chicken breeds
chicken breeds on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 317 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on chicken breeds 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 chicken breeds, 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.
Hen or Rooster? Breed?
Are you scratching your head wondering whether you’ve got a hen or a rooster strutting around your yard? You’re not alone! Many chicken enthusiasts, whether seasoned farmers or curious newcomers, find themselves in a clucking conundrum when trying to identify their feathered friends. Knowing the difference between hens and roosters—and understanding their various breeds—can feel like a daunting task, especially if you’re just starting your poultry journey. But fear not! This playful exploration will guide you through the basics of chicken identification. From the charming characteristics of hens to the striking features of roosters, we’ll help you uncover the mysteries of your backyard flock. So, let’s dive in and find out if you’ve got a fabulous hen or a magnificent rooster!
Can anyone recognize any of these bantams?
Can anyone help identify these bantam chicks? My six-year-old, with her unstoppable enthusiasm, insisted on spending her allowance to bring home even more feathered friends—save me, I’m starting to feel like a chicken wrangler! We ended up with an assorted bantam straight run, and I’m both excited and slightly overwhelmed. Some of these little fluff balls have adorably feathered legs, but I must admit, my knowledge of bantam breeds is a bit lacking. If you’re a chicken connoisseur or just love sharing your cluck-tastic expertise, I’d appreciate any insights or tips on these charming little nuggets. Let’s crow about our shared love for these quirky birds and see if we can figure out who’s who in this bantam bunch!
What breed is this?
Have you ever found yourself scratching your head over a peculiar chick that just doesn’t fit the mold? That’s exactly the case for our feathered friend here, who hails from a local hatchery and was sold as a Bluebell Egger. Initially, she seemed like a typical day-old chick—so much so that we thought she was an Ameraucana. However, as she’s grown, her unique appearance has left us baffled. With each passing week, her quirks have become more pronounced, raising questions about her true identity. The first photo captures her at just a day old, while the subsequent images showcase her transformation over the weeks. Join us in unraveling this feathered mystery—what breed do you think she really is?
How old and what breed?
Welcome to the cluck-tastic world of chicken care! It seems you have a surprise guest in your flock—how egg-citing! When it comes to identifying a chicken’s breed and age, there are a few feathered features to consider. Pay close attention to her comb type, feather color, and body shape, as these can provide clues to her breed. Age can be trickier, but examining her size, feathering, and behavior can give you hints. Is she a lively little pecker or more of a calm clucker? Share her details with the community, and let’s get to the bottom of this fowl mystery together! Your feathered friends are sure to keep things entertaining, even when you’re on a little adventure.
What breed/cross is she?
Meet our newest feathered friend, who’s sparked quite the curiosity! Freshly picked up this evening, we’re on a mission to identify her breed or possible cross. Initially, I thought she resembled a Sapphire, but there’s something about her lean physique that makes me lean towards Andalusian vibes. With those striking features and captivating personality, she’s bound to be a cluck-tastic addition to the flock. If you've got any insights or guesses about her heritage, we’d love to hear your thoughts! This is a fun opportunity to dive into the wonderful world of chicken breeds together and celebrate the delightful quirks that make each bird unique. So, let’s put our heads together and crack this case wide open!
Coop Height Question
Hey there, fellow chicken enthusiasts! It sounds like you’re embarking on an egg-citing adventure with your new feathered friends! Your coop plans are shaping up nicely, and it’s fantastic that you’re considering their comfort amidst Colorado’s chilly winters. Building a cozy coop that’s compact can indeed help keep them warm, especially with those clever windbreaks you’ve planned. As for height, while many opt for a walk-in shed style, your approach to a more compact design is totally valid—just ensure that roof material provides good insulation. Remember, it’s all about finding that perfect balance between space and warmth for your ladies. Can’t wait to see those baby pictures! Keep up the cluck-tastic work, and you’ll have a happy coop in no time!
We have a racist roo...suggestions?
It sounds like you’ve got quite the character in your yard—a creme legbar with a bit of a bullying streak! While RooRoo may have a special bond with his olive egger hen and their chicks, it’s clear he’s not playing fair with the rest of the flock. From chasing off the cuckoo maran to guarding the feeder against the less-favored hens, his behavior is causing quite a ruckus. It’s commendable that you want to find a solution without resorting to drastic measures. Separating his favored hens for a short time could help reset the pecking order, but it’s always good to explore other strategies. Let’s brainstorm some ideas to help him embrace his role as a more inclusive and supportive rooster!
Let’s play a game! Match the eggs to the hens (answers in the comments)
Cluck, cluck, let’s crack into some egg-citing fun! It’s time to match our feathered friends with their fabulous eggs in this delightful game! We have three unique contenders for you to guess from. First up is Zelda, our adorable 7-month-old golden retriever baby who’s just laid her very first egg—cue the clucking confetti! Next, we have Olive, the stylish 1.5-year-old specialty hatchery breed hen sporting a fabulous hairdo that’s sure to turn heads in the coop. Lastly, meet Eevee, our charming 1-year-old mixed-breed hen, whose poofy neck and petite comb give a hint to her mixed lineage. Think you can match the eggs to their hens? Join the fun and drop your guesses in the comments below!
Let’s play everyone’s favorite game… hen or roo!
Gather 'round, feathered friends and chicken enthusiasts! It’s time for everyone’s favorite game… hen or roo! Our fellow chicken lover, /u/howsyourwhole, has a flock of 10 sturdy hens from last year, all thriving and clucking happily. This year, they’ve added some exciting new breeds to the mix: two Sicilian buttercups, a cream legbar, and a partridge rock. With hopes of welcoming a dashing rooster to manage the flock, they’re facing another twist of fate—could it be that they’ve struck “luck” again with all hens? Join the conversation and lend your expertise to help decipher the gender mystery. Your insights could be the key to solving this clucky conundrum! Check out the link for more details and share your thoughts!
If you had anything you could tell a first time chicken owner or if you could go back in time and warn your past self what would you say?
So, you’re about to embark on the cluck-tastic journey of chicken ownership? Buckle up, because it’s going to be an egg-citing ride filled with delightful surprises and a few feather-ruffling moments! If I had the chance to whisper wisdom to my past self—or to a first-time chicken parent—it would be to embrace the quirky personalities of your feathered friends. Don’t shy away from the peculiarities of different breeds; each one has its own charm, quirks, and potentially hilarious antics. And remember, coop setups are not just about looks—they need to be safe, cozy, and downright functional! So, let's dive into some of the obscure but essential tips that could save you from “cluck-ups” and lead you to chicken-keeping success.
Bedtime?
Bedtime? Seriously?! It’s Red we’re talking about—so why is she ready to hit the hay so early? While her feisty flockmates are still out and about, Red seems to prefer the cozy comfort of her coop, even if it means avoiding potential pecking from her sisters. After a year of regrowing her feathers, it's clear she has a unique personality; she may enjoy her own space but still keeps an eye on the flock. Is it the overcast weather making her feel chilly? Or could she be experiencing some vision changes, mistaking the time of day? With sunset still hours away, we’re left wondering if Red is simply embracing her quirky side or if there’s something more at play.
What breed of rooster? Literally the meanest animal I’ve known in my entire life. From Meyer hatchery in Ohio. Trying to figure it out for his offspring.
When it comes to roosters, some can be downright delightful, while others—like the one submitted by /u/breadcrumbsins—can take the title of the meanest animal you've ever encountered! Sourced from Meyer Hatchery in Ohio, this feisty feathered friend raises the question: what breed could have such a notoriously grumpy demeanor? As we dive into the world of roosters, we’ll explore the characteristics and quirks of various breeds, helping you determine the origins of this particularly prickly poultry. Whether you’re looking for a gentle guardian or a fierce protector for your flock, understanding rooster behavior is key. Join us as we navigate the cluck-tastic realm of roosters and their unique personalities, ensuring you’re well-equipped to handle whatever comes your way!
pullet ID!!
Oh no, the dreaded fate of mystery pullets! It sounds like you’re facing a feathered puzzle after your hubs tossed out the box with their breeds—talk about a cluck-tastrophe! Fear not, chicken enthusiast! You’ve got a delightful mix of girls on your hands, and we’re here to help you crack the case. With one being an Easter Egger (EE) and another as a seafoam green egger, you’re already off to a colorful start. But what about the rest of your feathery friends? Let’s dive into the world of pullet identification together! Share any distinctive features you’ve noticed, and let’s see if we can match them to their breeds. Your chicken journey just got egg-citing!
pullet ID!!
Hey chicken lovers! 🐔 It seems our friend Dizzy_Vacation3280 is in a bit of a cluck-tastrophe! Their hubs accidentally tossed out the box containing the breeds of their precious pullets, leaving them scratching their heads. 😩 While they’ve identified one as an Easter Egger and another as a seafoam green egger (which is egg-citing!), they’re still puzzled about the rest of their feathered friends. If you have any insights on what these charming girls might look like, now’s the time to lend a helping wing! Let’s come together as a community to solve this fowl mystery, and help Dizzy celebrate their quirky flock. Share your thoughts and let’s get those pullet identities sorted out!
Prairie Bluebells & Polish 'chicks'
After five delightful years with my charming silkies, I recently decided to spread my wings and explore the fantastic world of chicken breeds! Enter the Prairie Bluebells and Polish “chicks” — oh, how I’m absolutely obsessed! These feathered friends bring a whole new level of cluck-tastic joy to my backyard. Prairie Bluebells, with their stunning plumage and friendly personalities, are simply irresistible. And let’s not forget the Polish breed, flaunting their quirky hairdos that make them the divas of the coop! My journey into the realm of these delightful breeds has been filled with egg-citing discoveries and a few hilarious moments. Join me as I navigate this delightful adventure, one peck at a time!
what breed are the gray pullets?
Welcome to the wonderful world of poultry puzzles! If you’ve recently welcomed some charming gray pullets into your flock from Tractor Supply, you’re not alone in seeking answers about their breed. You thought you were bringing home 4 EEs, 2 Olive Eggers, and 4 Wyandottes, but those lovely gray ladies have you scratching your head. It sounds like the employee may have been a bit flustered, leaving you with some unexpected feathered friends. The good news? Their beauty is undeniable, and they might just steal your heart! So, let’s rally together and see if anyone can help identify these mysterious gray pullets. Share your thoughts and let’s crack this egg-squisite mystery wide open!
Free-range is the way to go
When it comes to raising Cornish cross meat chickens, free-ranging is where the magic happens! Many folks voice complaints about these birds being gross, messy, and unable to move, but I’ve been raising them for years and have found the opposite to be true. By letting my chicks roam free starting at three weeks old, they learn to forage alongside our other feathered friends, spending minimal time at the feeder. They behave just like any other chicken until around 8-9 weeks when they naturally slow down. We typically harvest them at 8-10 weeks for a plump, tasty bird—often around 10 pounds dressed—and I’ve never faced issues with heart or mobility. Trust me, this is the way to raise happy, healthy chickens!
How to band feathered feet?
Are you ready to dive into the whimsical world of banding feathered feet? If you're looking to breed D'Uccle birds and need a way to identify them for lineage, you've come to the right place! Banding can be a bit tricky, especially when considering those delightful feathered feet. While some folks opt for colorful zip ties, it's essential to ensure they won’t damage those fabulous feathers. After all, we wouldn’t want our feathered friends feeling any discomfort! If you've been managing a small flock and recognize every charming face, this new endeavor may seem a bit daunting. But fear not!
5 week old "pullet" crowed this morning 😳
This morning, I was blissfully dozing in my recliner when a curious noise from the brooder jolted me awake. My husband and son simultaneously exclaimed, “What the heck was that?” Within seconds, I joined their confusion, only to realize that my five-week-old TSC cream legbar "pullet" had just crowed—yes, you read that right! This little feathered friend, purchased as a day-old chick, belted out a crow that put my four roosters to shame. Could it be that I accidentally picked a cockerel among the pullets? Or perhaps she’s just mimicking the grown roosters? With a noticeable comb and wattles, I’m left wondering if I should’ve done my homework before bringing her home. Cluck-tastically confusing, isn’t it?
Any guess what breed this yellow chicken is?
Ever stumbled upon a chicken with feathers as bright as sunshine? Well, you're in for a treat! This cluck-tastic yellow chicken is sure to spark curiosity and maybe a chuckle or two. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just a casual observer, guessing the breed of this feathered friend adds a playful twist to your day. But wait—there's a twist! Not only do we want to know the breed, but we also want your take on whether this delightful bird is a hen or a rooster. So, put on your thinking caps and dive into the comments to share your guesses. Let’s see if you can crack the code of this egg-citing mystery!
Need advice: How to hatch chicks with no broody hens and unreliable electricity?
Hey, chicken lovers! 🐔 Are you ready to tackle a cluck-tastic conundrum? One of our fellow flock enthusiasts, u/Independent-Gate-541, is facing a double whammy: no broody Kuroiler hens to hatch those precious eggs and a power supply that’s as reliable as a chicken crossing the road! With dreams of expanding their flock and preserving their rooster's bloodline, they’re on the lookout for creative solutions. From old-school hatching methods to DIY incubators that can brave those pesky power cuts, this is a call for all the egg-sperts out there! Let’s band together and share our wisdom to help make these hatching hopes a reality. What quirky hacks or traditional tricks do you have up your sleeves? 🥚✨
Question on treats
Hey feathered friends and fellow chicken enthusiasts! 🐔 It seems we have a cluck-tastic conundrum on our hands! One of our community members, /u/Evening-Two-7090, is on a quest for answers about feeding Dairy Cow isopods to their chickens. Originally intended as lizard treats, these little critters are reportedly high in calcium, which sounds egg-citing! However, there’s a bit of fowl play in the advice swirling around online—some sources say only wild isopods should be given to our girls. So, what’s the scoop? Is it safe to toss these isopods into the chicken coop as a treat, or should we steer clear? Let’s crack this mystery together and share our thoughts! 🥚✨
Breed?
Are you scratching your head over the breed of your rooster? You're not alone! Many chicken enthusiasts find themselves in the delightful mystery of mixed breeds. In this case, it sounds like your handsome fowl may have a bit of Rhode Island Red charm mixed in, but his soft, fine feathers and docile temperament could hint at other influences. Roosters can be full of surprises, especially when they come from a random batch. Let’s dive into the feathered puzzle together! Share your observations, and let’s see if we can crack the case of your delightful rooster's lineage. Who knows? You might just discover some egg-citing traits that make him uniquely him! Join the conversation and let’s enjoy the quirky world of our feathered friends!
What breed should be my first 4 hens be?
Choosing the perfect breeds for your first flock of hens is an exciting adventure, especially when you have young boys eager to get involved! Since friendliness is your top priority, you’re on the right track with Orpingtons and Brahmas. Both breeds are known for their sweet dispositions and are often described as gentle giants that love human interaction. Orpingtons are fluffy bundles of joy that enjoy snuggles, while Brahmas are calm and curious, making them ideal companions for your family. Additionally, consider adding a few Rhode Island Reds or Sussex hens to your mix—they’re friendly and sociable, too! With these feathered friends, you’ll create a cluck-tastic backyard experience filled with laughter and love. Happy chickening!