pecking
pecking on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 4 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on pecking 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 pecking, 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.
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?
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.
Neurological Chicken (Trigger Warning)
## Neurological Chicken: A Cluck-Tastic Conundrum (Trigger Warning) Our community is buzzing about a truly perplexing case: a four-year-old hen, affectionately nicknamed Neurological Chicken, exhibiting concerning neurological symptoms. Found yesterday unable to stand, this top hen presented with an overly red, damaged comb, signs of overheating despite shade, and significantly curled toes. Odd head and beak movements, including a chomping noise during feeding, further complicated the picture. While initial observations ruled out Marek's disease and egg binding, botulism toxicity or a severe vitamin deficiency are currently the leading suspicions, and thankfully, there’s been some improvement today! For those facing similar eye-related concerns, our article "Chickens one eye looks weird" offers additional insights into potential causes and observations.
She so goofy 😭
Oh dear, Wendy sounds like a little whirlwind of feathered mischief! 😭 It's a common, albeit startling, experience for chicken keepers to find themselves on the receiving end of a peck or two – especially when a chicken decides playtime involves a bit of assertive attention. It sounds like you've discovered Wendy’s preferred method of engagement: a gentle nudge followed by a cuddle! This behavior often stems from a desire for attention or simply exploring the world with a beak. Dealing with assertive chickens can be a quirky challenge, and understanding their motivations is key. For more insight into chicken behavior, check out our article, "The Claw," which delves into the fascinating world of chicken feet and their surprising uses.