hens
hens on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 20 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on hens 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 hens, 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.
How do you stop constantly worrying about predators?
Losing hens to predators is a cluck-tastic nightmare, and the anxiety that follows is completely understandable—you’re not crazy! The recent mink attack, and now the badger sighting, have understandably left you feeling vulnerable and sleep-deprived. Building a fortress-like coop is commendable, but confronting the reality of persistent predators can feel like an impossible battle. Many chicken keepers in predator-heavy areas grapple with similar anxieties; it’s a testament to the deep bond we form with our feathered friends. While a completely predator-proof setup is a lofty goal, focusing on layered security measures and acceptance of inherent risk can help manage worry. Consider exploring strategies like livestock guardian animals or enhanced perimeter security—and remember, even the most seasoned chicken keeper experiences moments of fret.
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.
I'm mad today
Today, we're feeling a bit… ruffled. It’s tough news: we’ve lost another hen, this time due to a heartbreaking reproductive issue. Our vet confirmed it's a sadly common reality for laying hens – sometimes, their own bodies betray them. We’ve now lost three hens to Oviduct problems, each decline swift and unsettling. Despite our best efforts – daily cleaning, predator protection, supplements, vet visits, and diligent tracking of egg production – we can’t always shield them from internal struggles. It’s a raw reminder of the complex relationship we have with these feathered friends and the demands we place on them.
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.
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!
Anyone have experience with this coop?
So, you're eyeing a PVC/metal coop for your three feathered friends – cluck-tastic choice, especially with that sale! Prefab coops can be a bit of a gamble, though, and we get the hesitation. It’s smart to be thinking ahead about predator-proofing and extending that run – a happy hen is a secure hen! The housing size *does* sound promising for three ladies. Many of our community members have faced similar decisions, and their insights are invaluable. Check out the discussion unfolding below—it's a real egg-splosion of experience! For a slightly different perspective on unexpected egg surprises, you might also find our article, "Anyone feel like peanuts?", a fun read. Let's hear what folks have to say about this coop!
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.
Hens with poop on their butt
## Dealing with "Poopy Butts" in Your Sussex Hens: A Cluck-tastic Conundrum Hi everyone! /u/BeeMaru is facing a common, albeit slightly messy, challenge: recurring poop buildup on the rear ends of their Sussex hens. It's a frustrating situation – multiple washes aren’t solving the problem, and it’s got us wondering if breed plays a role. Sussex hens, known for their lovely plumage, *can* be prone to this issue due to feather length and conformation. Three years is a good lifespan for rescued hens, so age is likely not a primary factor. While it's a bit fowl play, don't despair! We'll explore possible causes and solutions in this post, helping you keep your feathered friends clean and happy.
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!
URGENT QUESTION!!!
## Urgent Help Needed: A Drenched Hen's Troubles Oh dear, a soaked and struggling hen is a truly cluck-tastic predicament! We understand you’re facing a tough situation – finding one of your backyard hens completely debilitated after a storm, and lacking the resources for a vet visit. It’s admirable you’ve already taken swift action with warmth and a nutritious diet. The return of clucking is a positive sign, but the inability to stand is concerning. While a full diagnosis requires a vet, possible causes range from shock and cold to neurological issues. Keep her warm, hydrated, and stress-free. Observe closely for any further changes. For related insights into poultry health, check out our article "Rooster doesn't crow or mate hens?" for potential parallels.
Hi guys do you think my silky rooster can breed with these large hens
## Rooster Romance & Hatching Hope: Can Silky Breed with Larger Hens? A cluck-tastic question from /u/Several_Mechanic_708! You're wondering if your silky rooster's brief encounters with your larger hens could lead to egg-citing results – and whether incubation is worthwhile. While short mountings *can* indicate interest, success isn't guaranteed; size differences can sometimes impact fertilization. Given your silky hens sadly passed, cross-breeding is your current option. Incubation might be worth exploring, but monitor for signs of fertility (egg shape, thickness) before committing. It’s a bit of fowl play, but a potentially rewarding experiment! For those new to the hatching process, you might find our article, "URGENT!! Chickens hatching under broody hen," helpful in understanding best practices.
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!
Rooster doesn't crow or mate hens?
## Rooster Blues: No Crowing, No Mating? Let's Investigate! So, your sweet little rooster isn’t quite living up to his roosterly duties? It’s a cluck-tastic conundrum! Many keepers face this situation – a rooster who's lost his crow and his mating mojo. /u/Ok-Shallot-7985 is experiencing just that with their 10-11 month old rooster, who initially crowed and fought but now seems to have gone quiet, despite still exhibiting protective behaviors towards his hens. A recent bout of sneezing adds another layer to the mystery. While he's still showing kindness and helping the hens, the lack of essential rooster functions is concerning. Could illness be the culprit? Let’s dive into potential causes and what you can do to troubleshoot this fowl play.
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!
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.
Is this just because of the rooster?
## Feather Loss at the Tail: Rooster Related or Something Else? So, your hens are sporting some bare spots at the base of their tails – a common concern! You suspect rooster activity, and you’re likely onto something. While "overuse" can definitely contribute to feather loss, it’s worthwhile to rule out other possibilities like parasites or nutritional deficiencies. With the recent rehoming of one of your roosters, things *should* calm down, and feathers often grow back given time – especially before winter sets in. However, don't chicken out of investigating further! Sometimes, even a single rooster can put pressure on the flock. Check out "Ginger, the Great Door Blocker" for a humorous look at chicken quirks and behaviors that can impact their well-being.
Will nonbroody hens look after new chicks?
## Will Nonbroody Hens Look After New Chicks? The age-old question: can a hen who *isn’t* a natural mother offer a helping wing to a clutch of newly hatched chicks? The short answer? It's complicated, but often surprisingly possible! While a broody hen is the gold standard for chick rearing, many nonbroody hens can exhibit surprising maternal instincts. Success hinges on careful introduction and a bit of luck. We've ranked the likelihood of acceptance from low to high, and included tips to increase your chances. Dealing with a chick that's not moving? You might find some helpful insights in our article, "Baby chick help," which addresses similar concerns. Ultimately, understanding chicken behavior is key to happy, healthy flocks!
Integratinghens
Good afternoon, /u/Healthy-Delay-1672! Expanding your flock is an *egg-citing* prospect! Integrating new hens into an existing group, especially around 12 weeks of age, requires careful consideration. While you're right to be mindful of age differences—it *can* complicate things—it's certainly possible to add to your Rhode Island Reds and Isa Browns now. The key is a slow, gradual introduction to minimize stress and potential pecking order squabbles. We recommend a period of quarantine and supervised introductions. Adding two hens at once might be less disruptive than a larger group. For more insight into identifying your chickens, check out our article, "Rooster or Hen?!" to ensure you're welcoming the right additions. We're here to help you navigate this *cluck-tastic* journey!
My most beautiful grow out!
Feast your eyes on this cluck-tastic grow-out success! /u/SaeveraRivers recently shared the stunning results of a cross between a Mystic Onyx (with Silkie Fibros influence) and a blue/partridge Silkie rooster – a truly egg-citing endeavor! The hatch yielded a vibrant array of chicks, including a showstopper boasting a striking black head, orange body, and blue bottom – a veritable tri-color marvel aptly named Phoenix. SaeveraRivers was delighted by the successful inheritance of the desired fibro trait across the entire brood, though slightly disappointed by only one pure black chick. Hoping for a predominantly hen flock, they’re keeping a close eye on two blues exhibiting unusually large combs. For more insights into chicken health concerns, check out our article, “Rooster limping, how to help?
One hen won’t lay eggs
## The Case of the Silent Hen: A Cluck-tastic Mystery! So, one of your feathered friends has decided to take a break from egg-laying? You’re not alone! It’s a common conundrum for chicken keepers, and we’re here to help you crack the case. /u/imhereforthesnax is facing just this: a hen who’s gone quiet, even after diligent mite, worm, and nutrient checks. The rooster’s lost interest too – a curious detail! You’ve ruled out secret nesting spots with clever experiments, so what *could* be the culprit? We’ll explore potential reasons for this sudden silence, from molting to underlying health issues, offering practical troubleshooting steps to get your hen back on track.