chickens
chickens on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 3142 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.
Pekin bantams
## Decoding Your Pekin Bantam Chicks: Hen or Not? A flurry of feathered curiosity! /u/shezza333 is wondering whether their Pekin Bantam chicks are destined to be laying ladies. Identifying young hens can be a bit of a chickening out moment for many, so we understand the question! Pekin bantams are undeniably adorable, and knowing their gender early is key to planning your flock. Unfortunately, visual identification at such a young age is tricky – it often requires close examination or waiting for characteristic traits to develop. For a deeper dive into chicken identification, check out our article, "Identification," where fellow users are tackling similar mysteries.
Sour crop? What to do?
## Sour Crop SOS: Helping Your Hen Feel Cluck-tastic Again! Uh oh, a squishy, water balloon-feeling crop and yellow mucus—that's definitely not egg-citing! /u/Intrepid_Ranger_4567 is facing a potential sour crop situation with their hen, compounded by the recent heatwave and lethargy. While it's reassuring she isn't pale or severely hunched, prompt action is key. You’re already on the right track with yogurt and egg yolk! Tilting her to encourage drainage is also a smart move. Dealing with a crop issue can feel overwhelming, and we understand why you're hesitant to trust just any online advice.
So much sass, so little chicken
## A Birthday Surprise & a Whole Lot of Sass! Talk about a cluck-tastic birthday twist! /u/fatapolloissexy shared the story of a truly egg-citing arrival: a tiny bantam chick that hatched unexpectedly from an abandoned egg during their daughter's celebration. We’re absolutely loving the sass this little feathered friend is already bringing to the world! It’s moments like these that remind us just how wonderfully unpredictable – and delightfully mad – chicken keeping can be. Glow Party is thriving, and we’re thrilled to see so many embracing the joys (and occasional chaos) of backyard poultry. Curious about other unusual chicken encounters? Check out our recent deep dive into what happens when chickens meet dry ice – it’s a peck of fun!
Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam
Welcome to the cluck-tastic world of Peckington Square Chicken City, now broadcasting LIVE 24/7! Join us for a constant stream of feathered antics, egg-cellent moments, and the occasional fowl play. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken enthusiast or simply curious about these quirky creatures, our livestream offers a window into the daily lives of our beloved flock. Witness everything from dust baths and pecking orders to the thrill of the hatch – it’s a guaranteed egg-citing experience! Things haven't *always* gone smoothly, as detailed in our recent article, "Embryos developed at the wrong end 😬," but we're committed to sharing the full spectrum of chicken parenthood. Tune in and become part of the Peckington Square community!
Been nesting for a few weeks looking rough
## Is Your Nesting Hen Looking a Little Rough? Let's Cluck About It! So, your hen’s been nesting for weeks and suddenly looks… less than her usual cluck-tastic self? You're not alone! Many chicken keepers notice changes in their feathered friends' appearance during nesting season, particularly a dry, featherless look around the face. Providing fresh water and food daily—as you're doing—is a great start. This can often be a sign of increased preening and feather wear from dedicated nesting behavior. However, it's always wise to investigate. We've seen similar concerns pop up recently, as evidenced in /u/FluffyImpact5863’s post, "You too? 🫣." Keep an eye on her overall health and behavior. Photos are incredibly helpful – we're eager to see them and offer more tailored advice!
She may be the cutest chick I've ever had
Meet Delilah, the Seafoam Egger who’s captured hearts (and possibly a few camera rolls)! /u/Moonxxflowers just shared this adorable introduction to their newest feathered friend, and we couldn't resist showcasing this cuteness. Delilah is proving to be quite the charmer, and we’re already anticipating a cluck-tastic future filled with seafoam-colored eggs. It's moments like these that remind us why we love these quirky creatures—even when they're being delightfully silly. Speaking of silly, you might enjoy /u/Mothmans_'s recent share about a chicken's antics that had them laughing until they shook! Explore more chicken shenanigans and heartwarming stories on our site—we’ve got a whole coop full.
Painted one of my chickens
## A Cluck-tastic Transformation! 🎨🐔 Just look at this! /u/Meeks_studios recently shared a delightful bit of chicken artistry, and we’re egg-cited to show it off. Bean, one of their feathered friends, got a vibrant makeover, and the results are simply cluck-tastic. It’s a lighthearted moment of creativity and a reminder of the quirky joys of chicken keeping. We all know chickens can be a bit… unpredictable, and sometimes a little intimidating! If you’ve been experiencing similar nesting behaviors and concerns, you might find some helpful insights in our recent article, "Been nesting for a few weeks looking rough." But for now, let's appreciate this beautiful, painted hen! Share your own chicken shenanigans – we love hearing from our community!
Why is she doing this
## Decoding the Distress Call: Why is Your Bantam Orpington Acting This Way? A heatwave combined with a stressed chicken can create some unusual behaviors! Your bantam Orpington’s persistent noise and attempts to huddle under the dominant hen, especially in 35°C (95°F) heat with no wind, strongly suggests heat distress. While mimicking chick-like sounds might seem like a desperate plea for maternal protection, it's more likely a manifestation of anxiety and an instinctive attempt to seek shelter. She may be experiencing heat stress and exhibiting regressive behaviors. This isn’t uncommon, and understanding the signs is crucial. For more insight into identifying hen versus rooster characteristics, check out our article, "Returning with (hopefully) better pics of my chicken; hen or roo?".
Identification
## Decoding Your Rooster: Breed Identification 101 So, you’re wondering what kind of rooster you’ve got – a specific breed, or a charming barnyard mix? It’s a cluck-tastic question! Identifying a rooster can be tricky; many share similar characteristics, and mixed breeds are increasingly common. We'll break down key features to look at—comb type, wattle size, feather patterns, and body shape—to help you narrow it down. Don't be discouraged if you can’t pinpoint an exact breed; the unique blend of traits in a mixed rooster can be just as rewarding. Want a deeper dive into identifying unique features? Check out "Fluffy feet fanatic" for a closer look at those adorable, sometimes peculiar, chicken characteristics! Ultimately, appreciating your rooster’s personality is what truly matters.
Excuse the camera shaking I was laughing my ass off, he's so silly
## A Moment of Pure, Cluck-tastic Joy! Sometimes, the best chicken content comes from unexpected moments. As /u/Mothmans_ delightfully demonstrates, the antics of our feathered friends can be utterly hilarious – so much so that it shakes the camera! Witnessing a silly chicken in its element is a universal experience, and this video perfectly captures that joy. We love seeing your submissions showcasing the quirky personalities of your flock! If you’re intrigued by the surprising behaviors of chickens, check out our article, "So much sass, so little chicken," which details the amazing progress of Glow Party, a bantam hatched from a truly unique situation. Prepare for a cluck-tastic time!
Not all my friends are chickens!
## Not All My Friends Are Chickens! – One of Them is Human. Let's be honest, life with chickens is… *cluck-tastic*, to say the least. Between the occasional escape artist antics and the constant quest for a perfectly formed egg, it’s a whirlwind of feathered fun. But amidst all the squawking and pecking, it’s easy to forget that humans exist too! This post is a delightful deviation from our usual chicken chronicles, a little peek into the broader, wonderfully weird world of my animal companions – including one who doesn't lay eggs. Ever wonder why your chickens seem to prefer your hand over a perfectly good feeder? You're not alone!
Someone's happy to be inside with this warmth :)
Ah, the sweet relief of indoor warmth! We hear you, /u/Mothmans_. There’s just something cluck-tastic about escaping the elements and basking in cozy vibes. It's a feeling every chicken keeper – and even those who are *slightly* intimidated by our feathered friends – can appreciate. Sometimes, a little respite from the barnyard bustle is exactly what’s needed. This simple joy reminds us of the excitement surrounding first eggs – as celebrated in our recent post, "Our $1,500 egg ❤️"! If you're curious about the personalities and breeds that make these moments possible, be sure to explore our other articles as well. Here's to warmth, happy chickens, and a little bit of indoor bliss.
Agnes isn't well
Update on Agnes: As many of you know, our beloved Agnes hasn't been feeling cluck-tastic lately. Following our previous post about her unusual eggs, we took her to the vet, and unfortunately, she's being treated for peritonitis. Fingers crossed for a speedy recovery for this feathered friend – she’s far from the scary hen her photos might suggest, and we luff her dearly! We appreciate all the advice and well wishes from our community. If you're curious about other bantam breeds, you might find our article on "Pekin bantams" helpful, offering insights into identifying these charming little birds. We’ll keep you updated on Agnes’s progress – sending all the good vibes her way!
Elvira's Mohawk 🤘
Elvira's Mohawk 🤘 is a cluck-tastic tale of transformation! Submitted by /u/AlternativeYou8532, this heartwarming story details the journey of a Polish hen whose overgrown head feathers significantly impacted her vision and confidence. For a year, Elvira lived with limited sight, resulting in a skittish and submissive demeanor. But thanks to a brave, late-night trim, Elvira received the "glasses" she desperately needed. Witnessing her newfound confidence while free-ranging is truly egg-citing! And as a delightful bonus, her comb has finally emerged, resembling devil horns – a fitting tribute to her spirited personality. This story beautifully illustrates the impact of a little care and kindness, and reminds us that even our feathered friends can benefit from a helping hand.
😱 What Happens When Chickens See DRY ICE? 🐔💨
## 😱 What Happens When Chickens See DRY ICE? 🐔💨 Ever wondered if your feathered friends have a reaction to the bizarre world of science? We did! Prepare for some cluck-tastic chaos as we investigate what happens when chickens encounter dry ice. It’s a truly egg-citing experiment (yes, we went there!), and the results are…well, you’ll just have to see. This isn't your average coop curiosity; it’s a dive into the surprisingly reactive world of poultry and extreme temperatures. Curious about keeping your flock comfortable during heatwaves? Check out our article, "🔥 107°F TODAY! 🐔 | Can the Flock Beat the Heat?" for practical tips on ensuring their well-being. Get ready for a frosty, feathery adventure!
Is Karen a Kevin?
## Is Karen a Kevin? The Great Chicken Identity Crisis The age-old question plagues backyard chicken keepers: is that seemingly female chicken *actually* a rooster in disguise? /u/OnlySlice8263 is facing this very conundrum with their chicken, "Karen," purchased last year as a pullet. Despite assurances from Farm and Home, Karen’s increasingly masculine appearance—lack of crowing, absent rooster tail, and zero fertilized eggs—has sparked a poultry identity crisis. The stakes are high, as a potential rooster reveal could lead to a rather dramatic obituary for the beloved bird, according to Slice8263’s husband! Join the conversation as we explore this common chicken mystery, and see how others have dealt with similar situations, like the creative owner who “Painted one of my chickens.
Our $1,500 egg ❤️
## Introducing Our $1,500 Egg ❤️ – A Cluck-tastic First! Get ready for something *egg-citing*! We're absolutely thrilled to announce the arrival of our first edible egg – a truly monumental moment for our feathered friends and, frankly, for us! After considerable dedication and a whole lot of chicken love, this egg represents a significant milestone. It’s a testament to the quirky, sometimes chaotic, but always rewarding journey of raising these wonderful creatures. We know, $1,500 sounds…well, a bit mad! But trust us, there’s a story behind it—and it’s a cluck-tastic one. Want to dive deeper into understanding the diverse personalities of our roosters? Check out our recent article, "Identification," to learn how to tell your boy apart!
My flock’s band photo
## Flock Star Power! Check Out This Band Photo! Feathered friends, assemble! We're cluck-tasticly excited to feature this delightful band photo submitted by /u/lavaboosted – a truly egg-cellent snapshot of a happy (and hopefully cooperative!) flock. [link] [comments] We love seeing your chicken chronicles, and this submission is a prime example of the joy – and occasional chaos – that comes with raising these quirky creatures. Speaking of new arrivals, you might find our recent article, "Got 9 pipping in the incubator," helpful if you’re hatching your own little ones! [link] [comments] Keep those submissions coming, folks! From health concerns like Agnes’s recent lash egg situation to identifying those adorable Pekin bantams, we’re here to celebrate all things chicken.
Chickens would rather eat from my hands than what is on the floor/their feeder?
## Why Do My Chickens Prefer My Hand? It's cluck-tastic, isn't it, when your feathered friends choose your palm over a perfectly good feeder? /u/OmniImmortality isn't alone in noticing this charming behavior – chickens often prioritize treats delivered directly from a human hand! While it’s undeniably cute, what’s going on? It likely boils down to a blend of trust and entertainment. Chickens are naturally curious and may find a human offering more engaging than a static food source. They’ve learned you’re a reliable source of yummy things, and that builds trust. This behavior can be especially pronounced in warmer weather, like the 35 degrees Celsius described in "Why is she doing this," and highlights the individual personalities within your flock.
Pekin bantams
## Pekin Bantam Mystery: Hens or Not? A classic chicken conundrum! /u/shezza333 is seeking some cluck-tastic identification assistance for their Pekin bantam chicks, wondering if they’ve got a flock of hens on their hands. Determining gender in young birds can be tricky, even for seasoned chicken keepers. Don’t chick–en out if you’re facing a similar puzzle! We understand the excitement (and slight apprehension) of welcoming new feathered friends to the coop. Identifying your chicks early can help with planning and flock management. For those tackling similar identification challenges, check out our article, "Returning with (hopefully) better pics of my chicken; hen or roo?", which explores visual cues for differentiating between roosters and hens. Let's help shezza333 solve this egg-citing mystery!
You too? 🫣
## You too? 🫣 - A Chicken-Keeping Reality Check Ever felt that delightful mix of adoration and… well, slight panic around your feathered friends? You're not alone! /u/FluffyImpact5863’s recent submission perfectly captures the wonderfully chaotic reality of chicken keeping. It's a sentiment many of us understand – the joy of fresh eggs balanced with the occasional, "Oh dear, what *now*?" moment. This community thrives on shared experiences, so thank you for bravely sharing yours. We know chicken keeping isn't always cluck-tastic. Sometimes it's a little fowl play and a whole lot of figuring things out as you go. For a deeper dive into the everyday joys (and early morning greetings!) of chicken life, check out "The ladies say goodmorning." Let's keep the conversation going!
Does anyone else have a "narcoleptic" chicken?
## The Mystery of the Napping Hen: Is Your Chicken a Sleepyhead? Does your flock include a feathered friend who seems permanently relaxed? One Reddit user, /u/Nonbiinerygremlin, recently shared their experience with a Bielefelder pullet exhibiting what they suspect might be Infectious Coryza (IC), alongside a tendency to spontaneously nap *anywhere*. This gentle bird forages, eats, and acts normally, except for her unusual propensity for dozing off mid-activity – a stark contrast to the more assertive pecking habits of her flockmates. While it's easy to let anxiety cluck in, this behavior isn't always cause for alarm. Could it be a quirky personality trait, or something more? If you're encountering similar puzzling behaviors in your own chickens, you aren’t alone – explore "Is Karen a Kevin?
The ladies say goodmorning
## A Good Morning Cluck-tastic! The ladies are saying good morning – and honestly, sometimes that’s the most *egg-citing* part of the day! It’s a privilege to share these moments with our feathered friends, even when their antics leave us delightfully ruffled. We know that chicken keeping can be a blend of pure joy and, well, a little bit of “chickening out” now and then. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just starting to appreciate the quirky charm of these birds, you've come to the right place. Speaking of charming quirks, have you ever wondered why your chickens prefer your hand as a buffet?
Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam
Welcome to Peckington Square Chicken City, your 24/7 livestream portal into the wonderfully chaotic world of backyard chickens! Join us around the clock as we observe our feathered friends clucking, pecking, and generally being…well, chickens. Expect egg-citing moments, unexpected antics, and a healthy dose of fowl play. Whether you're a seasoned chicken keeper or simply curious about these quirky creatures, there's always something to see. We're documenting the ups and downs of chicken life here at Peckington Square, and recently encountered a particularly puzzling situation – as detailed in our article, "Embryos developed at the wrong end 😬" – so stay tuned for the unfolding drama. Grab a seat, settle in, and prepare for a cluck-tastic experience!