Alektorophobia/chicken breeds

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.

Mail Carrier with Baby Turkeys!! (almost) FINAL UPDATE!!
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

Mail Carrier with Baby Turkeys!! (almost) FINAL UPDATE!!

Hello again, feathered friends! I’m absolutely clucking thrilled by the overwhelming support and knowledge you’ve all shared regarding my baby turkey adventure! 🦃 All six little ones are thriving, and I’ve been busy connecting with resources for their future. After reaching out to the hatchery and the SPCA, I found a sanctuary that’s excited to welcome them if we choose to let them go. However, I’m weighing some serious concerns about keeping them, especially with our large breed dogs around. Plus, I'm anxious about potential salmonella issues affecting our new cookie business! Your thoughts and advice would mean the world to me. Let’s keep this chat going—check out our related article, “Free Range Tips,” for more cluck-tastic insights! Gobble, gobble!

My Sweet Missy and Sheldon
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

My Sweet Missy and Sheldon

Meet Missy and Sheldon, my delightful leghorns who have turned every expectation upside down! Contrary to the flighty reputation of their breed, these girls have proven to be the sweetest companions. I initially worried about their wings and potential for escape, but they’ve stayed happily within the yard, making my “Goldilocks area” feel like chicken paradise. Their personalities blossomed after a scare with Coccidiosis, turning them into my affectionate little shadows. With every peck and playful run for treats, they’ve shown me the charm of leghorns—more broody and endearing than I ever imagined. If you're curious about the quirks of chicken companionship, check out our post on "chicken cuddles in pyjamas" for more heartwarming tales! 🩷🐔

Does anyone know the breed of this chicken? I am absolutely in love with her 🫶🏻
chickens

Does anyone know the breed of this chicken? I am absolutely in love with her 🫶🏻

Does anyone know the breed of this chicken? I am absolutely in love with her 🫶🏻 - submitted by /u/Bubbly_Collar9178. It’s amazing how one little feathered friend can steal our hearts and bring a sprinkle of joy into our lives! Chickens come in so many delightful varieties, each with its own personality quirks. Whether you're a seasoned chicken whisperer or just beginning your journey into the clucky world of poultry, we’re all in this together. If you're feeling the urge for more chicken cuteness, check out “4 or 40?” where a new owner grapples with the temptation of expanding their flock. Join the conversation and share your thoughts on this feathered beauty! 🐔✨

Just got my first chicks!
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

Just got my first chicks!

Just got my first chicks, and I’m absolutely clucking excited! While they cozy up in their tub, I’m diving into coop construction for their future home. I’m still scratching my head over their breeds, so any insights would be egg-cellent! Meet my little flock: the sunny yellow one is Louise, the deep brown beauty is Gale, the striking white and black wonder is Linda, and finally, the light brown darling is Tina. Each one is a feathered friend in the making! If you’re also navigating the ups and downs of chicken parenting, check out our article "Roosting in Nest Boxes" for tips on where to encourage your girls to settle down. Let’s embark on this cluck-tastic journey together!

Are Brahmas actually hard to sex?
chickens

Are Brahmas actually hard to sex?

Are Brahmas actually hard to sex? If you've ever found yourself scratching your head over a week-old chick with big wings and little tail feathers, you're not alone! Many chicken enthusiasts wonder why it seems to take longer to determine the gender of Brahmas compared to other breeds. In this delightful conundrum, one brave little chick stands out with stubby wings and no tail, boldly bonding with his human—could he really be a hen? It’s a common question, and you’re not the only one trying to decode these feathered mysteries. For further insights, check out our article "Rooster or Hen?" to dive deeper into the signs that could help you tell your flock apart!

TS wrongly id’ed chicken
chickens

TS wrongly id’ed chicken

Have you ever found yourself questioning your chicken’s identity? You're not alone! One of our community members, u/gcd120904, recently shared their puzzling experience with a “Cinnamon Queen pullet” from Tractor Supply that started crowing—definitely not the behavior you’d expect from a lady! With their initial confidence in its gender based on the sex-linked traits, they're left wondering if a mischievous Rhode Island Red cockerel slipped in by accident or if it’s a different breed altogether. It’s a classic case of chicken confusion! If you're also scratching your head over your feathered friends, check out our article "Friend or Foe?" for more insights into the quirky personalities of roosters. Let's dive into this cluck-tastic mystery together!

Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

whats the best breed

So, you're ready to dive into the cluck-tastic world of chicken ownership! As a first-time chicken keeper, you'll want a breed that not only lays a bounty of eggs but is also friendly and easy to handle. In North America, there are several fantastic options that strike this delightful balance. Breeds like the Rhode Island Red and the Orpington are known for their egg-laying prowess while also being gentle companions. The Leghorn, with its egg-citing production rates, is another great choice—though it may be a bit more skittish. Ultimately, selecting the right breed ensures you enjoy both the joy of fresh eggs and the delightful company of your feathered friends. Let's explore these fabulous options together!

What breed is this rooster?
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

What breed is this rooster?

Identifying a rooster's breed can sometimes feel like a clucky conundrum, especially when Google Lens throws a flock of options your way! From the striking Mystic Onyx to the mysterious Ayam Cemani and various hybrids, the choices can leave even the most seasoned chicken enthusiast scratching their heads. Each breed boasts unique features, personalities, and quirks, making the identification process both exciting and a tad overwhelming. In this post, we’ll dive into the characteristics of these intriguing breeds to help you uncover your feathered friend’s true identity. Let’s embark on this egg-citing journey together and solve the mystery of your rooster's breed, one feather at a time! Join the conversation and share your thoughts or questions in the comments!

Hen or roo
chickens

Hen or roo

Are you scratching your head trying to figure out whether your adorable bawk bawks are hens or roos? Fear not, fellow chicken enthusiast! In this cluck-tastic guide, we'll dive into the delightful world of chicken identification, helping you distinguish between the charming ladies and the dapper gents in your flock. You’ll also get the scoop on identifying that mysterious brown feathered friend strutting around your yard. With a few simple tips and some keen observation, you’ll be able to confidently tell the difference between hens and roosters in no time! So, grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let’s embark on this egg-citing journey of feathered friend identification together!

Curious about breeds! Do
chickens

Curious about breeds! Do

Are you ready to embark on a feathery adventure? If you’ve ever found yourself scratching your head over chicken breeds, you’re not alone! One inquisitive chicken enthusiast, u/Klutzy_Outcome_8265, is diving into the world of poultry perplexities. They’re wondering about their feathered friends, starting with a possible Cochin Brahma mix. But wait—what about the second breed? That one remains a mystery, and the third? Well, it’s an enigma wrapped in feathers! Join the conversation and share your insights, whether you’re a chicken connoisseur or just someone who finds these quirky birds egg-citingly fascinating. Let’s put our heads together and crack the code on these clucking companions! What do you think?

Thoughts on egg discoloration
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

Thoughts on egg discoloration

Egg discoloration can certainly raise an eyebrow or two among chicken keepers! When one of your girls starts laying eggs with a quirky pattern, it’s natural to wonder if there’s something amiss. Given that your flock of eight feathered friends has been consistently producing uniform eggs until now, this change could be a sign of a few different factors. While it’s often nothing to cluck about, it’s always wise to keep an eye on your girls and their laying habits. Stress, diet changes, or even the occasional fowl play can influence egg appearance. Let’s dive into the potential causes of this colorful conundrum and see if it’s just a harmless quirk or if there’s more to uncover in your egg-citing chicken journey!

Breed help? (Update at 11.5 weeks)
chickens

Breed help? (Update at 11.5 weeks)

Hello, feathered friends enthusiasts! It's your favorite chicken aficionado back with an update at 11.5 weeks! After some clucky suspicions, I’m excited to share that I’m pretty sure we’ve got all pullets—yay! However, I’m still scratching my head over the gold laced Wyandotte. I’d love to hear your opinions and insights! I’ve attached updated photos for your viewing pleasure. Our delightful flock includes Barred Rocks, Buff Orpingtons, Brown Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, and possibly a Welsummer. Oh, and let’s not forget the three Easter Egger/Olive Egger types! Our experience with Valley Hatchery has been egg-cellent, even with those surprise bonus chicks. Just remember, chicken math is real—I had to upgrade my coop before they even arrived!

I think I have 5 roos and 2 hens right?
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

I think I have 5 roos and 2 hens right?

Oh, the delightful chaos of chicken math! It sounds like you've found yourself in a classic clucky conundrum with five roosters strutting around and just two hens to keep them company. While having a few roos can add some charm (and a whole lot of crowing) to your backyard flock, that ratio is a bit lopsided, to say the least! With those bantam beauties from your friend, it's important to strike a balance for everyone's happiness—especially the hens! Whether you’re considering rehoming a few of your feathered fellows or finding clever ways to keep the peace, you’re definitely not alone in this chicken drama. Let’s explore some egg-citing options for your feathery friends and keep the fun alive in your backyard!

I’m currently working on a new breed
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

I’m currently working on a new breed

I’m on an egg-citing journey to create a new chicken breed, and I can’t wait to share my progress! In the first picture, you’ll meet my delightful little fella, a mix of a purebred black and white Polish and a Silkie. He boasts fantastic feather structure and a well-formed skull, which is a crucial sign of good genetics. It’ll take a few generations to refine this breed, but I’m thrilled with this promising start! The second picture features a Silkie x Cream Legbar mix. While her color pattern isn’t perfect, her unique transparent tail and wing feathers are a delightful surprise. Fingers crossed this trait sticks around!

Hatchery messed up & is denying it
chickens

Hatchery messed up & is denying it

Dealing with a hatchery that seems to be feeding you incorrect information can be frustrating, especially when you’re faced with obvious discrepancies like the white barring on your gold deathlayers. At just three weeks old, these chicks shouldn't display prominent barring, and the presence of visible straight combs raises further concerns. While the hatchery claims the lines originated from reputable Greenfire Farms, the lack of transparency and accountability only adds to your frustration. It’s essential to document your observations and gather evidence as your chicks feather out. When you reach out to the hatchery again, armed with this information, you can better advocate for a resolution. Remember, staying calm and collected will help convey your concerns more effectively, even if your patience is being tested.

Breed confirmation?
chickens

Breed confirmation?

Curious about your mystery chicks? You’re not alone! Many chicken enthusiasts find themselves in a delightful pickle when faced with feathered friends of unknown lineage. At 7-8 weeks old, it’s a prime time for identification, and it sounds like your little trio is thriving despite their size. While bantams are indeed smaller, some breeds can surprise you with their growth patterns. It could be that your chicks are a mix of breeds, leading to those charming identical triplet vibes. Let’s dive into your question together and explore the possibilities! With a little sleuthing and community input, we can help uncover the identities of your intriguing feathered friends. Don’t forget to share more photos for a better look at their unique features!

Can anyone identify his breed?
chickens

Can anyone identify his breed?

Meet Red, the charming mystery chicken from TSC! At just 10 weeks old, this little fella has captured the hearts of many, but his breed remains a playful puzzle. With a feathered coat that sparks curiosity, some are leaning towards either a Rhode Island Red or an Easter Egger. Could he be one of those delightful breeds? There’s also a hunch that Red might just be a cockerel, adding a dash of excitement to the guessing game. Whether you're a seasoned chicken enthusiast or a casual observer, help us crack this cluck-tastic code! Join the fun and share your insights—let’s figure out which breed this feathered friend truly belongs to!

5 out of 6 bantam chicks…
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

5 out of 6 bantam chicks…

Hey fellow chicken lovers! I appreciate all the cluck-tastic feedback on my last post—your insights truly help! Now, I’m back with another batch of adorable bantam chicks. I have five feathery friends that are now five weeks old, and I’m eager to figure out if they’re roosters or hens. Plus, I’d love to know what breeds they might be! I’ve numbered the photos for easy identification, so feel free to take a peek and share your thoughts. Your expertise and opinions make this chicken journey even more egg-citing! Thank you for being such a supportive community as we navigate the wonderful (and sometimes wacky) world of poultry together. Can’t wait to hear what you think! 🐔✨

Hen or Roo
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

Hen or Roo

Meet Phoebe, my delightful 13-week-old Speckled Sussex! Even though her comb and waddle haven’t turned red yet—leading me to lean towards “hen”—I can’t help but notice those saddle feathers sprouting in. The clock is ticking, as I have a chance to swap her for a pullet at the feed store, but only until she’s three months old. I’m torn; Phoebe’s incredibly friendly and has stolen my heart, but we definitely don’t want another rooster in the mix! I could wait a bit longer to see how she develops, but then I’d risk facing the challenge of rehoming her if she turns out to be a cock-a-doodle-doo. Decisions, decisions! What do you think I should do?

These coops cost me almost nothing.
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

These coops cost me almost nothing.

Get ready to cluck with joy over this budget-friendly coop creation! In a delightful display of resourcefulness, Redditor /u/atSoiltechnician has crafted an ingenious chicken run using salvaged truck caps, plywood, and polar saplings. This cozy setup is cleverly divided into three sections, perfect for breeding purposes while keeping the feathered friends secure and happy. As summer rolls in, these clever coops will serve as a safe haven, allowing the chickens to thrive before they rejoin the general population in their main coop come winter. With a pinch of creativity and a dash of whimsy, this project proves that you don’t need to break the bank to give your chickens a fabulous home. Check out the full details and join the conversation!

DUBBING ROOSTER
chickens

DUBBING ROOSTER

Dubbing your rooster can be a daunting decision, especially when you're feeling the weight of his struggles with that oversized comb and waddle. It’s understandable to worry about the potential bleeding and his overall well-being, particularly if he’s having trouble eating and seeing. While a thick comb can complicate the dubbing process, it’s essential to prioritize his health and comfort. Hand-feeding him is a compassionate solution for now, and waiting until you can consult a vet is a wise choice. Your love for your feathered friend shines through, and you’re not alone in seeking advice. Remember, taking the time to gather information is crucial, especially when it comes to your beloved pet’s care. Keep nurturing that bond!

Hen or Rooster? …. Or both?!
chickens

Hen or Rooster? …. Or both?!

Welcome to the cluck-tastic conundrum of “Hen or Rooster? … Or both?!” Yesterday, I shared a post about my feathered friend’s curious head-shaking behavior, and the responses left me scratching my head! Some say it’s a hen, others suggest it might be intersex, while a few insist it’s a rooster. With a week of observation, I’ve noticed it doesn’t crow like a typical rooster, only attempting a brief sound before going silent. But this little one is fiercely protective of the flock and struts around with a confident, upright demeanor. Identified as a Partridge Laced Wyandotte, I’m puzzled about its coloring and wing shape—Google hasn't been much help! Join me in unraveling this mystery, and share your thoughts! 🐔✨

I need help choosing between two Easter Egger chicks!
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

I need help choosing between two Easter Egger chicks!

Hello, lovely chicken people! I find myself in a bit of a clucky conundrum and could use your feathery wisdom. After a recent predator scare left my small flock down to just one adult Easter Egger, I ordered a new batch of 14 chicks—seven of which are Easter Eggers! Now, I’m torn between two adorable candidates for my final EE: one I call Skunk, with striking chipmunk markings, and the other, Mottled, who is sweet and friendly. While I adore their looks, I’m also weighing personality traits, as I’m hoping to strike a balance between snuggly lap chickens and independent thinkers. Join me on this journey of overthinking and let's figure out who should join my flock!

chicken breed?
chickens

chicken breed?

Meet the feathered friend who’s wandered into your life! It sounds like you’ve stumbled upon a charming chicken with a mysterious backstory—perhaps she was left behind or simply decided to make your horse lesson barn her new hangout. Chickens can be quite social, so it’s no surprise she’s befriended the horses while keeping her distance from humans. Identifying her breed can be a fun puzzle, as there are so many quirky varieties out there! With a little patience, you’ll soon be able to pick her up and help her transition into your coworker’s flock. In the meantime, keep the chicken food coming and enjoy the delightful antics of this clucky companion as she settles into her new digs!