poultry farming
poultry farming on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 24 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on poultry farming 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 poultry farming, 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.
This is Tammy, she died this summer and now we only have two cream legbars
It’s always heartbreaking to say goodbye to a feathered friend. /u/HistoricalPut3667 recently shared a poignant update: Tammy has crossed the rainbow bridge this summer, leaving behind a smaller flock of two cream legbars. Losing a beloved chicken is a uniquely bittersweet experience, and we appreciate their willingness to share this moment with our community. We understand the emotional toll of these losses, and recognize that caring for chickens often involves navigating unexpected challenges. If you’ve encountered similar situations, or are seeking guidance on supporting a chicken’s well-being, you might find our article, "The Queen found her Throne," helpful. It offers insights into honoring the memory of a special hen.
Ummmm I think we have a goose in our coop
## A Goose in the Coop?! You Won't Believe This Egg! Hold the cluck – we’ve got a situation! /u/Coltron12 just reported a truly *egg-straordinary* event: a goose has apparently moved into their chicken coop, and it’s laying eggs of absolutely colossal proportions. Seriously, this thing doesn’t even fit in an extra-large! We’re sending all our best wishes for the goose’s well-being – a coop intrusion is never ideal. While we’re accustomed to large eggs, this is a whole new level of fowl play! If you're looking for ways to keep your flock happy and cool during warmer weather, check out our article "Chicken treat to cool off" for some refreshing ideas. Stay tuned as we try to unravel this bizarre, egg-cellent mystery!
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!
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!
TSC strikes again. Any idea on the breed?
## TSC Breed Mystery: A Cluck-tastic Case of Misidentification! A recent post from /u/LabComprehensive1468 highlights a common, and delightfully frustrating, experience: trusting TSC’s breed labels. After impulsively picking up a dozen Blue Laced Golden Wyandottes, our user discovered two weren’t quite what they seemed! This raises a familiar question for chicken keepers: how can we be sure we’re getting what we pay for? It’s a reminder that even seasoned enthusiasts can fall victim to a bit of fowl play. Speaking of unexpected surprises, check out our recent article on discerning the sex of your silkies – you might be seeing things, too! Let's discuss: have you ever had a similar breed misidentification experience? Share your stories in the comments!
What breed is my chicken??
## Mystery Chicken Alert! Decoding Your Black & White Beauty So, you’ve got a chicken conundrum! You were expecting a Black Copper Maran, but your feathered friend arrived with a splash of white spots instead. Don’t worry, you’re not alone – chicken identification can be trickier than a game of fowl play! Feather feet are a helpful clue, but it doesn’t quite point to a standard Maran. Several breeds can display that striking black and white speckled pattern, and early development can sometimes obscure breed characteristics. We’ll explore some possibilities and help you narrow it down. If you're dealing with a clutch of chicks and unsure of their origins, you might find some helpful insights in our article, "Chick Pics," which addresses similar identification challenges.
What breed of chickens are these?
Identifying chicken breeds can be a cluck-tastic challenge, especially when starting with chicks! /u/goldqueen88 is seeking help recognizing their feathered friends, who are currently around 12 weeks old. TSC (That Southern Coop) initially identified the gray chicken with fluffy legs as a Midnight Maran and the black and white one as a Sicilian Buttercup, but they aren’t quite sure. It's a common conundrum – sometimes those little chicks can throw a curveball! If you’ve ever felt confused about chicken identification, you’re not alone; check out /u/johnnysubarashi’s “So confused” post for a relatable experience. Can you lend a hand in identifying these beauties? Share your breed guesses in the comments below!
she's so.... ~green~
## The Great Green Chicken Mystery: What's Behind the Emerald Hue? A curious phenomenon has emerged in the chicken-keeping community: chickens turning green! User /u/beroisgreen sparked a lively discussion with a post detailing this unusual coloration, achieved using pet-safe food dye. While the visual is undeniably striking – think *evil fat chickens* rendered in vibrant green – it begs the question: is this harmless fun or something to be concerned about? We're diving into this *cluck-tastic* situation, exploring the science (or lack thereof) behind dyed chickens and offering guidance on responsible practices. For those already contemplating coop design, you might find our discussion on "Anyone have experience with this coop?
What Is The Best Temperature For Your Chickens???
## What Is The Best Temperature For Your Chickens? Keeping your feathered friends comfortable is key to healthy, happy chickens – and a bountiful egg supply! But what's the *cluck-tastic* ideal temperature range? Generally, chickens thrive between 60°F and 80°F (15°C - 27°C). Below 60°F, they'll huddle and conserve energy, while temperatures above 80°F can lead to panting and heat stress. Chicks, of course, need warmer conditions, typically between 90°F and 95°F (32°C - 35°C), gradually decreasing as they grow. Understanding these temperature needs is essential for providing proper shelter and ventilation. For more insights into chicken behavior, check out our community discussion on "why do my chickens do this when I pet them?" and discover some surprising answers!
why do my chickens do this when i pet them?
## Why Do My Chickens Do *This* When I Pet Them? Ever notice your feathered friends getting…weird when you offer a gentle pat? A sudden peck, a frantic squawk, or even a full-blown flap-fest? You're not alone! This behavior, while sometimes startling, is often rooted in chicken communication and their quirky personalities. It can range from a sign of affection (yes, really!) to a display of dominance or even a request for more attention. Understanding the nuances of their reactions—a head bob, a wing lift, or a quick nip—can help you decode their "cluck-tastic" responses. Want to dive deeper into chicken antics? Check out our article, "This little shitstain attacked me mid phone call today," for a humorous look at unexpected chicken behavior!
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.
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.
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!
Finally got their outdoor area finished to sit with them.
## A Moment of Peace (and a Shovel Scare!) Finally! After what felt like an eternity of cluck-tastic construction, the outdoor area is complete, and we can officially relax and enjoy time with our feathered friends. There's nothing quite like sharing a quiet moment amidst the coop chaos – until, of course, you realize you’ve left the shovel lying around. (Oops! 😬) It’s a reminder that even in the most idyllic chicken-watching scenes, fowl play can happen at any moment! Speaking of unexpected chicken behavior, you might find our article "why do my chickens do this when i pet them?" sheds some light on those quirky interactions. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’re going to go double-check for rogue gardening tools!
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!
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.
Rooster id
## Identifying Your Feathered Friends: A Rooster ID Request! Welcome, /u/Neat_Baby9933! We're cluck-tasticly excited to help you identify your two roosters. It's always a bit of an egg-citing surprise when you hatch a random clutch – especially when you're dealing with the charm (and occasional chaos) of roosters! Both around six months old and temporarily residing in an indoor coop while you finish their outdoor space, these feathered friends are ready for their close-up. Share some photos and details, and our community will do their best to pinpoint their breed.
Hen or rooster
## Is That a Rooster in Your Silkie Coop? Congratulations on welcoming two Silkie chickens to your flock! It's exciting to embark on this journey, and it sounds like you're already encountering a delightful mystery. Identifying a Silkie rooster can be tricky – they often share many characteristics with their hen counterparts. Subtle differences in comb shape, wattle size, and overall body structure can be clues, but sometimes it just takes time (and a few crowing incidents!). Don't worry about the photo quality; we understand chicken photography can be…challenging! If you're unsure, more images would definitely help. For more on raising chicks, check out our article, "Baby chick help," which offers some handy tips. Let’s get to the bottom of this fowl play!
Rooster abandonment
## Rooster Runaways: Are Abandoned Roosters Crowing Up Everywhere? It seems like a cluck-tastic phenomenon is unfolding across neighborhoods: roosters showing up unexpectedly. From Reddit threads to doorsteps, stories of wandering roosters are becoming increasingly common. Is rooster abandonment a growing practice? The sheer number of these feathered friends appearing in yards suggests it might be. We’ve noticed a surge in inquiries, and frankly, it’s gotten so prevalent that some of us are contemplating building dedicated bachelor pads – a third coop just for the displaced gents! This issue touches on wider questions of chicken care, as highlighted in our recent article, "Can I put chicks directly outside in Texas?".
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!
First Egg!
## First Egg! A Cluck-tastic Milestone! Huge congratulations to /u/Country_Skies96 on their first egg! There’s nothing quite like that moment – the thrill of discovery nestled right there in the nesting box. It’s especially egg-citing when your girls enjoy the freedom of free-ranging! This milestone marks a significant step in the chicken-keeping journey, and we’re cheering you on. For those new to the joys (and occasional surprises) of raising chickens, you might find our article, "Chicks VS Grown(ish)," helpful as it explores unexpected arrivals from a broody hen. Welcome to the wonderful world of fresh eggs and feathered friends! Share your first egg stories with us – we’d love to hear them!
Why do these two look perpetually electrocuted?
## Why Do These Two Look Perpetually Electrocuted? You're not alone in noticing that peculiar, perpetually startled look in some chicks! /u/tdubs702's query about their week-old chickens highlights a surprisingly common phenomenon. Often, this "electrocuted" appearance stems from a condition called "piloerection," where tiny muscles at the base of the feathers cause them to stand on end. It's essentially a chicken version of goosebumps! While it *can* sometimes indicate stress, in many cases, chicks simply outgrow it. However, as /u/tdubs702 observed, sometimes they don't. Keep a close eye on their overall health and behavior. For a deeper dive into chicken care and observation, check out our 24/7 livestream, "Peckington Square Chicken City," for a constant view of feathered friends!
Lost this linebacker to the heat today
It’s with a cluck-tastic sadness that we share the news of Peggy’s passing. Our beloved Chocolate Orpington, a beautiful lady weighing in at 8.6 lbs, succumbed to the heat today. Peggy was a real character, known for laying the tiniest, most precious cream eggs – a delightful contrast to her substantial size! Losing a feathered friend is always tough, and we’re sending heartfelt condolences to /u/Necessary_Many_766. This serves as a stark reminder of the importance of heat preparedness for our flock. For those interested in observing our chickens in their natural habitat, you might find our "Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam" a fascinating look at daily life on the farm. Rest easy, Peggy.
It's not poop it's part of the egg
## Decoding Chicken Quirks: Poop in Eggs & Possible Aliens? Ever find a speck in your egg and wonder, "Is this normal?" You're not alone! /u/Pale-Independence637’s question about “It’s not poop, it’s part of the egg” highlights a common, and surprisingly understandable, phenomenon. We'll break down why this happens and what it means for your flock's egg quality. And speaking of unusual chicken behavior, could your feathered friend *actually* be an alien? A playful question, perhaps, but it sparks a larger conversation about the wonderfully weird things chickens do. Dive in to explore these mysteries and more! For new chicken parents wondering about coop readiness, check out our article, "When can my babies go out in the coop?"