feeding
feeding on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 6 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on feeding 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 feeding, 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.
Food recommendations
## Soft Shell Eggs & Happy Roosters: A Calcium Conundrum So, Sweet Pea's laying soft-shell eggs – a common concern, and we totally get it! It’s frustrating when a hen isn’t getting enough calcium. Since you’re already using Dumor feed to accommodate your rooster, let’s troubleshoot. While oyster shell supplementation is key, it seems Sweet Pea isn’t getting enough. Consider a separate, smaller dish of finely crushed oyster shell *just* for her, placed where she can easily access it. You can also explore calcium-rich treats like dark leafy greens (kale, collard greens) offered sparingly. Be mindful of balance, though – too much of anything isn't ideal. For a deeper dive into chicken well-being, check out our article, "What breed of chicken?
Any ideas how to help out my little guy?
Oh dear, a tiny chick in distress! It sounds like you’re already doing all the right things – warmth and food are absolutely key for a day-old chick. It's cluck-tastic that you intervened to give him a helping hand. Let's troubleshoot! Ensuring proper hydration is crucial; try offering a shallow dish of unflavored electrolytes mixed with water. Also, make sure the heating plate isn't too hot – a comfortable 95°F (35°C) is ideal. Worried about identifying the gender? Our article, "Roo or hen?", might offer some helpful clues as your chick grows! We're sending all the good vibes and egg-citing wishes for your little guy’s speedy recovery. Keep us updated – the community is here to offer support!
It Might Work!.... Right??
## Egg-cellent Troubleshooting: Pullet Pecking Panic! Our community is clucking with concern! /u/butaretherecookies is facing a familiar fowl problem: new pullets have started egg pecking. They’ve already tried the usual suspects – oyster shells strategically placed, protein boosts, and even decoy eggs – but the pecking persists. Now, they’re pondering the free option before investing in alternatives like golf balls. Anyone out there had “egg-citing” success with Easter eggs as a deterrent? This situation highlights a common challenge for chicken keepers, and we’ve seen similar questions pop up before – as discussed in our recent post, "Subreddit rule question." Let's share our wisdom and help /u/butaretherecookies keep their flock happy and their eggs intact!
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.
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!
Sacrificial Sunflower Leaves for the Girls
## Little Luxuries for Our Feathered Friends! Sometimes, the cluck-tastic moments are the simplest. /u/Next-Substance- understands perfectly, sharing a sweet gesture of pulling some sunflower leaves for their girls – it really *is* the little things! We love seeing these everyday joys of chicken keeping. Providing fresh greens like sunflower leaves is a brilliant way to supplement their diet and keep those feathered friends happy and healthy. It's a reminder that enriching their lives doesn’t always require grand gestures. If you're facing more challenging situations, like dealing with a particularly rambunctious rooster, check out our recent article, "Need advice aggressive rooster attacking family," for insights and solutions. Happy chicken keeping!