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 friend’s chicken is a new mama! She gave me a good once over to make sure I’m not a threat to her chicks.
chickens

My friend’s chicken is a new mama! She gave me a good once over to make sure I’m not a threat to her chicks.

Exciting news from the coop! My friend’s chicken has officially joined the ranks of motherhood, and let me tell you, she’s taking her new role very seriously. With a fierce gaze and protective instincts, she gave me a thorough once-over to ensure I posed no threat to her adorable chicks. It’s a delightful reminder of the whimsical world of poultry parenting, where every peep and cluck carries a story of love and vigilance. Watching this feathered mama in action is both heartwarming and a tad intimidating—after all, she’s fiercely guarding her little ones! Join me in celebrating this cluck-tastic milestone and share your own experiences with chicken motherhood in the comments below. Who knew chickens could be such devoted parents?

Need help
chickens

Need help

Hatching silkies is an egg-citing journey, but it can come with its own set of worries—like noticing a little crooked beak on one of your feathered friends. A crooked beak can be caused by various factors, such as genetics, nutritional deficiencies, or even injuries. The good news? Many chickens adapt well, and with the right care, they can lead happy, fulfilling lives. Addressing their diet and providing a safe environment can help support their growth. As for the future, it's challenging to predict, but monitoring your chick’s development and consulting with a vet can provide clarity. Remember, every chicken is unique, and sometimes, their quirks make them all the more lovable! Let's tackle this together!

I tasked my boys (16 and 12) with helping me name our new chickens. This is what we ended up with after a lot of vetoing!
chickens

I tasked my boys (16 and 12) with helping me name our new chickens. This is what we ended up with after a lot of vetoing!

Naming new chickens can be a delightful yet chaotic adventure, especially when you enlist the help of your kids! In this charming tale, submitted by u/ABigFuckingSword, we follow the journey of a parent who tasked their 16 and 12-year-old boys with the fun challenge of naming their latest feathered friends. After much laughter, brainstorming, and a fair share of vetoing, the final names reflect a blend of creativity and humor that only kids can bring. Whether you're a seasoned chicken keeper or just someone with a quirky love for these clucky companions, this naming saga is sure to resonate. Join us for a peek into their amusing process and discover the cluck-tastic names that emerged from this family fun!

Dog got ahold of my chicken…
chickens

Dog got ahold of my chicken…

Oh no! It sounds like you had a cluck-tastic scare with your feathered friends today. As a proud chicken parent to your first flock, it’s totally understandable to feel overwhelmed and worried when things go awry, especially with seven playful pups around. It’s great to hear that Clover seems physically fine, but it’s natural to fret about potential internal injuries or shock. Keep an eye on her for any unusual behavior, like lethargy or changes in appetite, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a vet if you’re feeling uneasy. Remember, accidents happen—even the most vigilant chicken guardians can have a slip-up! Take a deep breath, and let’s turn this into a learning moment for you and your flock. 🐔❤️

A Rooster Basking in the Sun
chickens

A Rooster Basking in the Sun

Meet our cluck-tastic friend, the rooster, basking in the sun! Submitted by the talented /u/Aamirsi278, this delightful snapshot captures the essence of lazy afternoons in the barnyard. With feathers glistening in the golden rays, this proud bird embodies the playful spirit of farm life. Roosters are more than just alarm clocks for the farm; they are the charismatic leaders of the flock, strutting their stuff with flair. Whether he's calling the hens for breakfast or simply enjoying the warmth, this feathered friend reminds us to take a moment to soak up the sunshine and enjoy the little things. Join us in celebrating the joy and silliness of our beloved chickens—those quirky companions that bring laughter and life to our days!

Hello Iris!
chickens

Hello Iris!

Welcome to the whimsical world of "Hello Iris!"—a delightful snapshot of everyday life featuring my charming lady, Iris, as she relaxes on the back porch. There’s something truly magical about those quiet moments spent outdoors, sipping a drink and soaking up the sun, surrounded by the gentle clucks of our feathered friends. Iris embodies the quirky charm we all cherish, radiating warmth and personality that beckons you to join in the fun. This post captures the essence of simple joys, blending humor with a touch of vulnerability. So, whether you’re a seasoned chicken enthusiast or just someone who appreciates the lighter side of life, come on in! Let’s celebrate the delightful chaos of backyard living together, one cluck at a time!

My baby
chickens

My baby

Meet the newest addition to the flock—my baby chicken! Submitted by u/perecotte, this delightful little creature has already captured hearts with its cluck-tastic charm. From its fluffy feathers to its curious pecks, there's something undeniably enchanting about watching this feathered friend explore the world. Whether it’s chasing after a stray bug or snuggling up for a cozy nap, every moment is egg-citing! Join us in celebrating the joys and quirks of chicken parenthood as we share tips, tricks, and the occasional fowl play that comes with raising these lovable beings. So, if you’re ready for some heartwarming adventures and a few giggles, dive into the comments and let the chicken chatter begin! Don’t miss out on this delightful experience!

600m² garden, let's dustbath in the carrot bed behind small fence, because why not
chickens

600m² garden, let's dustbath in the carrot bed behind small fence, because why not

Welcome to the whimsical world of gardening, where even the most unexpected adventures await! In this delightful 600m² garden, we’re embracing the joy of dust baths right in the carrot bed, all behind the charming security of a small fence. Why not indulge in a little fun while nurturing our green thumb? After all, who says gardening can’t be a playful experience? Dust bathing not only adds a quirky twist to our daily routines but also fosters a sense of community among fellow garden enthusiasts. So grab your feathered friends and join us in this cluck-tastic escapade that promises laughter, a sprinkle of madness, and a whole lot of joy. Let’s dig in and make our gardens a little more egg-citing together!

Mother's day drawing
chickens

Mother's day drawing

This Mother’s Day, I decided to channel my inner artist and create a whimsical chicken drawing for my amazing wife. Nothing says “I appreciate you” quite like a delightful depiction of our feathered friends! Chickens may be quirky and sometimes a bit feisty, but they also embody the nurturing spirit that moms showcase every day. As we celebrate all the wonderful mothers out there, I hope this playful tribute brings a smile to your face. Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible moms who juggle love, laughter, and the occasional fowl play! Your hard work and dedication deserve all the cluck-tastic recognition in the world. Join me in honoring these amazing women who make life so egg-citing! ❤️

Mama hen teaches hours-old chick how to eat pellets and grit
chickens

Mama hen teaches hours-old chick how to eat pellets and grit

In a delightful display of motherhood, Mama Hen is hard at work teaching her hours-old chick the ropes of eating pellets and grit. This marks the second brood for Runaround Sue, and she’s proving to be quite the attentive parent! Interestingly, amidst the clucking chaos, at least one of the remaining two eggs is pipping, and Sue has even taken it upon herself to peck at the shell to lend a helping hand. Who knew hens had such nurturing instincts? It seems my assumption that hens prefer a hands-off approach during hatching was a bit off the mark. Join us as we celebrate this cluck-tastic moment in the life of our feathered friends! [link] [comments]

URGENT PLEASE HELP NOW
chickens

URGENT PLEASE HELP NOW

Oh no, Kelsey! It sounds like your precious feathered friend is in a bit of distress, and we totally understand how heart-wrenching that can be. With the temperature soaring to 85°F in sunny southwest Florida, it's definitely possible that your hen is experiencing heat stress. Chickens can be sensitive to high temperatures, leading to symptoms like lethargy, heavy breathing, and refusal to eat or drink. First things first, make sure she has access to cool, shaded areas and plenty of fresh water. You can also try offering her some watery treats, like cucumber or watermelon, to keep her hydrated. If her condition doesn’t improve quickly, it might be time to consult a vet for further assistance.

My oil slick chick
chickens

My oil slick chick

Meet Cedar, my oil slick chick and a true feathered friend! This delightful two-year-old Barnevelder is a striking blend of beauty and charm, boasting a unique plumage that shimmers like an oil slick in the sunlight. With her quirky personality and playful antics, Cedar has a knack for turning everyday farm life into an egg-citing adventure. Whether she’s strutting around the yard or giving me that “I’m up to something” look, she never fails to ruffle my feathers—in the best way possible! Join me in celebrating Cedar’s whimsical spirit and the joy she brings to our little flock. After all, life is just a bit brighter with a bit of chicken madness! Let’s dive into her world and see what makes her so special.

Chickens won't come into the coop on their own
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

Chickens won't come into the coop on their own

Welcome to the whimsical world of chicken ownership! It sounds like your feathered friends are living life on their own terms, turning your backyard into their personal playground rather than cozying up in the coop. Transitioning chickens to a new home can be a bit of a cluck-tastrophe, especially when they’ve been used to a different routine. The chase through the thicket for your elusive lavender Orpington is both a comedic adventure and a real challenge! With a sprinkle of patience and a few clever tricks, you can encourage them to embrace their new coop as their safe haven. Let’s dive into some egg-citing ideas to help your chickens settle in and start laying those precious eggs where you want them!

When the coops not good enough
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

When the coops not good enough

Building a cozy coop for your feathery friends can feel like a labor of love, especially when you’ve poured weeks into crafting a 4x6 haven complete with windows and 18 linear feet of roost space. But what happens when your chickens decide that the plush interior isn’t quite good enough? In a recent adventure shared by u/Rare-Spell-1571, the excitement of introducing seven new babies to their spacious coop turned into a comedy of errors. Instead of finding the new flock nestled safely inside, one curious 14-week-old decided to perch on a support beam in the run. Join us as we explore the quirks of chicken parenting and the unexpected choices our feathered friends can make—even when we think we’ve built them the perfect home!

Found a chicken in my backyard
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

Found a chicken in my backyard

Have you ever stumbled upon an unexpected feathered friend in your backyard? Well, that’s exactly what happened to our fellow chicken enthusiast, u/rizzogolfclash, who found a mysterious chicken nestled in a tree! This cluck-tastic discovery raises an intriguing question: what kind of chicken could it be? With so many breeds out there, each with its own quirks and characteristics, it’s no wonder that identifying this backyard guest is both an egg-citing challenge and a delightful adventure. Is she a sassy Rhode Island Red or perhaps a charming Cochin with a penchant for tree napping? Join the conversation to help uncover the identity of this feathered friend and share your own chicken tales. Let’s crack this case together!

Backyard build almost finished
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

Backyard build almost finished

After a whirlwind of creativity and a sprinkle of determination, my backyard project is almost complete! I decided to transform my garage into a cozy chicken coop, initially planning to repurpose old cabinets. However, my wife had a vision for something a bit nicer—though I still stand by my original idea! With no official plans, I sketched out my design and dove in, drawing inspiration from my childhood memories of my dad’s chickens and turkeys. While I'm a white-collar guy by trade, I take pride in my handiwork. The coop isn’t fully finished yet, as I still need to lay down pavers and stones, but my six-week-old chicks are happily settled in their new home—far better than the garage!

Chickies first day outside
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

Chickies first day outside

Today marks a cluck-tastic milestone for our feathered friends as they venture outside for the very first time! With temperatures hovering between 63-69 degrees, the mostly feathered chicks are ready to explore, although one little guy is still a bit behind in the feather department. Don’t worry—he’s holding his own! To keep this exciting escapade safe, I’ve set them up in a dog kennel within the big chickens' run. Sure, it’s a snug fit, but it’s the perfect way to introduce them to the great outdoors while ensuring they stay protected. Watching them peck and scratch at the ground is pure joy, and I can't wait to see how they react to the fresh air and sunshine!

Day 142 of asking if anyone knows what kind of chicken this guy is
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

Day 142 of asking if anyone knows what kind of chicken this guy is

Welcome to Day 142 of our delightful chicken mystery! Today, we’re diving into the curious case of this charming little guy—a bantam! These pint-sized feathered friends pack a whole lot of personality into their small frames. Known for their quirky traits and spirited antics, bantams are the perfect blend of charm and cheekiness. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken enthusiast or just tickled by their tiny stature, this little bantam is sure to capture your heart. So, let’s gather around and celebrate the wonder of chickens, as we continue our quest for knowledge and camaraderie in the poultry community. Share your thoughts and experiences—after all, who doesn’t love a good chicken story? Don’t be shy; join the cluck-tastic conversation!

Hey! Anyone seen this on their chicks combs? It’s a lavender Orpington and google is making me fear the worst but it doesn’t look like mites or peck marks, they kind of look like freckles? Help I’m a first time chicken tender riddled with anxiety lol
Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets

Hey! Anyone seen this on their chicks combs? It’s a lavender Orpington and google is making me fear the worst but it doesn’t look like mites or peck marks, they kind of look like freckles? Help I’m a first time chicken tender riddled with anxiety lol

Hey there, fellow chicken enthusiasts! Have you ever spotted something unusual on your feathered friend’s comb and felt a wave of anxiety wash over you? Meet our friend, /u/Yapperdapper222, who’s facing just that with their lavender Orpington. Those little spots on the comb look more like freckles than anything else, but the internet can be a scary place—especially when it comes to our beloved chickens! If you're a first-time chicken tender feeling a bit overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Let’s come together as a community to unravel this mystery and offer some comforting advice. After all, navigating chicken care can be a cluck-tastic adventure filled with learning (and maybe a few giggles along the way)!

A little extra
chickens

A little extra

Today, my daughter discovered that one of our new chicks sports a little extra flair with some additional toes on each foot! This quirky little fella doesn’t seem to have any trouble getting around, but I can’t help but wonder if those extra toes might cause any issues as he grows up. Have you ever encountered this with your feathered friends? I’d love to hear if there are any safe remedies out there! In my chicken-keeping adventures, I’ve never seen anything quite like this, which got me thinking. I stumbled upon a question online about the difference between Houdan and Polish chickens, and it turns out Houdans have five toes!

Hatchery messed up & is denying it
chickens

Hatchery messed up & is denying it

Dealing with a hatchery that seems to be feeding you incorrect information can be frustrating, especially when you’re faced with obvious discrepancies like the white barring on your gold deathlayers. At just three weeks old, these chicks shouldn't display prominent barring, and the presence of visible straight combs raises further concerns. While the hatchery claims the lines originated from reputable Greenfire Farms, the lack of transparency and accountability only adds to your frustration. It’s essential to document your observations and gather evidence as your chicks feather out. When you reach out to the hatchery again, armed with this information, you can better advocate for a resolution. Remember, staying calm and collected will help convey your concerns more effectively, even if your patience is being tested.

Just noticed her bent leg
chickens

Just noticed her bent leg

Oh, the adventures of raising feathered friends! It sounds like you’ve encountered a bit of a cluck-tastrophe with your Brahma chick, especially with her bent leg! At 3 ½ months old and just starting to embrace the great outdoors, it’s understandable to have concerns about her development. Brahmas are such gentle giants, and ensuring she’s healthy and mobile is key to her happiness. While it’s not uncommon for young chicks to show some quirks as they grow, addressing any issues early on can make a world of difference. Let’s dive into possible causes and solutions, so your little one can strut her stuff alongside her adult companions without any worries. Thanks for reaching out, and let’s get this sorted together!

My step dad built a brooder out of some scrap pallets. Turned out awesome for these 22 growing chicks now they’ll have plenty of space to spread their wings
chickens

My step dad built a brooder out of some scrap pallets. Turned out awesome for these 22 growing chicks now they’ll have plenty of space to spread their wings

Talk about cluck-tastic creativity! User /u/talkingtoawall710 shares an inspiring tale of how their stepdad transformed scrap pallets into a cozy brooder for 22 growing chicks. This ingenious DIY project not only showcases resourcefulness but also provides ample space for these feathered friends to spread their wings and thrive. With the right environment, these chicks are bound to flourish, and it’s a perfect example of how a little imagination and some elbow grease can lead to egg-citing results. Whether you're a seasoned chicken enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the world of poultry, this story highlights the joy of nurturing and caring for our fowl companions. Dive into the comments to share your thoughts or get inspired for your next chicken adventure!

Black Dutch
chickens

Black Dutch

Meet the Black Dutch—a delightful blend of charm and character in the chicken world! Originating from the Netherlands, this breed is known for its striking appearance, featuring glossy black feathers that shimmer in the sunlight. Beyond their looks, Black Dutch chickens are friendly and curious, making them perfect companions for both seasoned farmers and chicken newcomers. They thrive in a variety of settings, from backyard coops to small farms. With a playful spirit and a knack for entertaining, these feathered friends are sure to bring joy to your flock. Whether you're seeking egg-laying prowess or just a quirky friend to brighten your day, the Black Dutch has you covered. Join the cluck-tastic journey of getting to know these feathered gems!