chickens
chickens on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 2941 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.
Glitch, the best worst girl
Meet Glitch, the best worst girl in the chicken world! With her scissorbeak and a personality that’s nothing short of chaotic, Glitch is a true character. She doesn’t fit the mold of your typical chicken—no egg-laying, no dust baths, and certainly no friendships with her feathered peers. Instead, she delights in jumping on human backs, yelling incessantly, and tipping over food bowls like a pro. If you catch her eye from outside the fence, be prepared for a dramatic flight to the front! Glitch embraces her inner rebel, proudly committing her mischievous acts without a hint of remorse. For more tales of quirky chicken adventures, check out “i just want to rant about how much i love my chick baby…” for a delightful read!
Two broody hens in one box..
Meet Oreo and Caroline, two lovable broody hens sharing a cozy box and an even cozier bond! On the left, we have Oreo, the charming chocolate Orpington known for her plump figure and sweet demeanor. And on the right, there's Caroline, the elegant black Cochin with feathers that seem to have their own personality. Watching these two is like observing a delightful comedy—one moment they’re fluffing up for warmth, and the next, they’re playfully squabbling over the best nesting spot. If you’re intrigued by the quirks of chicken companionship, don’t miss our article on "First timer!" where new chicken keepers share their hilarious adventures with their feathered friends. Join the fun and dive deeper into the cluck-tastic world of chickens!
Got yelled at for how I say Bantam LOL
Got yelled at for how I say Bantam? You’re not alone! I was chatting with my fiancé about getting more bantams—my absolute favorites—even if one can be a little jerk sometimes. Honestly, they get a pass for being so tiny and adorable! I only keep them as pets because I adore them, especially those little roosters. But here’s the kicker: I say "banty" instead of Bantam, and it drives my Nana crazy! I don’t know why I started saying it that way when I was little, but it feels right. And, let’s be honest, half the things I say aren’t pronounced correctly anyway, thanks to my Appalachian roots! If you want more chicken fun, check out “Me and my chicks chilling” for a delightful read!
Hanging out in 95 degree weather.
When the sun blazes at a sizzling 95 degrees, hanging out can feel like a game of chicken—who's brave enough to withstand the heat? Whether you're lounging in a shady spot or contemplating a dip in the pool, staying cool is key. And just like our feathered friends, we all have our tricks for keeping the heat at bay. Remember to hydrate and find your own version of a chicken coop refuge! Speaking of keeping our birds cool, check out “Spoiled Chickens” for some egg-citing tips on how to pamper your flock during those scorching days. So, grab a cold drink, kick back, and embrace the warmth—just don’t forget your sunscreen!
One. More. Step!
Are you ready for a cluck-tacular adventure? In "One. More. Step! - I just want one chicken to hop on the swing. Come on!!!!," submitted by u/SiteNo442, we dive into a delightful moment of chicken antics that’s sure to bring a smile to your face. Picture this: the whimsical vision of a chicken swinging with glee, adding a sprinkle of joy to our mundane lives. It’s a charming reminder of the quirky relationship we share with our feathered friends. And if you’re curious about how to keep your chickens entertained, don’t miss "Peck peck!" where u/ThyKnightOfSporks shares adorable snapshots of their growing chicks loving the camera. Join the fun and let’s celebrate the joy and madness of chicken life together!
Any tips for my chicken run? Is the ground okay? Or do I need to lay anything down for them? I’ve seen people also plant clover, so opinions on that??? THANK YOU
Got a chicken run that needs some love? You’re in cluck-tastic company! Creating a cozy and safe space for your feathered friends is essential for their happiness and health. First off, let’s talk about the ground—while dirt is fine, laying down some sturdy materials like gravel or wood chips can help with drainage and keep those muddy feet at bay. And yes, planting clover is a fantastic idea! It offers a delightful treat for your chickens while enriching the soil. Plus, who doesn’t love a little greenery in their coop? For more tips on maximizing your chicken experience, check out our article on “Hen sitting chicks.” Let’s make that chicken run the envy of all feathered friends!
The Famous Question
Hello, feathered friends and curious chicken enthusiasts! We’ve got a delightful query from a long-time lurker, /u/IV-AnticipationXXIII, who’s looking to solve the mystery of a uniquely colored chicken among a flock of seven. This little clucker stands out in both beauty and intrigue, and we can’t wait to dive into the discussion about its gender! If you’ve ever found yourself in a similar situation, you know how exciting yet perplexing it can be to identify your feathered friends. While you’re here, don’t miss our charming article "Spoiled Chickens," where we explore how to pamper your birds during the sweltering Florida heat. Let’s get clucking and help /u/IV-AnticipationXXIII uncover the truth about this colorful character!
Spoiled chickens
As the sweltering Florida heat turns up the dial, my Orpingtons are feeling less than clucky about it! To keep my feathered friends cool and comfortable, I've been indulging their whims by bringing them into the house—thankfully, I have hardwood floors that make cleanup a breeze! Picture this: my spoiled girls lounging on their towel, enjoying juicy slices of watermelon like the royalty they believe they are. It’s a quirky scene that perfectly captures the love-hate relationship we have with our chickens. If you're also navigating the challenges of keeping your flock cool, check out our article, “Hashy Brown and Her New Family!” for some adorable inspiration. Let’s keep those feathered friends happy and hydrated this summer!
i just want to rant about how much i love my chick baby…
Oh, the joy of chick parenthood! 🌟 As a first-time owner, you've stepped into a delightful whirlwind of maternal instincts and feathered affection. Candling those eggs and witnessing the miracle of life unfold must have been an egg-citing experience! Now, with your four-week-old babies thriving under your loving care, it sounds like you’ve struck gold in the chicken parenting department. The bond you’ve formed with your special chick—who follows you everywhere and flaps into your lap—is heartwarming and proves that chickens can be incredibly affectionate companions. Who knew these feathered friends had such vibrant personalities? If you’re curious about more chicken antics, check out “My friend tried a temporary ‘tactical sock’ on his rooster to see if it helps with crowing.” It’s a cluck-tastic read!
This is a big month - our $ value in eggs has finally equated to the amount spent on the coop XD
Hold onto your feathers, folks! This month is egg-stra special because our egg value has finally caught up to what we spent on the coop—talk about cluck-tastic timing! It's been eight months since we welcomed our 16 feathered friends, and while we haven’t sold a single egg (we basically eat like cows), it’s fun to imagine the revenue we could have raked in. As the saying goes, you don’t get backyard chickens to save money; you get them to convince yourself that you do! Curious about tracking your egg-laying journey? Check out Henalytics—it’s free and super handy! And if you’re feeling like a chicken newbie, don’t miss our article, "Finally caved and got chickens not what I expected at all. Maybe some questions?
Genie has such a sweet demeanour 🩵
Meet Genie, the feathered friend with a heartwarming demeanor that’s sure to cluck its way into your heart! 🩵 Submitted by u/HTD_Bros, Genie embodies the playful charm that makes chickens both endearing and a touch unpredictable. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken enthusiast or someone who’s still chickening out at the thought of handling these quirky creatures, Genie’s sweet personality is a reminder of the joy our feathered companions can bring. If you’re curious about the delightful antics of chickens, be sure to check out "Me and my chicks chilling," where fellow chicken lovers share their own fun experiences. Embrace the whimsy of chicken life, and let Genie’s charm inspire you!
I love the feet!
Who can resist the charm of our feathered friends, especially when it comes to their adorable, furry little feet? In a delightful submission from /u/DensuKishaa, we dive into the whimsical world of chicken feet, exploring the quirky love that many chicken enthusiasts share for these often-overlooked features. It's a celebration of the unique traits that make chickens so endearing, fostering a sense of community among fellow fans. If you find yourself giggling at the thought of those tiny toes, you might also enjoy "Me and my chicks chilling," where another enthusiast shares their cozy moments with their precious chicks. Join us in this light-hearted exploration of chicken love, and let's keep the conversation cluck-tastic!
I just lost my first hen to prey :(
Oh, the heartache of losing a feathered friend to the whims of nature! It's a gut-wrenching experience, especially when you’ve nurtured her from a tiny chick. After seven years of keeping your ladies safe, it's only natural to feel the weight of that guilt when you discover a patch of down feathers in the grass. You were right there, supervising them as they scratched and pecked, yet the unexpected happened. It’s a harsh reminder that even in the safest settings, danger can lurk just out of sight. You want to protect them, but oh, the joy they find in roaming! If you’re looking for some community support, check out "Hen sitting chicks" for tips and shared experiences from fellow chicken lovers.
Anyone familiar with Salmon Faverolles? We ordered 3 hens & received an extra one. They are 5 weeks old. One always had darker wings & now has a dark beard. Is this a rooster?
Are you a fan of Salmon Faverolles? If so, you might relate to the excitement (and confusion) of welcoming new feathered friends into your life! One enthusiastic owner recently discovered that their order of three hens came with an unexpected bonus—a fourth chick! At just five weeks old, one of these little ones has developed darker wings and a dark beard, raising the question: could this be a rooster in disguise? If you’re scratching your head over chicken gender mysteries, you’re not alone! This topic is a common concern for many chicken keepers. For more insights, don’t miss our article, "My mom's chickens," where fellow enthusiasts share their own experiences and tips. Join the conversation and let’s cluck about it!
Urgent: Senior Rooster (4yo) Wobbly & Blind - Seeking Advice (Puerto Rico for vacation)
Urgent help is needed for a 4-year-old rooster found in less-than-ideal conditions in Puerto Rico. This little guy is blind, wobbly, and often tumbles when trying to walk, but he’s still showing signs of determination by drinking and nibbling on food. Currently, he’s been placed in a cozy cage with soft ground to keep him safe. Despite his frailty, he fights on, lifting his head when he can. If you have any advice or insights on caring for a rooster in such a delicate state, your help would be greatly appreciated! For further reading, check out “I am pretty sure Marigold is blind” to explore the challenges of blind chickens. Let’s rally around this feathered friend!
These might be her last moments but at least she is spending them with a friend
In a heart-wrenching moment, one chicken enthusiast faces the impending loss of her beloved feathered friend. Despite the distance, she’s reached out to a vet who suspects a serious issue, leaving her feeling helpless as she navigates this emotional turmoil without the support of her family. With a tough exam looming, the weight of her grief feels unbearable, as thoughts of studying clash with her desire to be present for her ailing companion. It’s a testament to the deep bond we share with our chickens — they’re more than just pets; they’re family. If you’re grappling with similar feelings, you might find solace in the story titled “I'M FURIOUS”: ANOTHER CHICKEN JUST DIED BECAUSE OF THAT SON OF A BITCH ROOSTER, PIOLIN.
chickens accidentally passed
Hello, fellow chicken lovers. I’m reaching out with a heavy heart after a tragic incident involving two of my beloved backyard chickens. Last night, they accidentally drowned in a water trough, possibly scared into it by something unexpected. At around six years old, they had lived a good chunk of their lives, yet I can’t shake the overwhelming guilt and sorrow I feel. It pains me to imagine their fear and confusion in those final moments. If you have any comforting words or photos of your own happy chickens, I would truly appreciate it. It’s moments like these that remind us how precious our feathered friends are.
whats this thing on my chickens nostril?
Ever spotted something unusual on your feathered friend's nostril? You're not alone! Recently, a fellow chicken enthusiast, u/Top-Grocery5385, noticed a little kernel-like bump above Goose's left nostril. While Goose seems to be her usual clucky self—no discomfort or swelling in sight—curiosity can still get the better of us. What could it be? From harmless growths to minor irritations, there’s plenty to consider when it comes to our beloved birds. If you're intrigued by the quirky antics of chickens, you might enjoy our article "Lucky Rooster," where we share tales of poultry bravery and mischief. So, let's dive into this chicken conundrum and see what insights we can gather about Goose's little mystery!
Built my first coop!
Cluck-tastic news! I just built my first chicken coop! Don’t worry—there’s a much larger fenced-in enclosure on the way next month to keep my feathered friends safe from those sneaky predatory birds on the island. While my soon-to-hatch chicks are cozy in their indoor pen, I’m excited to share that I ordered this coop just in time for my latest hatching attempt. Spoiler alert: we’ve got three healthy eggs in lockdown! I’m keeping two and returning the third to the local farm when it's ready. Fun fact: I built this coop at midnight during those wild sunlit weeks when my brain turns to scrambled eggs! For more chicken adventures, check out “Owning chickens is crazy (in a good way) 🦖.”
Hen or Roo?
Is it a hen or a roo? The age-old question that has all of us scratching our heads! Meet Clem, our feisty little feathered friend who decided to grace us with her crowing debut at just seven weeks old. Talk about an early bloomer! As we navigate this whimsical journey of chicken ownership, it’s hard not to chuckle at the surprises our flock brings. Will Clem continue her crowing ways, or will she embrace her inner lady hen? If you’re curious about breed identification, check out “Breed ID...: What do I have here????” for some egg-citing insights. Join us in celebrating the quirky adventures of our feathered companions—where every day is a cluck-tastic escapade!
I'M FURIOUS
Oh, the drama in the coop! It seems Piolin, the not-so-charming rooster, has struck again, leaving another feathered friend in his wake. With three casualties under his belt, it’s hard not to feel a bit “cluck-tastically” furious! This hefty fowl clearly has a penchant for bullying, hogging all the grub, and turning your flock into a real-life Game of Thrones. What’s a frustrated chicken parent to do? Besides plotting Piolin’s future as soup, it’s time to explore some creative solutions to restore balance in the coop. If you’re dealing with similar shenanigans—or just want to dive deeper into chicken dynamics—check out our article on “Chicks have bare backs, normal molting or no?” for some insights. Hang in there!
Say hi to bruno i adopted him today
Say hello to Bruno, the newest member of our feathered family! Adopted today, this brave little guy has seen his fair share of scrapes and scuffles, but he’s ready to spread his wings and embrace brighter days ahead. With a spirit that just won’t quit, Bruno is proof that even the toughest chickens can find their happy ending. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the delightful world of poultry, Bruno’s journey of resilience is bound to warm your heart. For those curious about the joys and quirks of chicken ownership, be sure to check out our article "Owning chickens is crazy (in a good way) 🦖" for a fun dive into the delightful madness of having feathered friends!
had to kill a sick chicken and I would like to talk to people with similar experience
It’s never easy when our feathered friends face illness, and having to say goodbye is a heart-wrenching experience, especially for animal lovers like us. A week ago, I found myself in the shocking position of having to put down a sick chicken, and it’s been weighing heavily on my mind ever since. As a vegetarian and devoted animal lover, this event has left me feeling a mix of sorrow and trauma that I haven’t been able to share with anyone—especially my chicken-loving pals who might not understand. If you’ve faced a similar experience, I’d love to hear your stories and connect. Let’s create a space to support each other through these tough moments.
Tractor Supply Tip
Egg-citing news for chicken lovers! Did you know that when chicks outgrow their adorable phase, they often end up in the back room of Tractor Supply for a mere $1? That’s right—these feathered friends are not just a bargain; they’re also hardier and ready to start laying eggs sooner! While the cuties in the front might be $2, those in the back are eager to find a new home before they become escape artists. This little secret isn’t widely advertised, so don’t hesitate to ask your local TSC if they have any $1 or $2 chicks available. And if you’re curious about the joys (and craziness) of owning chickens, check out "Owning chickens is crazy (in a good way) 🦖" for a fun perspective!