pet
pet on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 12 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on pet 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 pet, 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.

Ever have the feeling that you're being watched ?
Ever felt those eyes on you, even when you’re just stepping outside? Meet Gayle, the rooster who’s proving chickens can be surprisingly… devoted. /u/Tangiboo reports this feathered friend follows them around like a loyal canine, seemingly keeping watch even when they're indoors. He's a "damn fine rooster," apparently, and a master of observation. We’ve all experienced the quirks of our flock, and Gayle’s behavior certainly sparks curiosity. Thinking about chicken routines? Check out /u/AustinRatBuster’s charming post, "My chickens every morning," for a glimpse into a typical poultry day. From watchful roosters to unusual feather patterns, there's always something new to discover in the world of chickens!

My rooster likes to sing for me
## Morning Serenades from a Feathered Friend! Isn't it cluck-tastic when your chickens bring a little joy to your day? /u/jellyfishs0up recently shared a delightful moment: their rooster singing for them! It’s a reminder of the quirky, often unexpected, brilliance of these feathered friends. We all know chickens can be delightfully weird – sometimes seemingly oblivious, and other times displaying surprising intelligence, as /u/MilesandTiles so aptly put it. Rooster vocalizations are a common topic, and our article, "Skip settles the age old question, "Are Wyandottes noisy"?," dives into the specifics of different breeds and their tendencies. Whether it's a morning serenade or a general chorus, celebrating these moments is all part of the fun of chicken keeping!

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.

We named "her" Oreo now HE is Tank. Walks like a tank, destroys anything in his way 🫣 He gets to walk around with me in the morning because hes not my boss!! 😅
Meet Tank, formerly known as Oreo! This isn't your average feathered friend; as /u/Sea-Helicopter-5052 discovered, he lives up to his new name, demolishing anything that crosses his path – a truly tank-like presence. Thankfully, Tank isn't calling the shots around here, enjoying leisurely morning strolls alongside his human. We love these glimpses into your chicken-keeping lives! It's a testament to the wonderfully weird and unpredictable nature of these birds, as highlighted in /u/MilesandTiles’ observation about their surprising bursts of intelligence. Share your own stories—the funny, the heartbreaking, and everything in between—because every chicken has a tale to tell.

I Think He’s Plotting To Off Me
## Is He Plotting? A Chicken Stare-Down! Hold onto your hats, folks – it appears we have a case of the chicken side-eye! /u/tlp23rocks captured this *egg-cellent* moment, where Derrick clearly wasn't thrilled with having his picture taken (mean mugging, no less!). Don't worry, though; he's reportedly a "sweet boy" despite the intense gaze. 🤣 This little drama adds to the ever-entertaining world of backyard chickens, where surprises are always cluck-tastic. Speaking of surprises, you might find it fascinating to learn about the incredible hearing of Canary’s new chicks—they’ve practically turned the workshop into a maternity ward! Check out our article, "The flock investigates the tiny, barely audible...cheeps," for more on that. Welcome to the feathered chaos!

Ginger, the Great Door Blocker.
## Meet Ginger, the Great Door Blocker – She’s Got Standards! Let’s be honest, we’ve all encountered a chicken with a mind of their own. But Ginger? Ginger takes things to a whole new, *cluck-tastic* level. This intrepid hen has decided our user, /u/beepbopbippitybop2,’s doorway is prime real estate – regardless of the perfectly good perches available elsewhere. It's a situation many chicken keepers can relate to, and a testament to the wonderfully unpredictable nature of our feathered friends. Is she asserting dominance? Simply enjoying the view? Who knows! What *is* clear is that Ginger’s door-blocking antics are a source of both amusement and mild frustration. For more tales of unexpected chicken behavior, check out our recent article, "Any advice?

The claw
## Decoding Chicken Claws: A Quick Guide Ever wondered about those surprisingly sharp appendages on your feathered friends? Chicken claws are more than just quirky features; they’re essential tools for scratching, perching, and even digging! This post, submitted by /u/alphaky1e, dives into the anatomy and function of chicken claws, exploring everything from trimming techniques to identifying potential health concerns. Understanding claw care is a cluck-tastic step towards happy, healthy chickens. For those new to the world of backyard poultry, our article "What kind of breed is he?" offers helpful insights into identifying different chicken varieties, which can sometimes influence claw characteristics. Get ready to unravel the mysteries of these fascinating fowl features!

Pretty boy
## Pretty Boy Blues: A Rooster Surprise! Oh, the joys of backyard poultry! /u/Homo-mojo-jojo recently shared a relatable moment: anticipating a hen, but welcoming a strikingly handsome rooster instead. "I love how blue green he is," they admit, "but I was really going for a hen 😭." We've all been there – the unexpected twist in chicken-keeping! It’s a delightful reminder that nature often has its own plans, even when we’re dreaming of egg production. This little surprise echoes the unpredictable journey of raising backyard birds, much like the challenges faced when incubating flea market eggs, as detailed in our article, "incubated eating eggs day 5." Welcome Pretty Boy to the flock – may his vibrant colors and rooster antics bring you endless amusement!
Sweet roo needs new home
## Sweet Roo Seeking a Cluck-tastic New Home! Oh dear, fowl play! /u/channing_333 is on the hunt for a loving new home for their delightful silver laced Wyandotte rooster. A homeowner's association has unfortunately forced a rehoming, and we're hoping our community can help this sweet boy find his forever flock in the NoCo (Northern Colorado) area. If you or someone you know is looking for a charming rooster companion, please reach out to /u/channing_333 directly! It's always a bittersweet moment when a feathered friend needs a new start, but we're confident this handsome guy will bring egg-citing joy to his next family.

Love my Brahma - King
## Behold, the King! 👑 A cluck-tastic moment captured by /u/FluffyImpact5863! Just look at this magnificent Brahma – affectionately known as "King" – radiating pure, regal charm. 🩷🩷 We're absolutely egg-cited to share this glimpse of poultry perfection with you all. It’s a reminder of the simple joys these feathered friends bring, from their quirky personalities to their undeniable beauty. Sometimes, the best moments are the quiet ones, watching a chicken simply *be*. If you're feeling the urge to immerse yourself in the captivating world of chickens, be sure to check out our "Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam" for a constant dose of fowl fun!

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.

The problem child
## Meet the Problem Child: When Chicken Behavior Gets… Interesting Let’s be honest, not all chickens are fluffy bundles of joy. Sometimes, you get a real character – a "problem child" who tests your patience and sanity. /u/StoneyMcGuire recently shared their experience with just such a bird, sparking a lively discussion [link] that resonated with many of us. From relentless egg-stealing to bafflingly destructive habits, these chickens can truly ruffle your feathers! Dealing with these quirks requires a blend of understanding and strategic solutions. We've compiled insights to help you navigate these challenges and maintain a (relatively) peaceful coop. For a broader look at chicken personalities and potential causes of unusual behavior, check out “Hens or Roos” for added perspective [link].