This issue touches on wider questions of chicken care, as highlighted in our recent article, "Can I put chicks directly outside in Texas?".
First Egg!
## First Egg! A Cluck-tastic Milestone! Huge congratulations to /u/Country_Skies96 on their first egg! There’s nothing quite like that moment – the thrill of discovery nestled right there in the nesting box. It’s especially egg-citing when your girls enjoy the freedom of free-ranging! This milestone marks a significant step in the chicken-keeping journey, and we’re cheering you on. For those new to the joys (and occasional surprises) of raising chickens, you might find our article, "Chicks VS Grown(ish)," helpful as it explores unexpected arrivals from a broody hen. Welcome to the wonderful world of fresh eggs and feathered friends! Share your first egg stories with us – we’d love to hear them!
Rooster or Hen?!
## Rooster or Hen?! Decoding Those Red Comb Clues! Alright, chicken sleuths! Our feathered friends are hitting the five-month mark soon, and the age-old question arises: rooster or hen? /u/ElWoz_30476 is puzzling over two Rhode Island Reds, particularly one sporting a more prominent comb – a classic indicator, but not a guarantee! No crowing or mounting has been spotted yet, which adds to the mystery. Check out the side-by-side comparison to join the debate! Identifying your flock members can be tricky, and we've tackled this topic before. If you're facing similar uncertainties, be sure to check out our "Unsure of sex" article for additional insights. Let's crack this case together – share your thoughts and help /u/ElWoz_30476 solve the riddle!
Sweet roo needs new home
## Sweet Roo Seeking a Cluck-tastic New Home! Oh dear, fowl play! /u/channing_333 is on the hunt for a loving new home for their delightful silver laced Wyandotte rooster. A homeowner's association has unfortunately forced a rehoming, and we're hoping our community can help this sweet boy find his forever flock in the NoCo (Northern Colorado) area. If you or someone you know is looking for a charming rooster companion, please reach out to /u/channing_333 directly! It's always a bittersweet moment when a feathered friend needs a new start, but we're confident this handsome guy will bring egg-citing joy to his next family.
What kind of breed is he?
## Decoding This Dapper Bantam: Breed ID Help Needed! Y'all know the feeling – you’re smitten with a feathered friend, but their breed remains a delightful mystery! Our community member /u/TraditionOverall1411 is hoping you can lend your expertise to identify this charming bantam. While we know he’s a bantam, pinpointing the exact breed has proven tricky. Bantams are cluck-tastic little bundles of personality, and identifying them can be egg-citing! Perhaps you've encountered a similar-looking bird before? Check out our article, "Just showing off some chickens <3," for a glimpse at a diverse flock and maybe a helpful clue. Share your guesses and insights in the comments below – let's crack this case together!