hen
hen on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 41 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on hen 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 hen, 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.
Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam
Welcome to Peckington Square Chicken City, your 24/7 window into a world of feathered chaos and cluck-tastic fun! Join us live as our residents strut, peck, and generally live their best chicken lives. Whether you're a seasoned poultry pro or just delightfully intimidated by these creatures, this livestream offers a unique, engaging glimpse into the daily drama of a thriving chicken community. Expect egg-citing moments, unexpected antics, and a healthy dose of fowl play. Curious about creating the perfect coop environment? You might find our recent review of coffee ground bedding particularly helpful—check it out for some insider tips! So, grab a seat, settle in, and prepare for a truly *egg-cellent* viewing experience.
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?
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!
New chicken keeper with hen butt problem
## Oh, the Dreaded Dirty Butt: Helping Your Hen! So, you’ve inherited a flock and one of your feathered friends is rocking a perpetually poopy posterior? You're not alone! This “vent gleet” situation, as we affectionately call it, is surprisingly common. It sounds messy, and it is, but don't chick–en out! Your neighbor’s hen’s persistent butt problems—poop buildup, feather loss, and skin irritation—can often be addressed. You’ve already done some smart detective work by checking for mites and adding herbs to the feed. While it’s good you haven’t found external parasites, sometimes they're tricky to spot. We’ll explore potential causes and solutions in this thread, so stay tuned!
What breed of chicken?
## Mystery Chicken Alert: Could Sweet Pea Be a Surprise? A construction truck rescue! /u/cr0wreduhar’s dad brought home a sweet little chicken named Sweet Pea, and now we’re all cluck-statically curious about her breed. Found without food or water, Sweet Pea joins a flock of ISA Browns, raising questions about her potential size and egg color. Will she reach the same stature as her new companions, or lay eggs of a different hue? Identifying a rescue chicken can be a delightful puzzle! We’ve tackled similar mysteries before – remember “Baby Violet just wanted to say hi!”? – and are eager to hear your breed guesses. Share your thoughts in the comments below and let's solve this feathered friend's identity together!
Nearly all my hens are broody
## Broody Bonanza: What to Do When Your Flock Goes Still! So, you’re experiencing a broody boom! It's cluck-tastic when your hens decide to embrace motherhood, but having nearly your entire flock go broody at once—like /u/HistoricalPut3667—can feel a bit overwhelming. Currently, you're dealing with a situation where several hens, including your White Cochins, Silkies, and a Cream Legbar, are all exhibiting broody behavior. The short answer? Patience is key. While it’s tempting to intervene, often the best approach is to simply observe and allow them to fulfill their natural instincts. However, prolonged broodiness can impact egg production. For insights into ensuring your hens are getting the nutrients they need during this time, check out our article, "Food Recommendations.
Chicks hatched in garden bed
## Garden Bed Brood Bonanza! Talk about a cluck-tastic surprise! /u/EhlersDanlosSucks recently shared a truly egg-citing story: their hen decided a raised garden bed was the *perfect* spot for a brood. Five eggs and a generous helping of cherry tomatoes were involved – and today, four fluffy chicks emerged! Thankfully, Mom seems to have realized tomatoes aren't exactly hatchable. 😆 This quirky situation highlights the unpredictable nature of our feathered friends. Want to witness chicken antics in real-time? Check out our "Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam" for a constant dose of fowl play. It’s a reminder that chicken keeping is full of surprises, and sometimes, those surprises bloom right alongside your veggies!
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!
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?
Going through my videos and noticing my silkie who I thought was a GIRL is looking really boyish? Am I seeing things?
## Is Your Silkie a Silly Surprise? Decoding Gender in Chickens /u/Alejandrittaa’s question sparked a cluck-tastic debate: could a seemingly female Silkie actually be a rooster in disguise? It's a common conundrum – distinguishing between young chickens can be surprisingly tricky! Early appearances can be deceiving, and sometimes those feathered friends keep us guessing. We've all been there, captivated by a chicken's charm, only to discover a surprise. If your Silkie is displaying increasingly boyish behaviors, it’s worth investigating. Don't chickening out of a closer look! For more on identifying chicken breeds, you might find our article, "What breed of chickens are these?" helpful in confirming those initial breed assessments. Let’s unravel this mystery together!
So confused
Okay, here’s a concise introduction, crafted to align with the brand voice and optimized for potential AI summarization, based on the provided text: "Mystery chicken alert! /u/SurveyHot9983 is seeking some *cluck-tastic* identification assistance for a four-month-old bird purchased as a Black Sex Link pullet. The catch? This chicken looks dramatically different from its companions, who sport distinctive red/copper chest feathers. The age-old question of “hen or rooster?” looms large, complicated by developing neck feathers and puzzling saddle feather patterns. This query highlights a common challenge for new chicken keepers! For a touch of poetic reflection on the joys of raising chicks, check out our related piece, "A Poem." Join the discussion and share your breed guesses – let’s unravel this feathered enigma together!"
Satin silkie - salmon faverole hybrid.
## Decoding the Satin Silkie-Salmon Faverole Hybrid: A Breeding Puzzle Ever wrestled with the timing of sexing chicks? /u/Zviratkachovam certainly has! Their quest to combine the fluffy charm of Satin Silkies with the rapid sexing ability of Salmon Faveroles has yielded a fascinating, albeit complex, result. Initial crosses produced a mix of black chicks and lighter-colored ones, with intriguing hints of Faverole roo markings in some. The question now is: can crossing one of those lighter, potentially male, chicks back to a Silkie increase the chances of producing a coveted salmon-colored Silkie? This breeding experiment highlights the challenges of hybridizing for specific traits. For a deeper dive into the joys (and rapid growth!) of Silkie roosters, check out our article, "Nimbus the Silkie Roo.
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?
I can't believe it! 🥹
Hold the cluck! 🎉 A truly egg-cellent story from our community! User /u/anet_12468 recently shared an unbelievable tale of resilience amidst a recent heatwave. After fearing the worst – that a scorching spell had impacted her hens’ eggs – they discovered a miraculous surprise: two chicks hatched from a clutch of six! One hen, Pippa, even managed a second brood this year, defying expectations. It’s a testament to the tenacity of these feathered friends, and a heartwarming reminder that even in challenging conditions, life finds a way. Witnessing such determination is simply cluck-tastic! Want to observe chicken behavior firsthand? Check out our "Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam" for a constant feed of feathered antics.
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.
Roo or hen?
## Roo or Hen? Decoding Your Chick's Identity! So, you’ve got a fluffy little bundle of feathers and are wondering – rooster or hen? Determining gender in young chicks can be a cluck-tastic challenge! This 6-7 week old chick is likely still exhibiting juvenile plumage, making visual identification tricky. While physical characteristics *can* offer clues (like comb size and wattle color), definitive answers often require patience and observation. Listen for early crowing—a sure sign of a future rooster! We understand the anticipation. For more lighthearted chicken observations, check out our community's fun take on their feathered friends’ fascination with phones in "My favorite part of the day is when I put my phone in front of them.
How old do you think my Wyandottes are?
## Are Your Wyandottes Ready for Nighttime Adventures? So, you’re wondering about the age of your Wyandottes and whether they're "feathered out" enough for overnight outdoor access in temperatures around 60-65°F – a *cluck-tastic* question! Determining age can be tricky, but based on appearance, they likely range from 6-12 months. Feathering typically peaks around that timeframe. Generally, this temperature range *should* be tolerable for well-feathered Wyandottes, assuming they have a secure coop to retreat to. However, consider wind chill and potential predators. If you're still unsure about identifying your birds, check out our article, "Everyone’s favorite game: hen or roo?" for some helpful tips. Stay tuned for more egg-citing chicken wisdom!
Everyone’s favorite game: hen or roo?
## Decoding the Mystery: Hen or Roo? So, you’ve got a delightful Silver Laced Wyandotte and are wondering if you’ve got a future egg-laying champion or a budding rooster? You're not alone! Identifying a chick's sex, especially at a young age, can be a real head-scratcher. Many new chicken owners find themselves clucking over this very question. /u/Commercial-Creme6456 is facing this exact dilemma, and we're here to help! Five to seven weeks is a tricky time, and those dollar-bin finds can add to the confusion. We’ve tackled this question before – check out "Roo or hen?" for a deeper dive into the telltale signs. Share your observations – comb color, leg feathering, and overall demeanor – and let's solve this fowl play together!
Cleaning Peckington City Square #chickens #customcoop #hen #rooster #chickencity
## Peckington City Square: A Cluck-tastic Cleanup! #chickens #customcoop #hen #rooster #chickencity Peckington City Square has seen better days – and a whole lot more chicken droppings! We’re tackling a major cleanup of our beloved chicken city, ensuring a fresh, safe, and *cluck-tastic* environment for our feathered friends. From custom coops to roaming roosters, maintaining a vibrant space for these birds is a community effort. This project is all about creating a harmonious balance between urban living and our unique chicken population. Curious about the daily life within Peckington Square? Check out our "Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam" for a peek! Stay tuned for updates as we restore this urban oasis to its full glory.
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!
What is this? Family member gave me it for free
## What is This? A Mystery Object from /u/Squiggggaa A generous family member gifted /u/Squiggggaa this intriguing item – and now the internet is trying to figure out what it *is*. The post, complete with a link and lively comments, has sparked a flurry of speculation. Is it a vintage tool? A quirky piece of art? The origins remain delightfully unclear. Initial investigations suggest the image may even be photoshopped, as discussed in our related article, "does anyone have original image of this lady?". We’re diving into the mystery alongside our community, hoping to crack the case and reveal the object's true identity. Check back for updates as we gather more clues and share insights!
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!
Hen, Roo, Somewhere in the middle?
## Hen, Roo, Somewhere in the Middle? Decoding Your 6-Week-Old Chick! So, you're wondering if your six-week-old chick is leaning towards hen or rooster? It's a common question, and the truth is, it’s still early days! While some clues *can* start appearing around this age, definitive identification is often tricky. Look for subtle differences in comb size and color, wattle development, and feather patterns. Roosters tend to develop more vibrant colors and larger combs sooner. Don’t get *too* cluck-tastic with predictions just yet, though – patience is key. For more on creating a comfortable environment for your growing flock, check out our article, "Waiting for her turn to lay an egg," for nesting box inspiration! Ultimately, time will tell.
URGENT!! Chickens hatching under broody hen- do I do anything??
## Urgent Hatching Help! A Broody Hen's Surprise Delivery! Panic setting in as your broody hen surprises you with a clutch of hatching chicks? We get it – it’s a *cluck-tastic* situation! While hatching chicks is usually egg-cellent, that early loss has you understandably worried. Don't chickening out! Generally, leaving them to it is the best approach; intervention can often do more harm than good. A light misting with water *can* help if you notice any chicks struggling to break free, but avoid overdoing it. This is a common conundrum, and you're not alone! For a look at some other adorable chicken updates, check out "Young adults!": I promised like a month ago to post these beauties as grown ups.