poultry
poultry on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 66 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on poultry 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, 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.
Any advice?
Okay, here's a concise introduction, crafted to meet all the specified requirements and guidelines: “A bewildered visitor has arrived – and he's decided your fence is prime roosting real estate! /u/HoneyBeeBelle’s unexpected guest, a seemingly friendly but visibly distressed chicken, has sparked a flurry of questions about safety and care. Dealing with a stray chicken, especially one exhibiting signs like blindness and wing wounds, requires careful consideration. While these feathered friends can be charming, potential health risks for you and your children are real. We’ll explore how to assess the situation, prioritize safety, and navigate the tricky process of finding appropriate care, especially when local authorities aren’t readily available.
Half of my rooster is missing 😆
## The Great Rooster Tail Mystery Returns! 😆 Every year, it happens. Our community knows the drill: the annual "Where's the Other Half of My Rooster?" post is back! 😅 /u/sopeandfriends has once again captured the fleeting, goofy glory of a rooster mid-molt, dramatically missing a significant portion of his tail feathers. It's a cluck-tastic sight! This sudden, complete tail loss is perfectly normal – just a testament to the cyclical wonders of chicken life. While it might look like abandonment, these feathered friends are simply shedding their old plumage for something new and egg-citing. For more on the surprising realities of rooster behavior, check out our article "Rooster abandonment." Prepare for a laugh (and maybe a little chicken empathy!)
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!
TJ laid an egg, straight into the incubator it goes
## TJ's Big Moment: A Straight-From-the-Hen Egg! Cluck-tastic news, folks! TJ, one of our feathered friends, has delivered a beautiful, straight egg – and it’s headed directly into the incubator! A perfect egg is always egg-citing, and we’re eagerly anticipating the potential for some new additions to the flock. A huge thanks to /u/SatanikRaccoon for sharing this delightful moment with us. Want to learn more about what makes our chickens so special? Check out our "Compilation of my favorite Peewee clips and explanation why his tail is pink :) (sound!)" for a deeper dive into our flock's personalities. Stay tuned for updates as this little egg’s journey unfolds!
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?
Baby chick help
Oh dear, a little chick in distress! It's cluck-tastic to see you stepping up to help your neighbor's feathered friend. Finding a seemingly unresponsive chick is certainly unsettling, but your quick action to provide warmth and care is a great first step. It sounds like you’ve already tried some excellent troubleshooting – hydration and nutrition are key. Sometimes, little ones just need a bit of encouragement. Keep that heat lamp close, and continue gently offering water and food. If she remains unresponsive, it's wise to consult a vet familiar with poultry. For deeper insights into neurological issues in chickens, you might find our article, "Neurological Chicken," helpful. We're sending all our good vibes your way – let’s hope this little chick perks up soon!
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?".
Depressed chicken
Losing a flockmate is tough – even for chickens! It's heartbreaking to see a beloved bird like your blue copper maran struggling after the loss of her friends. Chicken grief is a real thing, and it sounds like yours is experiencing a significant downturn. You’re right to rule out bullying or illness, leaving emotional distress as the most likely culprit. This situation is unique, and you’re understandably concerned. Navigating a depressed chicken requires patience and understanding. We’ve seen similar situations, and while there’s no magic cure, there are steps you can take to help. For more on creating a secure and enriching environment for your flock, check out our article, "Producers Pride Defender Coop Door," which discusses enhancing coop safety.
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!
I put shelf liner down in my incubator and now my eggs have weird marks on them
Oh dear, those lumpy egg impressions are a bit unsettling, aren't they? It sounds like you stumbled into a bit of *fowl play* with that shelf liner! While seemingly a clever way to prevent egg-rolling, certain shelf liner materials can react with the eggs, leaving those marks—and potentially impacting humidity levels critical for proper development. It’s best to ditch the liner; manually turning the eggs, though a bit trickier, is the safer route. Don't chickening out on the manual turning! It's a small price to pay for healthy chicks. Speaking of chicken behavior, if you're also dealing with a feathered friend who enjoys blocking doorways, you might find some relatable insights in our article, “Ginger, the Great Door Blocker.”
HELP
## Oh No! A Downcast Chicken – What Could Be Wrong? A sluggish chicken is never cluck-tastic news! /u/cii1234 is understandably concerned about their chicken's sudden downturn, and we’re here to help navigate this potentially egg-citing, albeit worrying, situation. It's tough when your feathered friend isn't feeling their best. While pinpointing the issue without an exam is tricky, several factors could be at play, from illness to stress. Don't chickening out on seeking answers! Start by observing closely: changes in droppings, appetite, or behavior. If you've recently experienced a loss in your flock, as discussed in our article on a "Depressed chicken," grief can absolutely impact a bird's well-being. We'll be sharing some troubleshooting tips and potential next steps shortly – stay tuned!
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!
Rooster or Hen?!
## Rooster or Hen?! Decoding Those Red Comb Clues! Alright, chicken sleuths! Our feathered friends are hitting the five-month mark soon, and the age-old question arises: rooster or hen? /u/ElWoz_30476 is puzzling over two Rhode Island Reds, particularly one sporting a more prominent comb – a classic indicator, but not a guarantee! No crowing or mounting has been spotted yet, which adds to the mystery. Check out the side-by-side comparison to join the debate! Identifying your flock members can be tricky, and we've tackled this topic before. If you're facing similar uncertainties, be sure to check out our "Unsure of sex" article for additional insights. Let's crack this case together – share your thoughts and help /u/ElWoz_30476 solve the riddle!
Please help. ASAP
Losing a chicken so suddenly is understandably shocking, and our hearts go out to you. It's devastating when a seemingly healthy bird declines so rapidly, especially with the distressing symptom of blood in her vomit. Suspecting poisoning is a reasonable concern, given her history of escaping and potential access to harmful substances. While pinpointing the exact cause without a necropsy is difficult, ingestion of toxic plants or chemicals is a leading possibility. The rapid onset and twitching suggest a severe systemic reaction. We understand you’re taking precautions with your remaining flock, and that's wise. For more on the joys and surprises of raising chicks, check out our recent piece, "Chicks VS Grown(ish).
This is scoot scoot. My 2nd most laid back chicken.
Meet Scoot Scoot, our second-most laid-back resident! As you can see in this delightful submission from /u/CecilBlight, Scoot embodies a certain zen-like calm. Here, she's contentedly observing her human prepare dinner – a scene we’ll politely omit any mention of chicken strips from. It’s cluck-tastic to witness such serenity amidst the often-chaotic world of backyard poultry. This peaceful moment offers a welcome contrast to some of the challenges our community faces, as recently highlighted in the poignant story of Peggy, our beloved Chocolate Orpington, and the realities of keeping chickens safe in the heat. Explore that story and more on our site! We’re always sharing egg-citing glimpses into the lives of our feathered friends.
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!
What should I name my rooster?
## What Should I Name My Rooster? A Cluck-tastic Challenge! So, your flock is rocking a distinctly country, female artist vibe? We get it! Naming a rooster to fit that theme is an egg-citing challenge. While we're all about embracing the quirky side of chicken ownership, finding the *perfect* name is serious business. Don't "chicken out" – we’re here to help you brainstorm! We’ve got a few ideas beyond the obvious, leaning into both classic country legends and more modern stars. Think about your rooster’s personality – is he a showman, a gentle giant, or a mischievous rascal? Let's find a name that truly captures his spirit.
Incubation: I'm hand turning. Would it be best to turn 3x a day instead of 5x since I'll have to be opening the incubator each time?
## Hand-Turning Incubation: Finding the Sweet Spot So, you're hand-turning your eggs – cluck-tastic effort! It’s a common conundrum when your egg turner can’t handle the whole clutch. Our community member /u/Kitchen_Possible_159 is wrestling with exactly that, questioning whether 3 turns a day is better than 5, given the temperature and humidity fluctuations from repeated incubator openings. With 18 eggs and a turner for only 12, they're considering culling non-fertile eggs to match capacity – a tough decision! The key takeaway here is balancing consistent turning with minimizing environmental disruption. For more insights into flock dynamics, check out our recent discussion on "Weird behavior" and introducing a rooster. Let's hear your hand-turning tips and experiences – share your egg-citing successes (and challenges) in the comments!
Can you really hold a chicken like that?
## Can You Really Hold a Chicken Like That? A "Napoleon Dynamite" Moment You’ve likely seen the iconic scene from "Napoleon Dynamite" (2004) where the main character cradles a chicken in a rather…unique way. But the question arises: is this a safe and accurate depiction of how to handle a chicken? The short answer is: probably not. Holding a chicken like that—as seen at 0:45—increases the risk of accidental leg injury. A chicken’s legs are surprisingly delicate, and improper support can easily cause harm. While chickens are resilient creatures, respect for their anatomy is key. For more on ensuring healthy development, check out our article on "Incubation," which delves into best practices for egg turning.
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.
Chicks VS Grown(ish)
## Surprise! Tiny New Arrivals: Chicks vs. Grown(ish) A delightful, and slightly chaotic, twist has unfolded for /u/MoistYogurtcloset929! Their broody hen surprised them with a clutch of adorable chicks, creating a charming contrast with their existing flock. Witness the “Chicks vs. Grown(ish)” dynamic as these fluffy newcomers navigate life alongside their larger, more experienced feathered friends. It’s a cluck-tastic scene of miniature mayhem and burgeoning friendships! This unexpected hatch raises all sorts of questions about integration and growth – a topic we explore further in "My most beautiful grow out!", which details one user's successful silkie cross. Join the conversation and share your own experiences with surprise hatches and growing flocks!
6 Year Old Peacock Chicken Hybrids (unintentionally produced)
Prepare to be cluck-tastic-ally amazed! Meet the accidental avian marvels of Scott Taini – six-year-old peacock-chicken hybrids! These unique feathered friends, documented on his YouTube channel (@scotttaini8306), are the result of natural mating, a phenomenon even studied in a scientific paper ("Characterization of a Chicken x Peahen Intergeneric Hybrid Produced under Natural Mating"). Unlike earlier research, Taini’s hybrids are consistently fathered by peacocks, creating a truly spectacular display. These hybrids represent a rare intersection of species, and the online community is buzzing with excitement. Curious about identifying your own flock members? Check out our article, "Rooster or Hen?!," for a handy guide to sexing your birds. Join Scott and fellow enthusiasts as we explore the quirks and wonders of this extraordinary intergeneric hybrid!