health concerns
health concerns on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 2 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on health concerns 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 health concerns, 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.
Is permanent marker safe to use to mark the date on eggs?
## Permanent Marker on Eggs: A Cluck-tastic Question! So, you're wondering if slapping a date on your eggs with a permanent marker is a good idea? The short answer: probably not! While it *seems* like a simple solution, permanent markers contain chemicals that *could* potentially leach into the eggshell, especially as it sits. We're not saying it's a guaranteed health hazard, but it's best to err on the side of caution with your feathered friends’ bounty. Luckily, there are egg-cellent alternatives! A food-safe pen, like those designed for cake decorating, is a much better choice. You can also use a sharpie *on the carton*, not the egg itself. Want to dive deeper into raising healthy chicks?
air is full of wildfire smoke. will my birds be okay?
Wildfire smoke blanketing the air—especially with the current situation from Canada—is a genuine concern, and it's completely understandable you're worried about your feathered friends’ delicate lungs. That burning sensation in your eyes is a clear sign of the air quality's impact, and your birds are likely experiencing similar discomfort. While bringing six chickens indoors presents a logistical challenge, especially with a full garage, there *are* steps you can take. Prioritize providing them with clean, fresh water to help flush irritants. Consider offering supplemental Vitamin C. If possible, create a shaded, sheltered area where they can escape the worst of the smoke. For more insights into unexpected avian situations, check out our article, "Chicken traumatized," which addresses the impact of stress on poultry.