chickens
chickens on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 2944 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.
Outside time with the babies
Step right up for a cluck-tastic adventure in "Outside Time with the Babies," submitted by the delightful u/Treebam3! In this charming tale, we dive into the whimsical world of young chickens—those adorable fluffballs that can steal your heart one peck at a time. Picture this: a sun-soaked day where feathered friends frolic and explore the great outdoors, showcasing their quirky personalities and playful antics. Whether you have a soft spot for these little nuggets or find them a tad intimidating, this narrative invites you to chuckle and relate to the ups and downs of chicken parenting. Join the laughter, share your own stories, and connect with fellow enthusiasts in a community that's all about celebrating our feathery companions!
Photogenic Curly
Meet Curly, the charming rooster who steals the spotlight with his photogenic flair! Despite being blind in one eye, this feathered friend has a personality that shines brighter than the sun. Curly has a quirky habit of perching on his human companion whenever they lounge on the grass, creating the perfect opportunity for a delightful snapshot. This heartwarming moment captures not just Curly's unique charm but also the whimsical bond shared between a rooster and their owner. It’s a reminder that even in the most unexpected circumstances, joy can be found in the simplest of moments. Join in the fun and appreciate Curly’s playful spirit—after all, who wouldn’t want a chicken with such character in their life?
Look at this handsome wheaton aseel
Feast your eyes on this handsome wheaton Aseel! Known for their striking appearance and unique personality, Aseels are truly a sight to behold. This particular feathered friend is not just a showstopper; he’s a testament to the beauty of breeding and exhibition. At Rapids Ranch Poultry, we believe in celebrating these magnificent birds without the drama of fighting. Our focus is on highlighting their elegance and charm, making them perfect for showcases rather than the ring. Whether you're a seasoned poultry enthusiast or just beginning your chicken journey, there's something undeniably captivating about Aseels. Join us in appreciating this delightful breed, and let’s cluck about all things poultry together! Check out the comments for more cluck-tastic insights and stories!
What better way to cool off?
What better way to cool off than with a fun-filled game for our feathered friends? With temperatures soaring into the high 80s all week, the chickens were treated to a refreshing twist on their snack time: bobbing for frozen peas! This delightful activity not only helped the ladies beat the heat, but it also provided a whimsical spectacle as they dove and splashed for their frosty treats. It was their first time trying this cool activity, and judging by their enthusiastic pecking, I’d call it a cluck-tastic success! Who knew that keeping chickens cool could be so egg-citing? Join us in celebrating this playful moment and share your own creative ways to keep your flock happy and chilled during the hot summer days!
Meet my little fluffy booted warriors 🐥💖
Meet my little fluffy booted warriors! 🐥💖 These tiny chicks are strutting their stuff with an air of confidence that’s absolutely contagious. With their adorable feathered legs, they strut around like they own the farm, ready to take on any challenge—real or imagined. Seriously, have you ever seen such a delightful display of fluffiness? It's hard not to fall head over heels for these pint-sized bundles of joy! Whether they're pecking at the ground or fluffing up their feathers, their antics are sure to bring a smile to your face. Join me in celebrating these charming little characters and their egg-citing journey as they grow into the feathered friends we all adore! Check out the link for more fluff-tastic moments!
Few hours old chick
Meet the newest addition to the flock—a few hours old chick! Submitted by the ever-curious u/Silver-Ad-3981, this adorable little bundle of fluff is a reminder of the joy and excitement that comes with raising our feathered friends. Just imagine the tiny peeps and wobbly steps as this chick begins its journey in the big, wide world. Whether you're a seasoned chicken whisperer or someone still chickening out at the thought of handling these lively creatures, there's something undeniably heartwarming about witnessing the birth of new life. Join the conversation and share in the wonder of this cluck-tastic moment! Click the link to see more and dive into the delightful comments from fellow chicken enthusiasts.
POV: You're a grape and Boba found you🩷🍇
Imagine being a juicy grape, just hanging out on the vine, when suddenly, Boba comes along and spots you! 🩷🍇 Fun fact: grapes are his absolute favorite treat! As he approaches, you can feel the excitement in the air—will he choose you for his next bubble tea adventure? The thought of being transformed into a delightful flavor explosion is both thrilling and a tad nerve-wracking. Will you be the star of the drink or just a sweet addition? Either way, this encounter promises to be egg-citing! Join us as we explore this whimsical scenario where a grape meets its biggest fan, Boba, and discover the magic that happens when two tasty worlds collide. Get ready for some cluck-tastic fun!
Remember Bert? This is him celebrating spring (he couldn't f*cking care less and he doesn't understand why he has to wear a daisy chain)
Remember Bert? He's back, and this time he’s celebrating spring in his own delightfully indifferent way. Picture him adorned with a daisy chain that he clearly couldn’t care less about—after all, who wants to be fashionable when you’re a chicken with more important things to do? Bert embodies the quintessential fowl attitude: a mix of nonchalance and charm that makes him utterly relatable to anyone who's ever felt out of place in a seasonal celebration. Submitted by the ever-creative /u/TheOnlyWolvie, this snapshot of Bert captures the essence of spring with a side of whimsy and a pinch of attitude. Join us as we dive into Bert's world, where flowers are overrated, but the laughter is always egg-citing! [link] [comments]
Comb turning red at 3.5 weeks for silkie
It sounds like you’ve got a cluck-tastic little crew of Silkie chickens! Noticing one of them developing a red comb at just 3.5 weeks can definitely raise a few eyebrows—and questions! Silkies are known for their quirky traits, including their unique combs, which can make sexing them a bit of a puzzle. While it’s too early to definitively say whether your feathered friend is a rooster or a hen, a redder comb can often be an indicator of a male. However, every Silkie is different, and they can be full of surprises! Keep an eye on those feathered friends, and don’t hesitate to share updates. After all, their antics (and your curiosity) are what make chicken keeping so egg-citing!
What mix do you think he could be?
Meet Ash and her charming Roo, a delightful feathered friend that has captured her heart! At around four months old, Ash is on a quest to uncover his mysterious mix. While an AI suggests he might be a Cream Legbar due to his unique comb, crest, and barred feathers, his light coloring and impressively long tail feathers leave her pondering. Ash got him from a local show bird breeder, who noted he couldn’t participate in shows because of his mixed breed status. Regardless of his heritage, Ash adores him and dreams of starting breeding projects to create more birds like her beloved Roo. As a novice backyard chicken owner, she’s eager to learn and welcomes any insights from fellow chicken enthusiasts!
App that has been helping me with my chickens protection
If you're a chicken enthusiast like me, keeping your feathered friends safe from lurking predators is always a top priority. That's where the Merlin Bird ID app swoops in to save the day! This nifty app can listen to bird calls around you and identify them, helping you decipher the avian symphony in your backyard. Not only does it offer a Pokémon-style life list of birds to record, but it's also fantastic at pinpointing the sounds of hawks and eagles. I've had my fair share of close calls—like the time I heard a screech, checked the app, and discovered a brown-shouldered hawk nearby. Thanks to Merlin, I now know how to keep my chickens safe while expanding my knowledge of the local feathered community!
My last remaining girl enjoyed her sun time ☀️ chicken loaf
In the enchanting world of chicken-keeping, losing beloved feathered friends can be heart-wrenching. Recently, I faced the sorrow of saying goodbye to two of my favorite hens, leaving behind my last remaining girl, who was once the timid target of bullying. To my surprise, she has blossomed in her newfound solitude, soaking up the sun and savoring her retirement from egg-laying at three years old. Each day, I join her for some quality sunshine and health checks, ensuring she’s entertained and content. As I prepare to welcome three new girls in a couple of months, I lovingly remember my past hens, who supported me through my GCSEs and college. They now rest peacefully, adorned with flowers and their feathers cherished above my bed.
Walmart chicken
Picture this: MyLove and I were at Walmart picking up some meds when she casually mentioned “that chicken.” Of course, I had no idea what she was talking about, but curiosity led us to the next turn. To our surprise, there was indeed a chicken darting around the parking lot near some bushes! After an amusing (and slightly chaotic) wrangling attempt that left me crawling on my knees, we finally managed to confine the feathery runaway. Fast forward to our home, where she’s now in quarantine, separate from our flock. Interestingly, the bottoms of her feet are almost neon yellow! If you have any ideas about this quirky chicken’s identity, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Thanks for your help!
We gave our broody hens babies
In a delightful twist of fate, we decided to gift our broody hens some adorable babies! After weeks of planning to expand our flock, we were surprised when two of our chickens went broody just a few weeks ago. Curious to see if they would embrace the challenge of motherhood, my fiancé and I carefully selected four chicks to introduce to our feathered friends. With a backup brooder ready in case things didn’t go as planned, I nervously waited overnight, fearing the worst. To my astonishment, when dawn broke, our broody girls had welcomed the chicks with open wings! Watching them cluck and nurture their tiny new family has been an incredible reminder of nature’s wonders—who knew our hens had such nurturing instincts?
How do I get my week old chicks to be okay with the hoover?
Introducing your week-old chicks to the hoover can feel like a cluck-tastrophe in the making, but fear not! With a little patience and some feathered finesse, you can help them become more at ease with this noisy intruder. Start by allowing your chicks to get familiar with the hoover while it’s turned off—let them explore and investigate it at their own pace. Gradually introduce the sound by turning it on in another room, letting them hear it from a distance. Keep treats handy to create positive associations! Remember, it’s all about making this experience egg-citing rather than frightening. With a gentle approach, your feathered friends will learn that the hoover isn’t a foe but just another quirky part of their cozy home!
Dead embryos? :(
Oh, the cluck-tastic adventure of saving abandoned eggs while on vacation! It sounds like your dog has quite the keen eye for these potential feathered friends. With four embryos showing signs of life, it's understandable to feel both excitement and concern. Those blood vessels are indeed thrilling to see, but the uncertainty about that one egg can leave you feeling a bit frazzled. Fear not, as you’ve already taken a step in the right direction by ordering an incubator! In the meantime, let’s chat about those mysterious blood rings and what they mean for the future of your eggs. Join the conversation, and together we can figure out if your feathered friends still have a fighting chance!
Runt w/ Limp
Meet our feathered friend, the little runt with a limp! This season, I decided to expand my flock, bringing home 30 assorted breed chicks. Among them was this petite chick, who, according to the seller, is the offspring of a single Brahma. While her sisters are growing like weeds, she seems to be lagging behind in both size and confidence. After moving her to a cozy container with another smaller chick to avoid being trampled, I noticed her limp. I’m unsure if it’s a simple injury needing a splint or a sign of nutritional issues. My wife thinks she may have always had a wobbly gait. Any advice or insights on how to help her thrive would be much appreciated!
At night in the Voliere
At night in the volière, a surprising menace lurks—rats! While we often focus on our feathered friends, these sneaky critters can pose a serious threat to our chickens and even us. Imagine my shock when I encountered one and ended up with three bites—yes, three! This unexpected confrontation reminded me of the importance of being vigilant. Chickens may be our cluck-tastic companions, but we must never underestimate the risks that come with keeping them. So, let’s talk about how to safeguard our beloved birds from these furry foes. Join me in sharing experiences and tips to keep our coops safe and our chickens happy! Don’t let those pesky rats ruin your chicken dreams. React directly!
This chick is… different?
Meet the quirky chick that stands out from the flock! This feathered friend has a personality all its own—often preferring solo chill time while still joining the group for the occasional clucking good time. With a unique appearance that leaves you wondering if it’s just a bit plump or if there’s something else at play, this chick keeps us guessing. Don’t worry, though! It eats and drinks like a champ and seems perfectly healthy when it’s not playing the lone wolf. Perhaps it’s simply a case of “chickening out” from the crowd? Whether it’s a quirky personality trait or just a unique look, this little one adds a dash of fun to the coop dynamics! What do you think?
Should I get a rooster?
Thinking about adding a rooster to your flock? You’re not alone! With two mature hens and six adorable baby chicks, it’s only natural to wonder if a rooster could provide some extra protection during their free-roaming adventures. While eight hens might seem like a cozy number, the decision to bring a rooster into the mix isn’t just about numbers. Roosters can indeed offer a watchful eye against potential predators like hawks and cats, but it’s also crucial to consider their breeding habits and how that might impact your hens. This playful yet protective addition could be what your feathered friends need to feel secure while enjoying their day in the sun. Let’s dive into the cluck-tastic details of rooster ownership!
Pasty butt in chicks
Ah, the infamous pasty butt—a common yet perplexing predicament among our feathered friends! If your laughing rooster chicks are frequently sporting this sticky situation, it’s time to cluck into action. Pasty butt occurs when droppings stick to a chick’s vent, often due to dietary issues or dehydration. Are you feeding them a balanced diet with enough protein? Chick starter feed is essential, but don’t forget to provide fresh water daily. Also, check the temperature of their environment—too hot or too cold can lead to stress and digestive troubles. With a little attention to their diet and living conditions, you can help your little ones strut confidently without any messy mishaps. Let’s get those chicks back to their giggly selves!
USA peeps the USDA is trying to eliminate their regulations around slaughtered line for pigs, which would also affect poultry. screenshot from Woodstock Santuary IG
Attention, feathered friends and pig enthusiasts! The USDA is shaking things up by attempting to eliminate regulations surrounding the slaughter line for pigs, a move that could also ripple through the poultry industry. This potential policy change has sparked a flurry of discussions within the farming community and beyond, raising questions about animal welfare and food safety. The implications are significant, and folks are understandably concerned about what this could mean for our beloved chickens and other livestock. To stay informed and engaged, check out the latest updates shared by Woodstock Sanctuary on Instagram, as they highlight the importance of these regulations in protecting our animals and ensuring humane practices. Join the conversation and let your voice be heard!
my rooster is all alone
At just 15 years old, the journey of your rooster has been a rollercoaster of love and heartache. Rescuing him from a cat's clutches was an act of bravery, but keeping him in a small cage alone for so long weighs heavily on your heart. The joy of finally bringing home hens quickly turned to sorrow with their untimely losses, leaving your feathered friend lonely once again. It’s clear how deeply you care for him, but the struggle to convince your parents to find him companionship is both frustrating and painful. With options feeling limited and the thought of slaughter looming over you, it’s understandable to feel lost.
Which shed is best?
Are you ready to embark on a cluck-tastic journey of coop renovation? After hearing the chatter about prefab coops, it sounds like you’re leaning towards transforming a shed into a cozy home for your feathered friends, complete with a run! But with so many options out there, which shed truly reigns supreme? You’re eyeing those 6×4 ft sheds, but the wooden ones can be a bit pricey. Is it time to consider the plastic alternatives? Let's dive into the pros and cons of each option, weighing durability against budget. With your trusty community by your side, we’ll help you find the best fit for your chicken kingdom. Ready to cluck it up and get started?