chickens
chickens on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 2945 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on chickens 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 chickens, 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.
My boy passed away…
Losing a beloved pet is heart-wrenching, and sharing the journey of Edward Scissor Beak brings a mix of love and sorrow. From the moment he struggled as a chick, you dedicated countless hours to nurturing him back to health, creating an unbreakable bond. His passing after battling a vitamin B deficiency feels surreal, especially with the weight of "what ifs" lingering in your heart. You navigated the ups and downs of his care, and it's clear he was more than just a chicken—he was family. Your experience serves as a poignant reminder for all pet owners: the importance of ongoing research and vigilance in ensuring our feathered friends receive the best care possible. Edward will always be remembered as a cherished companion.
Finally getting the boss lady lap trained
There's nothing quite like the joy of lap time with our feathered friends, and it seems like Girly is finally coming around! After many attempts and a healthy dose of patience, my least cuddly hen decided to grace me with her presence on my lap for a delightful ten minutes—an eternity in chicken time! 😅 As she basked in the warm sun, I couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph. Perhaps she’s warming up to me, or maybe she just realized that snacks are a pretty good incentive. Either way, this sweet moment felt like a cluck-tastic breakthrough in our relationship. Join me in celebrating this adorable milestone in chicken cuddling! 🐔❤️ [link] [comments]
Help! Chicken suddenly unable to walk.
Oh no, it sounds like your feathered friend is having a tough day! When a chicken suddenly can't walk, it can be quite alarming, especially for us chicken lovers. This Easter egger, at just three years old, might be facing a few possible issues, and the good news is that the chicken community is here to help! From nutritional deficiencies to potential injuries, there are several avenues to explore. Have any fellow chicken enthusiasts experienced similar symptoms with their flock? Your insights and advice could make all the difference in getting her back on her feet. Let’s rally together and brainstorm some solutions to help her strut her stuff again. Thank you so much for sharing, and we’re all rooting for her recovery!
Roost for new coop
Building your first chicken coop is an egg-citing adventure, and it's perfectly normal to feel a mix of enthusiasm and apprehension! With your coop measuring 4 x 4 feet and standing 6 feet tall in the front, you’ve got a solid foundation for your feathered friends. The 24 inches of roost space is a good start for 4 to 5 chickens, but let’s address your concerns. Chickens love to perch high, so adding a second roost higher up can provide them with more comfortable options and help establish their pecking order. Just ensure there’s enough space for all to spread their wings without too much fowl play. Don’t hesitate to reach out for more advice—community support is key in this clucking journey!
I pulled my chicken out of the nest box…
In a comical twist of fate, I pulled my chicken out of her cozy nest box, only for her to promptly lay an egg on the ground. Talk about bad timing! I thought she was going broody after sitting there for hours, and with the sun heating up, I worried she’d overheat. My intention was to save her from becoming a broody hen, but as luck would have it, I might have interrupted her egg-laying moment. I felt a wave of guilt wash over me—I mean, who knew chickens could be so dramatic? I apologized profusely, hoping she would forgive me for my well-meaning but misguided intervention. Ah, the joys and surprises of chicken keeping! 🤦🏻♂️
Chicken drama 🙄
In the whimsical world of backyard poultry, drama unfolds faster than a chicken can cluck! Meet Cheeks, our feisty feathered friend, who is less than pleased with Side Eyes occupying her beloved laying box. This clash of personalities is nothing short of egg-citing, as tensions rise and feathers ruffle. Cheeks, with her quirky charm, believes that there are unspoken rules in the henhouse, and sharing her favorite spot is simply unacceptable! As the two hens navigate this fowl play, we can’t help but chuckle at their antics, offering a delightful glimpse into the highs and lows of chicken life. Join the conversation as we unravel this cluck-tastic situation and cheer for Cheeks in her quest for rightful box dominance! 🐔✨
Finished building our chicken house today!
Today marks a cluck-tastic milestone for our chicken-keeping journey—I’ve finally finished building the chicken house! After weeks of planning, measuring, and a fair bit of trial and error (who knew wood could be so stubborn?), I’m thrilled to announce that our feathered friends will soon have a cozy new home. It’s an egg-citing time as I prepare to welcome the hens, each with their own quirky personality and charm. I can already imagine the delightful chaos they’ll bring! From their curious clucks to the occasional fowl play, this adventure promises to be anything but dull. Join me as I dive into this new chapter filled with laughter, learning, and perhaps a few surprises along the way. Bring on the chickens!
Good dual breeds?
Are you on the hunt for the perfect dual-purpose chicken breeds that balance meat production and egg-laying? You’re not alone! A fellow chicken enthusiast is exploring the delightful world of Brahma and Freedom Rangers for their meat birds, but they’re also considering adding some friendly egg layers to the mix. With a limit of just six feathered friends on their property, they’re seeking breeds that grow quickly and don’t require a ton of feed. If you find yourself in a similar cluck-tastrophe or are just curious about the best dual-purpose options, this discussion is a fabulous opportunity to share insights, tips, and perhaps even some egg-citing breed recommendations! Join in and let’s hatch some great ideas together!
Rescues not assimilating.
Introducing new feathered friends into your flock can be quite the adventure, especially when rescues are involved! A few months ago, we adopted a couple of these spirited birds, and after a brief settling-in period, they’ve stirred up some serious drama in our chicken kingdom. Our established flock, particularly our retired 13-year-old Australasian, seems to be tiptoeing around the newcomers, who are all too eager to assert their dominance. Despite free-ranging together, there’s more distance than camaraderie—three months in, and the tension is palpable. Has anyone else experienced this kind of integration chaos? I’m curious about your thoughts and solutions. Should we risk locking them all in the coop to sort out the pecking order, or is there a better way? Cheers from down under!
candy corn vs lavender orp
In the delightful showdown of "Candy Corn vs. Lavender Orp," we dive into the whimsical world of chicken vocalizations to determine which feathered friend boasts the superior cockle doodle doo. Our beloved Candy Corn, with its vibrant hues, brings a sweet and playful charm to the coop, while the elegant Lavender Orpington enchants with its graceful presence and melodious calls. Both have their unique flair, leaving us clucking in anticipation of who will reign supreme in the vocal arena. Will Candy Corn's spirited squawks steal the show, or will the Lavender Orpington’s soothing tones capture our hearts? Join us in this feathered face-off to discover which chicken truly has the most egg-citing cockle doodle doo that will leave us all in stitches!
Can chickens eat beans?
Curious about whether your feathered friends can enjoy some beans? You’re in cluck-tastic company! Many chicken enthusiasts wonder if cooked beans—like pinto, black, or kidney—can be a part of their chickens' diet. While beans can be a nutritious treat, it’s important to serve them correctly to avoid any fowl play. Canned beans, for instance, are usually safe when rinsed to remove excess sodium. However, raw or dried beans can be harmful due to a toxin that can upset your chickens’ tummies. So, if you're considering sharing those canned goodies with your flock, just make sure they’re cooked and free of any added seasoning. Let’s dive into the bean debate and keep those chickens happy and healthy!
What’s wrong with my chicken?
Is your feathered friend feeling a bit under the weather? If you suspect vent gleet might be the culprit, you're not alone! This condition can be a real clucker, causing distress for both chickens and their humans. Vent gleet is often characterized by a messy rear end, unusual discharge, and some rather fowl odors. But fear not, chicken lover! Understanding the signs and symptoms can help you get to the root of the problem. In this thread, we’ll dive into what vent gleet is, its potential causes, and how to provide your chicken with the care it needs. Let’s come together as a community to support each other (and our beloved birds) through this egg-citing journey of chicken health!
Pointers on helping my chickens be more comfortable with me.
Are your feathered friends a bit skittish around you? Fear not, because you're already on the right path to winning their hearts! It sounds like you're approaching this with the calmness and gentleness every chicken deserves. By softly greeting them, spending quality time near their run, rewarding them with treats, and offering gentle pets, you're creating a safe and inviting space for them to thrive. Remember, building trust takes time and patience, especially for chickens with a less-than-ideal past. Your thoughtful approach will help ease their fears and foster a loving bond. Let’s sprinkle in some additional tips to make your journey with your chickens even more egg-citing and cluck-tastic!
Chicken identification please?
Hey there, feathered friend! It sounds like your cousin's chick crew is quite the eclectic bunch. Identifying chickens can be a delightful puzzle, especially when you’re knee-deep in fluff and cuteness. From your description, those grey darlings might just be Lavender Orpingtons, known for their stunning plumage and sweet demeanor. As for the black beauties, Black Laced Wyandottes are a likely contender, sporting that fabulous lace pattern that makes them truly eye-catching. With seven hens and one rooster laying about 30 eggs a week, you’re certainly in for an egg-citing time! Let’s get to the bottom of this feathered mystery together. Any photos would help, too—because who can resist a good chick pic? 🐔✨
Unknown Chick Breed
Hey there, fellow chicken enthusiasts! As a newer chick mom, I'm reaching out to tap into our community's collective wisdom. I recently brought home a couple of adorable chicks from Tractor Supply, and while my other two are clearly Rhode Island Reds, these two have me scratching my head in confusion. One is a sleek black chick, while the other sports a charming mix of white and black, with a touch of yellow on its head and some feathered legs to boot! They were all in the same bin labeled for Rhode Island Reds, but these little ones seem to have a personality of their own. If anyone can help me identify these feathered friends, I would be egg-cited to hear your insights!
Small eggs
Having a flock of Rhode Island Red hens is egg-citing, especially when they start laying their first eggs! However, it's not uncommon for newbie layers to produce smaller eggs initially. Your girls are just getting the hang of it, and those petite offerings are a typical part of their learning curve. As they gain confidence and experience, you can expect their egg size to gradually increase. It sounds like your older cinnamon queens are setting the bar high, but rest assured, your Rhode Island Reds will catch up in no time! Since your environment and nutrition seem on point, let those little eggs be a reminder of your hens' journey as they evolve into confident cluckers.
Simba crowing
Get ready to cluck along with Simba as he takes center stage! In this delightful countdown, Simba’s crowing will have you tapping your feet and counting down to three in Dutch. With his rhythmic antics and charming personality, Simba transforms a simple countdown into an egg-citing performance that’s bound to bring smiles. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or just a curious onlooker, this playful moment showcases the joy and unpredictability of our feathered friends. So, gather around, embrace the whimsy, and let Simba’s crowing inspire a chorus of laughter and fun. Who knew counting could be so entertaining? Don’t miss out on this cluck-tastic opportunity to enjoy the quirky side of chicken life!
NSFW: INFECTION? What is going on with my chicken??
Uh-oh, chicken lovers! It sounds like Rusty, your favorite feathered friend, is in a bit of a pickle. After returning from your trip, you discovered a concerning scab beneath her wing, and now the whole area seems to be infected. It’s understandable to feel a little clucky about this! Given that Rusty sits low on the pecking order and currently shares her space with turkeys, it’s possible that she may have experienced some roughhousing, even if you haven’t seen any aggression. Luckily, you’ve taken the right steps by isolating her and treating the area with Hen Healer and disinfectants. Let’s dive into some possible causes for her condition and figure out how to get Rusty back to her happy, clucking self!
🐣let there be life!
Get ready to embrace the joy of nurturing life with "🐣 Let There Be Life! - 🤲🐣," submitted by the delightful /u/BotanyBum! This engaging piece invites you into the whimsical world of hatching and raising your very own feathered friends. With a blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling, it captures the highs and lows of the chicken-keeping journey, making it relatable for both seasoned enthusiasts and those who might be chickening out at the thought of it. Whether you're an aspiring chicken parent or simply curious about the quirky antics of these fowl creatures, this piece promises to be both egg-citing and informative. Join the community of fellow chicken lovers and discover the joy that comes with nurturing life—one cluck at a time!
Breed?
Meet the vibrant Mosaic Rooster, a feathered friend that’s truly a sight to behold! With a dazzling array of colors, he’s sure to capture the hearts of chicken enthusiasts and casual observers alike. But behind that stunning plumage lies a mystery: what breed could he possibly be? If you’ve got a keen eye for chicken breeds or a knack for solving colorful conundrums, we’d love your insights! This guy’s unique appearance has sparked curiosity, and we’re eager to uncover the truth behind his lineage. Could he be a mix of breeds, or is he a rare gem in the chicken world? Join the conversation and help us crack the case of this cluck-tastic rooster!
My girls laid some pretty eggs!!
Get ready for a cluck-tastic surprise! Our feathered friends are at it again, and this time they’ve outdone themselves with a colorful array of eggs that are simply egg-citing. Submitted by the fabulous u/Buckinuoff, this delightful post showcases the beauty and uniqueness of chicken eggs, celebrating the quirky charm that comes with raising chickens. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just a casual observer, there’s something magical about discovering an unexpected treasure in the coop. Join the fun, share your thoughts, and let’s dive into a world where every egg tells a story. Trust us, you won’t want to chickening out of this one! Check out the post and the comments to see the colorful egg-citement unfold!
Someone wanted to go for a car ride
Ever felt the itch for an adventure, even if it’s just a spin around the block? That’s exactly what our friend from Reddit, /u/talkingtoawall710, was craving—a simple car ride! Sometimes, the call of the open road can be the perfect remedy for a restless spirit. Whether it’s the wind in your hair, the delightful hum of tires on pavement, or the thrill of discovering new sights, a car ride offers a unique blend of freedom and exploration. It’s a chance to clear your mind, sing along to your favorite tunes, or simply enjoy the company of a good friend (or your trusty feathered pals). So buckle up and get ready for an egg-citing journey—adventure awaits just around the bend!
Frank just wants to get back to his ladies 😡
In the whimsical world of chicken-keeping, Frank finds himself in a bit of a clucky situation. His heart belongs to his feathered friends, but life has thrown him a curveball—or should we say, a rogue rooster? With an eye-roll-worthy mix of frustration and affection, Frank just wants to return to his ladies, who are likely clucking away, wondering where their favorite human has scampered off to. This relatable tale captures the love-hate relationship many have with their chickens, showcasing both the joys and trials of poultry parenthood. Join us as we dive into Frank’s comical quest to reunite with his ladies and explore the delightful chaos that comes with caring for these charming yet unpredictable creatures. Let’s cluck about it!
Can't believe he is 5 weeks old
In a delightful twist of humor, one proud chicken owner shares the milestone of their feathered friend reaching five weeks old. The playful caption, “Can’t talk rn my cock is too big,” perfectly captures the whimsical and slightly chaotic nature of raising chickens. It’s a light-hearted nod to the sometimes overwhelming yet endearing journey of poultry parenting. As our feathered friends grow, so do the challenges and joys that come with them. This moment not only showcases the delightful antics of a young rooster but also invites fellow chicken enthusiasts to appreciate the quirky and often humorous side of chicken keeping. Join the conversation and celebrate those cluck-tastic moments that make every day an egg-citing adventure!