bird behavior
bird behavior on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 10 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on bird behavior 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 bird behavior, 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.
A word of caution…
A word of caution: chickens are weird, and their quirky antics can leave you scratching your head. Take my lavender Orpingtons, for example—they share a single brain cell, much like those orange cats we all know and love. Recently, one of “the grays” stood against the new fencing, staring across the driveway like she was contemplating life’s mysteries. I figured she was just being her goofy self, but a closer look revealed something more concerning. After some feather trimming, I discovered she had a Velcro plant stay wrapped around her body, completely hidden from view. Even the silliest birds have a way of signaling when they need help! For more chicken capers, check out "Chicken attacked by raccoon" for a dose of poultry drama.
Yolko - Nest in Peace
Meet Yolko, the once-bullied hen who transformed into a nurturing leader of the flock. Six years ago, she came into our lives alongside her partner, Clementine, and I must admit, she didn’t start off as my favorite. However, as Clem's health declined, Yolko revealed a sweet and protective side that melted my heart. After Clementine's passing, Yolko matured into a confident head hen, guiding her flock—especially Drizzle—with kindness, save for the occasional playful peck. Her “Yolko yolks” were always a delight, producing large, tasty eggs that became a favorite in our kitchen. It’s hard to believe that this spirited, friendly chicken is now gone. As we say goodbye, we remember her legacy: a true feathered friend. Nest in peace, Yolko.
Psycho Sharon granted supervised yard time for good behavior.
Psycho Sharon, affectionately known as Sharon Bitchardson Johnson, was granted a much-anticipated two hours of supervised yard time today in the covered septagon by the pool. After two weeks of dedicated therapy, Sharon showcased her progress—albeit with a dash of chicken drama. Upon seeing grass for the first time in what felt like an eternity, she dove into a wild dust bath, clucking with joy. However, her bliss was briefly interrupted by a rogue hawk gang, notorious for their Friday escapades. With her sunshade securely in place to deter escape, Sharon continued her dusting, appearing quite content and "normal." If this good behavior persists, she might be free tomorrow—though equipped with LED lighted leg bands for extra safety.
Honking bird
Hey fellow chicken enthusiasts! It sounds like you’re dealing with quite the quirky conundrum with your 5-month-old true blue whiting pullet. That honking noise she’s been making for a month certainly raises some eyebrows (and possibly some feathers), especially since you’ve already taken steps to care for her with Tiagard and a vet RX. It’s great to hear her behavior and appetite remain normal, but we understand the concern about potential diseases that could affect the entire flock. With her being too young to lay, it’s crucial to monitor her closely. Let’s dive into this together and see if we can uncover some cluck-tastic advice to help you and your feathered friend! Don’t hesitate to share more details if you have them.
Building A DIY Chicken Nesting Boxes-21 Plans And Ideas
Are you ready to give your feathered friends the perfect place to lay their eggs? Look no further! Our guide, "Building A DIY Chicken Nesting Boxes: 21 Plans and Ideas," is here to cluck-tastically help you create cozy and inviting nesting spots for your hens. While chickens may not be the pickiest egg-layers, having dedicated nesting boxes makes egg collection a breeze for you. With 21 creative and free plans at your fingertips, you can choose a design that suits your style and your flock's needs. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual chicken enthusiast, these DIY ideas will have you clucking with joy as your hens settle into their new digs. Let’s get building and make those egg-citing bounties easier to gather!
15 Most Famous Heritage Chicken Breeds
Are you dreaming of a cluck-tastic chicken flock that’s both healthy and happy? Understanding the different breeds is key to achieving your poultry paradise! Enter the world of heritage chicken breeds—a delightful assortment of feathered friends that bring not just eggs but also charm to your backyard. Heritage breeds are known for their robust genetics, unique personalities, and historical significance, making them a fantastic choice for both seasoned chicken keepers and those just starting out. If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by the options or simply want to learn more, don't fret! This guide will illuminate the 15 most famous heritage chicken breeds, helping you make the egg-citing decision that’s right for you. Let’s dive in and uncover the wonders of these fowl beauties!
Free Chicken Coop Plan for Raising Backyard Chickens
Are you ready to embark on a cluck-tastic adventure with your very own feathered friends? Raising backyard chickens has become all the rage, and it’s no wonder why! From the joy of collecting fresh eggs to the delightful antics of these quirky creatures, there’s a lot to love about having a flock. But before you dive into the world of chicken parenting, you’ll need a cozy coop where your chickens can roost, lay eggs, and strut their stuff. Fear not! We’ve gathered a treasure trove of chicken coop ideas and a free plan that will help you create the perfect haven for your clucking companions. Let’s get ready to crack open the world of backyard chicken raising together!
9 Ways to Keep Chickens Warm in Winter Without Electricity
Brrr! Winter is here, and while our feathered friends are tougher than they look, they still need a little extra TLC when the temperatures drop. Fear not, chicken keepers! You don’t need to rely on electricity to keep your flock cozy and cluck-tastic this season. In this guide, we’ll explore 9 egg-citing ways to ensure your chickens stay warm and snug, all while dodging those frosty chills. Let’s dive in and make this winter a fowl-proof adventure for you and your beloved birds!
Keeping Chickens in a Small Space: A Guide to Happy Hens
Cluck-tastic news! Dreaming of a backyard flock but feeling cramped? Fear not! Keeping chickens in a small space is totally egg-citing and doable! With some clever planning and a sprinkle of creativity, you can transform your cozy nook into a happy haven for your feathered friends. Join us as we dive into the delightful world of urban chicken keeping—because even the tiniest spaces can house a flock of happy hens! Let’s get clucking about how much space those charming chicks really need!
Spring Freedom: The Benefits of Free-Ranging Your Chickens
Spring is here, and it’s time to let your feathered friends embrace the great outdoors! Free-ranging your chickens isn’t just an egg-citing way to boost their health and happiness—it’s also a cluck-tastic opportunity to save some dough on feed while enhancing the quality of those delicious eggs. In this blog post, we’ll explore the whimsical world of free-ranging and share some tips to ensure your chickens enjoy their spring freedom to the fullest. Get ready for a fowl-tastic adventure!