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.
I’ve never noticed yolks with puckering like this before… is this normal? (Not the chalaza, of course, the yolks themselves!)
Have you ever cracked open an egg and noticed something a little… off? If you’ve spotted yolks with puckering, you’re not alone. Our friend, u/haileyneedsanswers, is curious about this peculiar phenomenon and whether it’s a common occurrence in the world of eggs. While the chalaza (the stringy bits that keep the yolk centered) often gets the spotlight, it’s the yolk’s appearance that raises eyebrows. Is this a sign of something unusual, or simply a quirky trait of our feathered friends? Join us as we dive into the egg-citing world of yolk characteristics, exploring what might cause these puckered yolks and whether they’re just part of the chicken charm or something to cluck about!
Unsure/not standing/shakey 2w old saphire gem.
Meet Mint, the two-week-old sapphire gem chick who’s currently experiencing a bit of a wobble! While she’s munching on her meals and sipping water like a champ, Mint seems more interested in lounging than strutting her stuff. You might even say she’s purring or vibrating—an adorable yet concerning sign. Unlike her feathery companions who are bustling about, Mint can’t manage to walk far and has been keeping things low-key since this morning. To ensure she gets back to her clucky self, she’s been separated for some TLC until you return from Tractor Supply. Could this be a case of a vitamin deficiency, or is she just a little too cozy? Let’s figure this out together and help Mint find her groove!
The many colors of chicken eggs! My basket looks like spring again.
Spring has sprung in the most delightful way—through a vibrant basket of chicken eggs! Submitted by the fabulous /u/pelidesse, this colorful collection is a true celebration of the many hues that our feathered friends can lay. From soft pastels to deep earth tones, the variety of egg colors is not just visually stunning but also a reflection of the diverse breeds that grace our backyards. Each egg tells a story, adding a little whimsy to our kitchens and reminding us of the joy that comes from raising chickens. So, let’s crack open the mystery behind these egg-citing colors and discover what makes each one unique. Get ready for a cluck-tastic journey into the world of chicken eggs!
Diva
Meet Diva, the feathered friend who’s anything but ordinary! Submitted by the delightful u/Ok_Onion2727, this charming chicken exudes personality and flair with every cluck. Whether she’s strutting her stuff in the yard or showing off her fabulous plumage, Diva brings a touch of whimsy to farm life. Her antics are sure to leave you chuckling and maybe even inspire a few eye rolls. From her quirky habits to her curious interactions with humans, Diva is a true character that reminds us of the joy and laughter our feathered friends can bring. Dive into the comments to share your thoughts and join the fun! After all, who doesn’t love a good chicken tale?
Angry rooster
Meet our feisty little rooster, born in October 2025, who’s just starting to find his voice. With his charming crowing and delightful calls to the chicks when he discovers food, he’s quite the character! However, there’s a catch—this spirited bird has taken to pecking without warning, leaving me with unexpected bruises and scratches. He imprinted on us as his parents since we were the only familiar faces during his early days, but now I’m at a loss. Despite my attempts to carry him or hold him down, the pecking persists. I’m reaching out for advice because I truly want to curb this behavior before it escalates. Any insights would be cluck-tastically appreciated!
10 years of resting bird face
Celebrating a decade of delightful dominance, Pandora the chicken has mastered the art of the resting bird face—a look so fierce that even the youngest hens think twice before crossing her. With her whimsical charm and a personality that commands respect, Pandora proves that age only adds to her allure. This feathered matriarch has become a beloved figure in the coop, embodying both wisdom and a touch of sass that keeps everyone on their toes. Whether she’s strutting around or giving the side-eye from her favorite perch, Pandora continues to capture hearts and inspire laughter. Join us in honoring this cluck-tastic queen as we reflect on her decade-long reign of feathery fabulousness and the unique bond she's forged with her fellow fowl friends.
I could listen to chickens eating grubs out of mini buckets all day long 🐔 #KrissysChickens
There’s something utterly delightful about the sound of chickens munching on grubs, especially when they’re happily pecking away at their mini buckets. It’s a symphony of clucks and crunches that can brighten even the dullest of days. Watching our feathered friends dive into their grub-filled treasures is not just entertaining; it’s a reminder of their quirky personalities and the joy they bring to our lives. Each peck is a tiny adventure, a playful dance of nature that’s both amusing and oddly soothing. So, if you ever find yourself in need of a light-hearted escape, just tune in to the sounds of chickens enjoying their snacks. Trust me, it’s an egg-citing experience that’s sure to leave you smiling! 🐔 #KrissysChickens
Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam
Welcome to the Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream—a cluck-tastic portal into the whimsical world of our feathered friends! Tune in 24/7 to watch the delightful antics of our charming chickens as they scratch, peck, and strut their stuff. Whether you’re a seasoned poultry enthusiast or someone who’s chickening out at the thought of chickens, this livestream offers a front-row seat to all the egg-citing moments. Enjoy their quirky personalities, from the bossy hen to the curious rooster, and feel the joy of community as we share laughs and stories together. Join us in celebrating the playful madness of chicken life—because who doesn’t love a little fowl play in their day? Grab your popcorn and get ready for a feathery adventure!
To cull or keep trying?
In the whimsical world of chicken care, we often find ourselves faced with tough decisions about our feathered friends. The heart-wrenching dilemma of whether to cull or keep trying with our beloved rooster, who has developed severe bumblefoot, weighs heavily on any chicken enthusiast. This gentle giant, a loner by nature, has always brought joy to our lives, but his persistent limp and worsening condition raise concerns for his well-being. Despite diligent care—Epsom soaks, wraps, and attempts to remove dead tissue—the infection has advanced to a point that feels overwhelming. Have you navigated this tricky terrain before? If so, your insights on saving his precious feet would be invaluable.
Helping people to take better care of their chickens.
Caring for chickens is a rewarding yet challenging journey, especially when witnessing fellow enthusiasts neglect their feathered friends. Recently, I found myself in a tough spot while visiting a friend’s home in Greece, where their chickens live in less-than-ideal conditions. With muddy coops, overcrowded roosts, and signs of distress among the hens, it was hard to stand by. I’ve taken it upon myself to help improve their situation, from creating cozy nesting boxes to advocating for better living conditions. While I’m not sure how my suggestions will be received by the family, I remain hopeful. Let’s rally together to share encouragement and ideas for helping chickens thrive, because every cluck-tastic life deserves a little extra care!
Possibly sick chicken
Meet Dot, the feathered friend who’s caught our attention with her recent bald spot and a concerning raw area near her rear feathers. After three weeks of monitoring her condition, it’s time to investigate whether she’s dealing with vent gleet or just a case of poopy butt. Regardless of the diagnosis, Dot is in for a much-deserved spa day—with gloves on, of course! As the underdog in her flock, Dot has always been a bit of a loner and at the bottom of the pecking order, which can add to her stress. Let’s explore the best ways to treat her and ensure she gets back to her cluck-tastic self. Your insights and advice are more than welcome!
Favorite US Breeds
Hey there, fellow chicken enthusiasts! It sounds like you're on an egg-citing journey to find the perfect feathered friends for your home in NW Georgia. Many folks share your dream of welcoming friendly, quirky chickens that not only lay plenty of eggs but also get along with other breeds. While breeds like Orpingtons, Wyandottes, and Barred Rocks are excellent choices, each has its own personality and quirks. It’s great that you’re considering free-ranging your chickens, but without a fenced yard, it can be a bit of a cluck-tastrophe waiting to happen! Let’s dive into your questions, share experiences, and figure out how to make your chicken dreams come true—feathers and all!
Anyone have Silked Easter Egger from Murray Hatchery?
Hey fellow chicken enthusiasts! Has anyone else welcomed a Silked Easter Egger from Murray Hatchery into their flock? I recently got one, and while I suspect she might be a roo 🤦♂️, I must admit she’s not as funky-looking as I had anticipated. I was expecting a feathered friend that matched the vibrant images I’ve seen on pet chicken sites, but she’s surprisingly more subdued in appearance. It’s a bit ironic, too—Murray Hatchery doesn’t showcase any photos of their own Silked Easter Eggers on their site, leaving us all in a bit of a clucking mystery! I’m curious to hear your experiences and see if anyone else has had similar surprises with their hatchery chickens!
Anyone Use This Brooder
Are you contemplating the best brooder setup for your feathered friends? You're not alone! Many chicken enthusiasts, like our curious friend PsychologicalMonk6, are exploring alternatives to traditional heat lamps. Instead, they’re considering heating plates and innovative mesh flooring brooders. While mesh flooring promises easier cleanup, there are questions about its practicality, especially during those crucial first days when cardboard or rubber mats are recommended. How do your chickens adjust once the initial bedding is removed? Spoiling our birds is a common sentiment, but we all want what's best for them. Join the conversation and share your experiences with mesh flooring brooders. Let’s cluck about what works and what doesn’t to ensure our birds are happy and healthy!
Chicken or Poochon? 🤔
In a world where feathered friends and furry companions coexist, the line between chickens and Poochons can get a little blurry! Sometimes, I find myself hilariously mistaking my adorable Poochon for one of the chickens, especially when I catch him scrounging for scratch and bugs among the girls. It’s a comical scene that highlights the quirky dynamics of farm life—where every day brings new surprises and a fair share of laughter. Join me as we explore this delightful mix-up and share our love for both chickens and our fluffy pals. After all, life is too short not to enjoy the egg-citing moments that come from having both types of companions. Let’s dive into this cluck-tastic adventure together!
Whats your favourite breed?
What’s your favorite chicken breed? I’m excited to share that my current obsession is the Mystic Marans! Last year, I ventured into the world of chickens with my Easter Egger x Ayam Cemani mix, and let me tell you, they were quite the flighty scardy cats. This year, however, I welcomed Mystic Marans into my flock, and I’m utterly smitten! These feathered friends are not only beautiful but also surprisingly friendly and eager to cuddle. 🥰 While they were all supposed to be sexed pullets, I’m holding my breath in anticipation to see how that turns out. 😬🥲 I can’t wait to hear about your favorites—let’s cluck about it!
Need opinions on wing clipping
Hey fellow chicken lovers! I’m reaching out for some cluck-tastic advice on a feather-ruffling dilemma. As a passionate bird enthusiast (and still a minor living on a homestead with my mom), I’ve always been against wing clipping. Recently, my mom, fed up with the bird poop situation, built a larger fenced area for our chickens to free-range. However, a few daring escape artists have taken to flying over the fence, and now my mom is considering clipping their wings. I’m worried this might impact their happiness and natural behaviors. With our roosters keeping an eye out for hawks, I’d love to hear your thoughts on whether wing clipping is necessary or if there are better alternatives to keep my feathered friends happy and safe!
Need opinions on wing clipping
Hey fellow chicken enthusiasts! I’m reaching out because I’m in a bit of a flap over wing clipping. As a dedicated bird lover, I’ve always been against it, but my mom's patience is wearing thin with all the bird poop around our homestead. She’s built a larger fenced area for our feathered friends to roam, but now they’re finding their way over the fence, and she thinks clipping their wings might be the solution. I’m concerned about how this might affect their happiness and way of life. While our roosters are pretty tough against hawk threats, I want to ensure this doesn’t impact their joy. I’d love to hear your thoughts or any alternative suggestions to keep our cluck-tastic crew safe and happy!
Lola in the background like "shit, what did I miss?!"
Meet Lola, the feathered friend who always seems to be just a step behind! While the other four chickens were busy striking their best poses for the camera, Lola was busy on a scavenger hunt behind the waterer. As I attempted to capture the perfect shot, she popped out with a look of sheer bewilderment—like she had just realized she missed the cluck-tastic moment happening right in front of her! Her expression was priceless, a mix of confusion and a hint of regret, as if she were thinking, “Wait, what did I miss?!” This delightful moment perfectly captures the quirky charm of chicken life, reminding us that sometimes, it’s the unexpected antics of our feathered friends that truly make the day egg-citing!
My hen is making a weird wheezing sound, is it a respiratory infection?
If your hen is making a peculiar wheezing sound but seems to be acting normally otherwise, it might raise a few feathers and questions. Respiratory issues in chickens can be a bit tricky to diagnose, especially when they appear otherwise healthy. While wheezing can indicate a respiratory infection, it’s important to consider other factors such as environmental irritants or even the possibility of an allergy. Observing her behavior, appetite, and the presence of any additional symptoms will be crucial in determining the right course of action. Don’t chicken out on monitoring her closely, as early intervention can make a world of difference. Let’s dive into the potential causes and what you can do to help your feathered friend feel cluck-tastic again!
Wondering age and breed
Wondering about the age and breed of your little feathered friends? You’re not alone! Many chicken enthusiasts find themselves guessing the age of their chicks, especially when those tail feathers start to peek out. If you’re estimating around 10 days to 2 weeks, that sounds spot on! At this age, chicks are full of energy and personality, ready to explore their surroundings. As for the breed, identifying it can be quite the adventure, given the variety of colors and patterns chickens can have. Share a description or a photo, and let’s dive into the delightful world of poultry identification together. After all, every chicken has a unique story, and we’re here to help you uncover theirs!
I found a young chick
Oh, cluck! It sounds like you’ve found yourself in quite the feathered pickle! Taking care of a young chick can feel like a delightful yet exhausting adventure, especially when you’re figuring it out on the fly. It’s heartwarming that you couldn’t leave the little one alone, but it’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed—after all, we’ve all been there, right? You're doing a fantastic job by ensuring it’s healthy, eating, and pooping like a champ! While you may not have all the answers just yet, there’s a community of chicken lovers ready to lend a wing. Let’s dive into how you can support your new feathered friend while keeping your sanity intact—because you both deserve a little cluck-tastic care!
is this normal for a baby chick?
Welcome to the whimsical world of chick care! It’s completely normal to have a few questions and concerns, especially as a first-time chicken owner. You’ve just welcomed your feathered friend, and it sounds like she’s settling in with a bit of a quirky twist. Lethargy and twitching can raise some eyebrows, but don’t fret just yet! Chickens, especially babies, can have their own unique behaviors. While it’s great to be mindful of potential vitamin deficiencies, it’s also important to observe her overall eating habits and droppings, as those can tell you a lot about her health. Let’s dive into this together and ensure your little chick is cluck-tastic in no time! Fellow chicken enthusiasts, your insights are more than welcome!
Chocolate Orp?
Hey fellow chicken enthusiasts! It’s time for a cluck-tastic breed question that’s got me scratching my head! I recently welcomed some adorable chicks labeled as chocolate Orpingtons from the infamous TS—premium pullets, no less. But here’s the twist: one of my little ladies has feathered feet, and I’m pretty sure chocolate Orpingtons don’t come with that fancy feature! To add to the mystery, she and her two companions are significantly smaller than my other chicks of the same age. Could they be a surprise mix, or is there more to these feathered friends than meets the eye? Let’s put our heads together and figure this out! Any insights would be greatly appreciated! 🐔💖