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.
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! 🩷🐔
Peek-a-boo
Peek-a-boo! It seems that checking the chick camera has become a delightful ritual for our community, and who could resist that adorable little face? 😂 Submitted by /u/iamloubielou, this charming moment reminds us just how captivating our feathered friends can be—seriously, it's hard not to smile! If you're also on a quest to understand the quirks of chicken parenting, you might want to check out "Hen chicks sparring??" where we explore the dynamics of raising meat birds alongside laying hens. With 37 clucking companions in one coop, it’s bound to be an adventure. Dive into the world of chickens and share your experiences with us; we’re all in this clucky journey together!
New Pullets!
Cluck-tastic news, fellow chicken lovers! We’ve just expanded our feathered family by adding three adorable pullets, bringing our flock count to a delightful 10. Among the new arrivals are two vibrant Easter Eggers and a charming Cream Legbar. And guess what? We snagged a black Easter Egger for free—talk about chicken math magic! Now, I’m on the hunt for the perfect names that fit our Tex-Mex theme, with “Fajita” already in the running for the colorful middle Easter Egger. If you have any spicy suggestions, I’d love to hear them! Meanwhile, check out our article “Two Chickens One Nesting Box” for a fun take on cozy chicken living. Let’s keep the clucking conversation going!
Hen chicks sparring??
Hey, chicken lovers! It sounds like your coop is bustling with 37 feathered friends, and those hen chicks sparring? Classic chicken shenanigans! Play fighting is often just a part of their socialization, but it’s always good to keep an eye on them. If they seem to be enjoying their log perches, that’s a great sign! As for toys, you might want to consider adding a few more fun distractions to keep them entertained and happy. Your crossbeak hen chick is lucky to have such a caring owner, and it’s wonderful that the whole flock is enjoying the water/feed mash. If you’re curious about more chick antics, check out our article “New chick!!!” for some egg-citing insights. Happy chicken raising!
7.5 Week Old Easter Egger - Roo?
Hey there, fellow chicken enthusiast! It sounds like you’ve got a cluck-tastic little Easter Egger on your hands! At 7.5 weeks old, it’s exciting to hear your feathered friend is starting to lose that chick-like peep and is beginning to sound more grown-up. This transformation can be a sign that your little roo (if that’s what they turn out to be) is hitting some significant milestones. As a first-time chicken raiser, it's completely normal to have questions about these delightful changes. If you’re curious about how to navigate the ups and downs of chicken ownership, check out our article, "How to 'phase out' of chicken ownership?" for some insightful tips. Keep enjoying the journey with your flock!
chicken cuddles in pyjamas
Who can resist the charm of chicken cuddles in cozy pajamas? Today’s delightful snapshot from /u/Affectionate-Emu53 captures a sweet moment with a feathered friend perched comfortably on their lap, complete with a few cheeky treats! The lovely weather adds an extra layer of bliss to this cozy scene—who wouldn’t want to snuggle up with their favorite chicken? It’s these little moments that remind us of the joy our feathered companions bring to our lives. If you’re curious about more chicken adventures, check out “They say you should never have favorites… This just happens to be my favorite one to photograph” for a peek into the art of capturing chicken personalities. Let’s celebrate these whimsical moments together!
Chicken hatching
Hatching chicks can be an egg-citing journey filled with anticipation and a sprinkle of worry! If you’ve noticed a crack in your chicken egg that’s been around for over 32 hours, it’s natural to wonder whether you should take action. While it might be tempting to remove the shell piece, it’s important to tread lightly. The crack could be a pathway for bacteria, but interfering too much might harm the developing chick. Instead of jumping straight to shell removal, consider monitoring the egg’s progress and consulting with fellow chicken enthusiasts. Speaking of shared experiences, check out our article “New Pullets!” where we delve into expanding our flocks—because who doesn’t love a few extra feathered friends? Happy hatching!
Rough estimate on age?
Curious about the age of this stunning feathered friend? You're not alone! In the whimsical world of chicken keeping, age can be a bit of a mystery, but fellow enthusiasts are here to help. Just like our charming friend in "Baby Buff frolicking in the flowers 💐," who brings joy as they explore their floral kingdom, this lovely lady might have her own unique story to tell. Whether you’re trying to decipher her age or just admiring her beauty, the community is ready to lend a cluck-tastic hand! Jump into the comments and share your thoughts—let’s figure this out together and celebrate the quirky world of our beloved chickens!
I've been calling her peenie weenie so much she now thinks it's her name 😭 she's named Peewee (sound)
Meet Peewee, the chicken who’s taken a whimsical detour into the world of nicknames! It seems our feathered friend has become so accustomed to being called "Peenie Weenie" that she now thinks it’s her official name—how egg-citing! This delightful little mix-up is just one of the many quirks that make chicken parenting such a joy (and a giggle). If you’ve ever found yourself in a similar situation, you’re not alone! Chickens are full of surprises and charm, often leading us down unexpected paths. For more fun chicken antics, don’t miss our article, “🐔 98° in Phoenix… POOL DAY for the Chickens! 😎💦,” where we dive into how our feathered friends beat the heat with style.
Help
Uh-oh! It looks like one of your chick's eyes is giving you a bit of a cluck for concern. Don't panic just yet—chickens can be as quirky as they are lovable, and eye issues can happen for a variety of reasons. Whether it's a case of fowl play (like a little pecking incident) or something more serious, there are steps you can take to help your feathered friend. Check out our community's experiences for tips and reassurance. Speaking of which, if you're in the mood for some light-hearted chicken antics, don’t miss “Chirping and running around the whole day but finally calms down when being held, she fell asleep in my hand after this hahaha.” Your worries might just turn into chuckles!
Chicken started honking?
Ever been startled by your feathered friends suddenly honking like a gaggle of geese? You’re not alone! This quirky behavior can leave even seasoned chicken keepers scratching their heads. Chickens can be full of surprises, and their vocalizations often reflect their moods, environment, or even a hint of mischief. Whether it’s a call for attention, a warning about potential fowl play, or just their unique personality shining through, understanding these sounds can deepen your bond with your flock. For a delightful peek into the world of chicken antics, check out our article on Henrietta, the coop's resident screamer, and her sweet lap snuggles. Join the conversation and unravel the mystery of those cluck-tastic honks!
Good or bad
Are chili peppers a cluck-tastic treat or a fowl folly for your feathered friends? It’s a hot topic among chicken enthusiasts, with some saying these spicy goodies could spice up your hens’ diet. However, there’s a lot of mixed information swirling around. While a dash of heat might be fun, it’s essential to know how it could affect your chickens. With that in mind, let’s dive into this sizzling dilemma together. If you’re curious about other chicken-related inquiries, check out our article “Introduced new chicks and old-new hens with my old hens. Make sense?” to see how folks are navigating their chicken dynamics. Let’s get to the bottom of this chili conundrum!
Introduced new chicks and old-new hens with my old hens. Make sense?
Introducing new chicks and old-new hens to my flock has been quite the feathered adventure! I recently welcomed a lovely black Australorp hen and (I think) a charming grey Polish hen into my coop after a good friend could no longer care for them. Thankfully, everyone is getting along plum well, and I can already feel the warmth of their growing bond. If I’ve mistakenly identified the grey hen, I’d love to be educated—after all, we’re all here to learn together! For those curious about brooder care, check out our article, "Brooder plate height for day olds?" It’s packed with insights to help you navigate the early days with your chicks, so you can keep those little cluckers happy and healthy!
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! 🐔✨
4 or 40?
Welcome to the whimsical world of chicken ownership, where four little fluff balls can quickly turn into a clucking desire for 40! If you’ve just welcomed four chicks into your life, you might find yourself daydreaming about expanding your flock. Don’t worry—you’re not alone! The urge to grow your feathered family is a common tale among chicken enthusiasts. It’s a delightful mix of love, chaos, and a sprinkle of madness. If you're curious about the adorable antics of your new chicks or seeking advice on managing the heat for your feathery friends, check out our article, "105° in Phoenix… Can Our Chickens Handle It? 🔥🐔 LIVE." Embrace the joy and hilarity of chicken ownership—because who can resist the charm of these quirky companions?
Sentencing commences as Psycho Sharon resists moving to Solitary, but eventually subdued
Sentencing has officially commenced for Psycho Sharon, who faced the music today after a wild ride in her holding cell. Despite showing signs of calm over four hours, she managed to sneak in a burner phone and upgrade her Rage Hen subscription to include a "Terror Bird" mod. Unfortunately for her, this clever upgrade didn’t help in her escape attempts when it came time for transport. Ultimately, she was sentenced to three days of solitary confinement—an outcome that has left her ruffled and undeniably furious. While she emerged unharmed from the ordeal, her feathers are still ruffled. For those curious about the quirks of chicken behavior, check out "Chicken started honking? What is happening?" for more insights into our feathered friends' antics.
How it started / How it’s going
It’s hard to believe it’s been over a year since my wife and I dove headfirst into the whimsical world of chicken keeping! After countless hours of research and preparation, we thought we were ready for anything. Spoiler alert: we weren’t! From the unexpected joys of feathered friends to the head-scratching confusion of chick sexing, our journey has been a wild ride filled with valuable lessons—and plenty of laughs! For those just starting out or contemplating taking the plunge, I hope our experiences can offer some egg-citing insights. Be sure to check out our post on “Thin Eggs” for tips on shell health, because trust me, no one wants to deal with a cracked surprise!
Thin eggs
Oh no! Thin-shelled eggs can be quite the head-scratcher, especially when they come with extra surprises like calcifications and a goopy egg white. It sounds like your feathered friend might be facing some nutritional challenges, which can affect shell quality and egg consistency. Thin shells could be a sign of calcium deficiency or other dietary imbalances. The thick, blobby white may indicate an issue with internal egg formation as well. To get to the bottom of this, consider examining her diet and ensuring she's getting enough calcium and nutrients. For more insights into unusual egg characteristics, check out “They are so soft” submitted by /u/Ok_Onion2727 for some shared experiences. Remember, we’re all in this cluck-tastic journey together!
Mother's day hen managed to save a struggling chick -- does this happen a lot?
Mother hens are often the unsung heroes of the chicken world, and Runaround Sue’s recent story proves just that! After hatching seven adorable chicks, she turned her attention to the eighth egg, which was struggling to make its grand entrance. With patience and encouragement, Sue pecked at the egg, while her chirpy little ones rallied around, providing moral support in their own peeping way. It’s heartwarming to see a mother hen instinctively nurturing her chicks, even when the odds seem stacked against them. So, is this maternal dedication commonplace? Absolutely! For more on the enchanting behaviors of our feathered friends, check out our article, "Help: One of my chicks eyes keep becoming like this what should I do?" Happy clucking!
Love when my favorite girl comes to me for some lap snuggles 🥰
There's nothing quite like the joy of a lap snuggle from my favorite girl, Henrietta! After a day filled with her signature squawking in the coop—typical behavior for our resident screamer—she finally made her way to me for some much-needed cuddles. I always joke with my kids that she’s just calling out for her mama (that’s me, of course!). When my husband let the flock free-range this afternoon, Henrietta wasted no time finding her way to my lap, interrupting my yard work for a moment of pure love. Once her love cup was filled, she happily rejoined her pals, leaving the screaming behind. If you're curious about other chicken antics, check out "New noise from Rooster" for more cluck-tastic tales! 🥰
Both enjoying The wooden plant holder my grandpa made before he passed :)
Celebrate the charm of cherished memories with the delightful wooden plant holder crafted by u/Mothmans_’s grandpa. This heartfelt piece not only adds a touch of nostalgia to any space but also serves as a reminder of the love and craftsmanship that can be passed down through generations. As we admire the unique beauty of handmade items, we can’t help but think of the stories they tell and the connections they foster. If you’re curious about other feathered friends and their amusing antics, check out “Chicken started honking?” for a deeper dive into the quirky world of our poultry pals. Join the conversation and share your own experiences with us; after all, every piece of furniture has a story waiting to be told!
Chicks-1 week
Can you believe it's already been a week since our little fluff balls arrived? Time flies when you're busy trying to win over your skittish chicks! Sadly, one of them didn't make it, but considering they sat on our front porch for over an hour upon arrival, I can't say I'm too heartbroken. I must admit, I’m a bit nostalgic for our last batch, who were practically my feathered best friends. I know these new ones will warm up eventually, but their current habit of crying and scurrying away when I enter the room is quite the spectacle! Speaking of names, we’re looking for some fun, themed ideas—our last crew was all chicken-based foods!
They are so soft
Have you ever cradled a chicken and been utterly enchanted by its softness? In this delightful post, submitted by u/Ok_Onion2727, we dive into the fluffy world of our feathered friends and discover just how incredibly soft they can be. Chickens may have a reputation for being clucky and chaotic, but their cuddly side often gets overlooked. Whether you're a seasoned chicken whisperer or just dipping your toes into the poultry pond, there's something heartwarming about a gentle snuggle with these quirky creatures. If you're curious about more chicken antics, check out “Chicken started honking?” for a peek into the quirky sounds our birds make when they’re feeling chatty. So, grab your favorite feathered friend and let's celebrate their soft, snuggly charm together!
Sound for chirps! OH MY GOD ITS RAINING FOOD
Get ready for a cluck-tastic surprise! In the whimsical world of chickens, the delightful sounds of chirps can only mean one thing: it’s raining food! Submitted by the ever-enthusiastic u/Mothmans_, this post captures the sheer joy of our feathered friends indulging in tasty treats. If you’ve ever been caught off guard by a sudden feast for your chickens, you know the thrill (and chaos) that comes with it. But don't worry—if you’re curious about how to keep your flock happy in the heat, check out our article, "105° in Phoenix… Can Our Chickens Handle It? 🔥🐔 LIVE." Join the conversation and celebrate the quirky charm of chicken life, where every day is an egg-citing adventure!