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.

Very comfortable nest
Welcome to the ultimate cozy corner for our feathered friends! Submitted by the delightful u/Expensive-Metal-6618, this very comfortable nest is a cluck-tastic example of chicken hospitality. Imagine a space that wraps your chickens in warmth and safety, ensuring they feel right at home while they lay their egg-citing treasures. With the perfect blend of comfort and creativity, this nest turns the everyday chicken coop into a sanctuary. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just dipping your toes into the world of poultry parenting, this post is sure to inspire you. So, gather 'round and let’s dive into the details of creating a nest that will make your chickens feel like royalty—without the fowl play! Check out the link and join the conversation in the comments!

Hanging out in grow bags
Get ready to dive into the whimsical world of grow bags with this cluck-tastic exploration submitted by u/mzuul! Hanging out in grow bags isn’t just for your favorite plants; it’s also a fun way to connect with nature and unleash your inner gardening guru. These handy bags offer a unique twist on traditional gardening methods, allowing for easy planting and mobility. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just curious about sprouting your own green thumb, grow bags can transform your gardening experience into something egg-citing and playful. So, grab your gloves and let’s dig into the delightful benefits of hanging out with grow bags—perfect for those of us who love a little fowl play in our gardens!
Can we start spamming the page with chickens running again please 🤣
Get ready to cluck with joy because it’s time to unleash the delightful chaos of chickens running amok! 🤣 Our feathered friends have a way of bringing laughter and a dash of mayhem, and what better way to celebrate their quirky antics than by spamming our page with their delightful shenanigans? Whether they're flapping their wings in a mad dash or strutting their stuff with a swagger only chickens can muster, these moments are nothing short of egg-citing! So, let’s join in the fun and turn this space into a cluck-tastic showcase of our beloved birds. Share your favorite chicken moments, and let’s create a whirlwind of joy that even the most timid chicken enthusiast can’t resist! 🐔✨ [link] [comments]

is this average chicken behavior as a complete newbie of chicken ownership?
Welcome to the whimsical world of chicken ownership! If you’re feeling a bit puzzled about your feathered friends' behaviors, you’re not alone. Many new chicken owners find themselves in a cluck-tastically confusing situation, wondering if what they’re witnessing is just average chicken antics or something more peculiar. Fear not! Understanding chicken behavior is part of the fun and charm of this quirky adventure. Plus, identifying your chicken’s species can add an extra layer of excitement to your journey. Whether your chicken is a lively Leghorn, a charming Cochin, or a sassy Silkie, each breed brings its unique flair and personality. So, let’s dive into the delightful world of chicken behavior to help you feel more confident and connected with your flock!

I had no idea how soft they are!
When I first welcomed my feathered friends into my life, I was completely unprepared for just how soft they would be! As a newbie to the world of chickens—and birds in general—I couldn't help but fall head over heels for these adorable little fluff balls. They're currently cozying up in their brooder while we finish the hardware cloth for their coop and run, but every interaction has been a delightful surprise. Seriously, why doesn’t anyone talk about how soft chickens are? It’s like cuddling a living cloud! I’m absolutely smitten and can’t wait to let them roam freely. Join me on this cluck-tastic journey as I discover the joys and quirks of chicken keeping!

Too good for outdoor water
Meet Jackie, my fabulous feathered friend who’s turning ten this year! She's not your average chicken—oh no! This diva refuses to drink the hose water that fills the coop and goat trough; instead, she insists on sipping from the dog bucket filled with distilled water. Jackie definitely has a taste for the finer things in life, and her love for my black lab/coon mix adds a delightful twist to her antics. After a tough winter managed with her trusty doses of Metacam, I’m hopeful she’ll continue to thrive. Who knows, if I can rehome my husband, Jackie might just become a house chicken during those chilly months! She’s such a good girl, and I can’t help but adore her quirky personality.

Does anyone know anything about these two? I just got them yesterday.
Meet our newest feathered friends! Just yesterday, I welcomed two delightful chickens into my backyard coop, and I’m already smitten—despite their charming quirks. However, I find myself in need of some cluck-tastic advice from the community. What can you tell me about these two? I’m curious about their breeds, personalities, and any tips you might have for a newbie chicken parent. Are they known for being friendly, or do they have a reputation for a little fowl play? Your insights would mean the world to me as I embark on this egg-citing journey! So, let’s gather around and share some chicken wisdom—after all, every chicken keeper has a story to tell. Drop your thoughts in the comments!
🐔 LIVE: The Chickens Got Their FAVORITE Snack! 🪱🔥
Get ready for an egg-citing live event that will leave your feathered friends clucking with delight! Join us as we unveil the ultimate chicken snack that will have your flock pecking with joy. Yes, it’s true—chickens have their favorites, and we’re about to serve up a treat that will make them go wild! From the playful antics of our poultry pals to the delightful crunch of their beloved snack, this event promises to be a cluck-tastic experience for all chicken enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just dipping your toes into the whimsical world of chickens, this live session is designed to engage, entertain, and inspire. Don’t miss out on the fun—tune in and discover what makes our chickens’ taste buds dance! 🐔🪱🔥

Thoughts on egg discoloration
Egg discoloration can certainly raise an eyebrow or two among chicken keepers! When one of your girls starts laying eggs with a quirky pattern, it’s natural to wonder if there’s something amiss. Given that your flock of eight feathered friends has been consistently producing uniform eggs until now, this change could be a sign of a few different factors. While it’s often nothing to cluck about, it’s always wise to keep an eye on your girls and their laying habits. Stress, diet changes, or even the occasional fowl play can influence egg appearance. Let’s dive into the potential causes of this colorful conundrum and see if it’s just a harmless quirk or if there’s more to uncover in your egg-citing chicken journey!
Caught a raccoon in my coop
In a heart-wrenching tale of feathered friends and unexpected mayhem, one chicken lover faced a raccoon invasion that turned tragic. After the crafty critter claimed the lives of several beloved chickens, including a cherished bantam that had a knack for perching on shoulders, the situation escalated to a dramatic confrontation. Unable to use his rifle without endangering neighbors, he resorted to a desperate measure, striking the raccoon with his weapon until his wife intervened. Though his rifle is now damaged and hangs in memory of his lost girls, the experience has brought a cathartic release. This story highlights the deep bond between humans and their feathered companions, showcasing the lengths one will go to protect those they love, even in the face of chaos.

Chicks
Happy Mother’s Day, chicken lovers! This morning, we celebrated new life with adorable chicks hatching in our coop! While I’ve raised chicks in a brooder before, I’m excited to keep these little fluff balls in the coop with their mama. My question is about ensuring they have access to food and water. Currently, I keep these essentials in the run, but I’m wondering if I should move mom and her babies there, especially since I’ve previously fenced off a section for introductions. Also, should I consider placing food and water inside the coop? Just a quick note: since the photo was taken, we’ve chicken-wired the entire run for added security. Looking forward to your cluck-tastic advice!

does anyone else's chicken like being indoors? :)
Does anyone else have a chicken that prefers the cozy comforts of indoors? Meet my delightful d'uccle, who has a knack for turning my home into her personal retreat! While she does love to roam the vast garden alongside her feathered friends, the moment I leave the door ajar, she makes a beeline for the warmth and snuggles inside. It’s like she knows that the best cuddles and affection are just a few steps away! Her quirky preference for indoor lounging is both amusing and heartwarming. If your chickens share similar antics, I’d love to hear your stories! Let’s celebrate these charming personalities that make our lives a little more cluck-tastic! 🐔💖

Dense vegetation PSA. RIP Annie
Today, we mourn the loss of Annie, a beloved chicken who found her way into our hearts after wandering the neighborhood. Named after Little Orphan Annie, she was friendly, reliable, and always the first to rush for treats. Sadly, her playful spirit was extinguished when she became trapped in dense vegetation—specifically, a patch of wild common sunflowers. In a tragic twist, she flailed against the thin stems, resulting in a severed neck. This heartbreaking incident serves as a vital reminder of the hidden dangers dense plant life can pose to our feathered friends. As I prepare to thin out the sunflowers, I hope Annie’s story will raise awareness and prevent similar tragedies for others in our community. Rest in peace, sweet Annie.

It's always the damn favorite 😭
Losing a beloved feathered friend can be a heart-wrenching experience, and the story of Robin is a perfect example of the special bond we can form with our chickens. Hatching on Christmas 2025, Robin stood out from a frail batch of barnyard mix eggs, quickly earning her place in the hearts of her human companions. With her sweet demeanor and a knack for following her owners around, she became the household favorite, effortlessly wiggling into favoritism. The sudden loss of Robin, with no apparent illness, leaves a void that many chicken enthusiasts can relate to. It’s a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life on the farm and the emotional connections we forge with our feathered friends, even when we least expect it.
Rooster being a turd
Have you ever witnessed a rooster transform from a charming feathered friend to a full-blown feathered fiend? That’s exactly what happened to our friend, who recently found themselves on the receiving end of some rather aggressive behavior from their once-docile red rooster. After parting ways with two other roosters due to some serious fowl play, this feisty fella suddenly decided that attacking was the way to go! With a beautiful appearance and previously gentle demeanor, it’s perplexing to see him ramming into his human companion. Now, chilling out in the coop feels more like a game of dodgeball than a peaceful retreat. If you've experienced a similar transformation in your roosters, what do you think causes this sudden attitude shift? Let's cluck about it!

Chick with dislocated leg at hip joint, not ‘splay’ I think..need help..
Oh no, it sounds like your little serama chick is in quite the pickle! Dislocated legs can be a bit tricky, especially when it comes to our feathered friends who might not always cooperate. While it doesn’t seem like it’s a case of splay leg, which is a common concern, it’s essential to address this situation promptly. Since it’s the weekend and you can’t reach the vet, let’s rally the community to help you out! Share your observations about the chick's condition and any specifics from the photo, and let’s brainstorm some potential first-aid options together. Remember, you’re not alone in this—many of us have faced similar challenges with our clucky companions, and we’re here to support you!

Pullet or Cockerel
Hey there, fellow chicken enthusiasts! It sounds like you’re in a bit of a cluck-tastrophe trying to figure out whether you’ve got two pullets or a dynamic duo of a pullet and a cockerel! At just five weeks old, it can be a bit tricky to tell the difference, but there are some telltale signs to look for. The longer tail feathers and bigger, redder wattle on the left suggest she might be the cockerel, especially if she’s making those hawk-like sounds—what a character! Meanwhile, the right with shorter feathers and a smaller wattle seems to fit the pullet profile. Keep observing their behaviors; it’s all part of the egg-citing adventure of chicken parenting!

Breed help? (Update at 11.5 weeks)
Hello, feathered friends enthusiasts! It's your favorite chicken aficionado back with an update at 11.5 weeks! After some clucky suspicions, I’m excited to share that I’m pretty sure we’ve got all pullets—yay! However, I’m still scratching my head over the gold laced Wyandotte. I’d love to hear your opinions and insights! I’ve attached updated photos for your viewing pleasure. Our delightful flock includes Barred Rocks, Buff Orpingtons, Brown Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, and possibly a Welsummer. Oh, and let’s not forget the three Easter Egger/Olive Egger types! Our experience with Valley Hatchery has been egg-cellent, even with those surprise bonus chicks. Just remember, chicken math is real—I had to upgrade my coop before they even arrived!

Catching an injured chicken
Hello everyone! I live in a neighborhood where chickens roam freely, and recently, I spotted a young hen with a concerning eye infection. She’s struggling to open one eye and can barely keep the other open, which is causing her to bump into things as she walks around. Although she’s mobile and can fly, she’s clearly in distress. I’ve contacted a rescue organization that’s willing to take her in, but first, I need to catch her. Unfortunately, I have no experience in catching chickens and my attempts so far have only stressed her out more. I’ve tried using a towel, but it scared her off.
Avoid Hoover’s Hatchery
When it comes to poultry orders, my experience with Hoover’s Hatchery was nothing short of a cluck-tastrophe. Last winter, I turned to them out of necessity, hoping for an earlier ship date for my small market farm. However, what I received was a heartbreaking loss: two out of the fifteen meat ducks arrived dead, and a staggering fourteen out of twenty meat chickens perished within 36 hours. This isn’t my first rodeo, and I've never encountered such high mortality rates from any hatchery before. While Hoover’s customer service was prompt and offered refunds, their lackluster husbandry practices cost me hundreds in lost profits and significant stress. After this experience, I won’t be returning to Hoover’s—no thanks to their fowl play!

Teeny roosters or gorgeous chickens?
In the whimsical world of chickens, the debate between teeny roosters and gorgeous hens often leads to delightful confusion. Meet the so-called “pullet” golden lace Wyandottes—adorable, yes, but are they truly what they claim to be? With their stunning feather patterns and charming antics, these feathered friends capture our hearts, yet they might not fit neatly into the pullet category. Join us as we explore the quirks of these captivating creatures and unravel the mystery surrounding their true identity. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken enthusiast or someone who’s chickening out at the thought of poultry parenting, this discussion promises to be egg-citing and full of laughter. Let’s dive into the cluck-tastic world of golden lace Wyandottes together!
My rooster is not at the top of the pecking order, what do i do?
It sounds like your beloved bantam/serama rooster is going through a tough time after being dethroned from his alpha status. It’s heart-wrenching to see our feathered friends undergo such changes, especially when they’ve been our loyal companions for years. The shift in the pecking order can be quite unsettling for roosters, leading to stress and withdrawal from their flock. The good news is that with a little patience and care, you can help him regain his confidence and happiness. In this guide, we’ll explore practical steps to support your rooster during this challenging transition, ensuring he feels secure and valued in his flock once more. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey—many of us have faced similar challenges with our feathered friends!

Hot Chicks 🌞
Get ready to meet the hot chicks of the coop! These beautiful ladies are living their best lives, soaking up the sunshine and strutting their stuff like the true divas they are. It's not just about their gorgeous feathers; it’s about the joy they bring to our days. Whether they're clucking away in the yard or posing for that perfect Instagram shot, these feathered friends know how to bask in the limelight. Join us in celebrating their fabulousness as they remind us that life is too short not to enjoy a little sunshine and fun. So, grab your sunglasses and let’s dive into the world of these radiant ladies, where every day is an egg-citing adventure under the sun! 🌞
Abandoned Chickens and my worst nightmare for them
In October, a flock of chickens was abandoned near my home, and my heart aches for them. Initially, I thought they were simply adventurous, but it soon became clear they were alone and vulnerable. Despite my efforts to care for them, including providing food and contacting animal services, only a few were caught. Now, they've become the unofficial neighborhood chickens, but tragedy struck when I discovered one severely injured in my yard. She was the sweetest little girl, and I felt honored to be her safe space as she passed peacefully. It’s heartbreaking to know the others may meet a similar fate, and I feel powerless to save them. Any advice on capturing the remaining flock would be greatly appreciated.