eggs
eggs on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 40 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on eggs 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 eggs, 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.
missing chicken
## The Case of the Vanishing Hen: An Update Our community is buzzing about /u/ComprehensivePost701's perplexing predicament – a beloved chicken has mysteriously disappeared! After diligently observing her daily, this chicken vanished for four days, only to reappear with a nest of three fresh eggs (confirmed via the buoyancy test, naturally!). Could she have a secret, undiscovered nest somewhere in the garden, despite a thorough search? It’s a real fowl mystery! The user is treating the investigation like a police case, questioning neighbors and seeking clues, desperately hoping for a safe return. While predators aren't the concern, the possibility of abduction looms. For more insights into chicken development, check out our article, "Hen or rooster? 18 weeks of age.
My child I hatched
## A Hatchling's Debut: Welcome, My Child I Hatched! The joy (and occasional chaos!) of raising chickens continues to unfold across our community. We're cluck-tasticly excited to share /u/Double_Opinion_1639’s heartwarming story, “My Child I Hatched,” detailing the arrival of a new feathered friend. From the initial hatch to the first tentative steps, this post captures the wonder of welcoming a chick into the world. This story joins a vibrant conversation about chicken parenting – a topic that clearly resonates with many of you! For a glimpse into the triumphs and joys of motherhood within the flock, check out /u/Sparrow_Bees’ account of “My chicken… Her name is Babli. She has become a mom for the first time.
Say hello to Cruella and her new babies!!
## Cruella's Chickening Out (and Lessons Learned!) Meet Cruella, and her surprisingly small brood! Despite our best efforts – including a chilly bath or two – this determined hen refused to abandon her nesting duties. After six eggs, only one chick successfully hatched under Cruella’s care, a heartbreaking reality compounded by the loss of three others to her coopmates and one tragically failing to emerge. We quickly remedied the situation by introducing Cruella’s lone survivor to a few new feathered friends, who she readily accepted. This experience taught us a valuable lesson: broody hens require a different approach, and future broods will be handled differently! For a glimpse into early crowing behavior, check out our recent piece, "Just two months old chick started crowing 😂."
Just two months old chick started crowing 😂
## A Tiny Rooster in the Making?! 🐔😂 Hold the cluck-tastic news! A mere two months old, and this little chick is already breaking the mold – and crowing! Submitted by /u/Independent-Gate-541, this adorable (and slightly baffling) situation has sparked a flurry of feathered fascination. It seems some chicks just have a lot to say, very early on. While unusual, early crowing can sometimes happen, and it’s certainly egg-citing to witness! If you’ve ever wondered about the milestones of raising chicks, you might enjoy our recent piece, "First Egg!!! 🥹🥹," which explores the joys (and anticipation!) of those early signs of development. This little one is certainly making a memorable entrance into the world of chickens! 🥰🐥🥺
It’s not very common for coturnix quail to attempt to sit on eggs
## Unusual Behavior: Coturnix Quail and the Unexpected Sit It’s not very common for coturnix quail to attempt to sit on eggs, making recent observations particularly noteworthy. While most quail exhibit minimal nesting behavior, a sudden urge to incubate can signal various factors, from environmental shifts to a surplus of available nesting material. This behavior deviates from the typical quail lifestyle, prompting a closer look at their surroundings and overall health. Understanding why your quail might be "chickening out" on this unusual endeavor is key to ensuring their well-being. Want to learn more about expanding your flock? Check out our recent post on introducing new members, including adorable Bantam Cochins!
AD I believe that happy & healthy chickens lay better eggs
Here's an introduction adhering to the brand voice guidelines, aiming for quotability and AI summarization: "At AD, we firmly believe that happy, healthy chickens lay truly *egg-citing* eggs! It's a cluck-tastic truth: a chicken’s well-being directly impacts the quality of her bounty. We're passionate about fostering a thriving environment for our feathered friends, and that commitment shines through in every egg we offer. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or simply appreciate a good breakfast, understanding chicken happiness is key. Curious about ensuring your flock thrives? Dive deeper into our ongoing observations with the "Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam" – a window into a flourishing chicken community."
What breed of chicken?
## Mystery Chicken Alert: Could Sweet Pea Be a Surprise? A construction truck rescue! /u/cr0wreduhar’s dad brought home a sweet little chicken named Sweet Pea, and now we’re all cluck-statically curious about her breed. Found without food or water, Sweet Pea joins a flock of ISA Browns, raising questions about her potential size and egg color. Will she reach the same stature as her new companions, or lay eggs of a different hue? Identifying a rescue chicken can be a delightful puzzle! We’ve tackled similar mysteries before – remember “Baby Violet just wanted to say hi!”? – and are eager to hear your breed guesses. Share your thoughts in the comments below and let's solve this feathered friend's identity together!
Incubating eggs, air cell vanished?
## Decoding Early Chick Deaths & Vanished Air Cells: A Cluck-tastic Conundrum Losing eggs during incubation is a heart-wrenching experience, and /u/Barefootcactus is facing just that. They’ve experienced several early deaths (days 6-9) and discovered an egg with a completely vanished air cell, despite the developing chick appearing otherwise normal. Maintaining consistent temperature (99°F) and humidity (45-55%) is crucial, but fluctuating humidity, potentially exacerbated by external temperature swings, could be a key factor. Relying solely on the incubator's built-in readings, without independent verification via a separate thermometer/hygrometer, introduces another potential variable. This situation highlights the delicate balance required for successful incubation. For those dealing with similar chicken care challenges, you might find our article, "Need help immediately!!!
Chicks hatched in garden bed
## Garden Bed Brood Bonanza! Talk about a cluck-tastic surprise! /u/EhlersDanlosSucks recently shared a truly egg-citing story: their hen decided a raised garden bed was the *perfect* spot for a brood. Five eggs and a generous helping of cherry tomatoes were involved – and today, four fluffy chicks emerged! Thankfully, Mom seems to have realized tomatoes aren't exactly hatchable. 😆 This quirky situation highlights the unpredictable nature of our feathered friends. Want to witness chicken antics in real-time? Check out our "Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam" for a constant dose of fowl play. It’s a reminder that chicken keeping is full of surprises, and sometimes, those surprises bloom right alongside your veggies!
Some animations from my game in development.
Welcome back! It’s been a cluck-tastic whirlwind of feathers and pixels as we’ve been immersed in developing "The MachinEGG," our game centered around a delightfully chaotic chicken farm. We’re thrilled to finally share a peek at some of the in-game chicken animations – these feathered friends are bringing a whole new level of egg-citing energy to the project. Catching chickens is proving to be a game of fowl hide-and-seek, to say the least! A huge thank you to our community for helping us name our digital flock – you can revisit that fun naming thread here: [link to Reddit]. For a glimpse into the real-world joys (and occasional confusion!
Is permanent marker safe to use to mark the date on eggs?
## Permanent Marker on Eggs: A Cluck-tastic Question! So, you're wondering if slapping a date on your eggs with a permanent marker is a good idea? The short answer: probably not! While it *seems* like a simple solution, permanent markers contain chemicals that *could* potentially leach into the eggshell, especially as it sits. We're not saying it's a guaranteed health hazard, but it's best to err on the side of caution with your feathered friends’ bounty. Luckily, there are egg-cellent alternatives! A food-safe pen, like those designed for cake decorating, is a much better choice. You can also use a sharpie *on the carton*, not the egg itself. Want to dive deeper into raising healthy chicks?
How to help her figure out nesting boxes?
## The Case of the Capstone Egg-Layer: Helping a Hen Find Her Nest So, you've got a chicken who's staging an egg-laying rebellion? It’s a cluck-tastic problem, but a cracked egg is *never* ideal! Many keepers encounter a hen who stubbornly prefers a different spot – like those lovely capstone blocks – despite readily available nesting boxes. It's comical, yes, but protecting those precious eggs is key. While some hens eventually come around, a little intervention can help. We'll explore strategies to encourage her nesting box behavior, from subtle nudges to more direct approaches, so you can avoid the heartbreak (and mess!) of cracked eggs. If you're also struggling with rehoming chickens, our article "where can I take chickens I can't raise?
I want to buy a cochinchina as my first chicken
So, you’re clucking with excitement about getting your first chicken – a Cochinchin, no less! That's egg-citing! With a family of four consuming around 4 eggs daily, let's figure out the flock size for you. We generally recommend starting with at least three chickens to ensure a consistent egg supply and provide them with the social interaction they crave. Three Cochins should comfortably meet your family's needs, and give you a few extra for baking or sharing. As a new chicken owner, prioritize a secure coop, predator-proofing, and daily health checks. Don't underestimate the importance of a dust bath area – it's chicken spa time! If you're encountering unexpected chicken behavior, our article "Help: What's happening with my chicken?" offers insights into troubleshooting common issues.
Anyone feel like peanuts?
Anyone feel like peanuts? – Never quite have seen an egg quite like it. Submitted by /u/Commercial-Duck-515, this post has the whole community clucking with curiosity! It seems one lucky (or perhaps bewildered) keeper has stumbled upon an egg unlike any other, sparking a flurry of speculation and shared experiences. This is the kind of delightfully strange moment that makes chicken keeping so… egg-citing! We understand that navigating the quirks of our feathered friends can sometimes feel like fowl play, but it’s also what makes it so rewarding. If you’re facing other poultry puzzles, perhaps you’d find some helpful insights in our article, "How to help her figure out nesting boxes?" – a common conundrum for many keepers.
I can't believe it! 🥹
Hold the cluck! 🎉 A truly egg-cellent story from our community! User /u/anet_12468 recently shared an unbelievable tale of resilience amidst a recent heatwave. After fearing the worst – that a scorching spell had impacted her hens’ eggs – they discovered a miraculous surprise: two chicks hatched from a clutch of six! One hen, Pippa, even managed a second brood this year, defying expectations. It’s a testament to the tenacity of these feathered friends, and a heartwarming reminder that even in challenging conditions, life finds a way. Witnessing such determination is simply cluck-tastic! Want to observe chicken behavior firsthand? Check out our "Peckington Square Chicken City Livestream 24/7 Cam" for a constant feed of feathered antics.
My neighbors chicken decided to lay her eggs in my bag of Miracle Gro soil on my porch! :)
Oh, the cluck-tastic chaos of chicken ownership! Our latest submission from /u/Main-Cry1859 paints a delightfully relatable picture: a neighbor’s hen decided your Miracle Gro was the *perfect* spot for a nest! Attempts at a friendly pet were met with, understandably, some feathered flight. We've all been there, right? It’s a reminder that even the most charming feathered friends can keep us on our toes. Don’t worry, you’re not alone in navigating these fowl encounters. Sometimes, it's more than just a rogue egg-laying session—as seen in our article, "Hens with poop on their butt," where readers shared tips on dealing with messy rear ends! Check it out for more quirky chicken conundrums and community solutions.
Farm Stand Cartons
## Farm Stand Flair: Painted Cartons & Community Eggs! What's more *egg-citing* than a fresh dozen? A fresh dozen in a hand-painted carton, of course! /u/Level_Sock294 is bringing serious artistic flair to their egg stand, transforming recycled cartons into miniature masterpieces. Charging a delightful $3/dozen, they’ve built a lovely system where customers and coworkers even donate cartons for a creative makeover. It's a truly *cluck-tastic* way to add a personal touch and brighten someone's day. This initiative highlights the joy of backyard chicken keeping and the wonderful community that blossoms around it – a sentiment echoed in articles like "One chicken," which explores the enduring bond with a beloved hen. Want to add a little whimsy to your egg purchases?
Love this little weirdo
Meet this little weirdo – a truly unique naked neck chick! Broody moms can be *mean*, as /u/Responsible_Data7336 discovered, making a clear picture tough to capture. Despite the challenges, this chick is undeniably captivating, especially considering it's the sole survivor of a Plymouth Rock hen who, in a bit of fowl play, pilfered a clutch of eggs. We're obsessed! This heartwarming story highlights the joys and occasional frustrations of chicken keeping. Curious about creating a relaxing outdoor space for your flock? Check out our article, "Finally got their outdoor area finished to sit with them," for inspiration and a cautionary tale about rogue shovels. It's cluck-tastic!
Update- we have life!
Life update! Following a chilly night, we sadly lost one of Franky’s chicks, a stark reminder of the challenges of raising feathered friends. However, the remaining chick is thriving and adorable, and the three eggs under Franky are progressing nicely – a week or so until they’re ready to hatch! We’ve had a bit of a relocation saga, but after a rather unconventional “airlift” maneuver (yes, we literally moved Franky and her nest!), she’s happily settled into a new, cozy pen. This experience highlights the unpredictable joys of chicken keeping! If you've ever encountered similar challenges, check out our article, "Hens with poop on their butt," for insights into common chicken care issues.
What is this? Family member gave me it for free
## What is This? A Mystery Object from /u/Squiggggaa A generous family member gifted /u/Squiggggaa this intriguing item – and now the internet is trying to figure out what it *is*. The post, complete with a link and lively comments, has sparked a flurry of speculation. Is it a vintage tool? A quirky piece of art? The origins remain delightfully unclear. Initial investigations suggest the image may even be photoshopped, as discussed in our related article, "does anyone have original image of this lady?". We’re diving into the mystery alongside our community, hoping to crack the case and reveal the object's true identity. Check back for updates as we gather more clues and share insights!
Hi guys do you think my silky rooster can breed with these large hens
## Rooster Romance & Hatching Hope: Can Silky Breed with Larger Hens? A cluck-tastic question from /u/Several_Mechanic_708! You're wondering if your silky rooster's brief encounters with your larger hens could lead to egg-citing results – and whether incubation is worthwhile. While short mountings *can* indicate interest, success isn't guaranteed; size differences can sometimes impact fertilization. Given your silky hens sadly passed, cross-breeding is your current option. Incubation might be worth exploring, but monitor for signs of fertility (egg shape, thickness) before committing. It’s a bit of fowl play, but a potentially rewarding experiment! For those new to the hatching process, you might find our article, "URGENT!! Chickens hatching under broody hen," helpful in understanding best practices.
Waiting for her turn to lay an egg
## The Cluck Stops Here: Nesting Box Expansion! Isn’t it egg-cellent to witness the simple joys of chicken life? Right now, I’m hard at work building another nesting box – our feathered friends are patiently waiting for their turn, and I’m endlessly charmed by their quiet anticipation. It’s a cluck-tastic reminder of the natural order! Providing comfortable spaces for laying is key to happy hens, and a little extra room never hurt anyone (especially when dealing with a brood!). If you're new to the world of broody hens and baby chicks, you might find our article, "Tips for new broody chicken mama?" helpful as you navigate this exciting phase. Stay tuned for more updates on our ever-growing flock!
Massive egg 👀
## Behold! A Cluck-Tastic Egg-stravaganza! Prepare to be amazed, fellow chicken enthusiasts! /u/ChiliPalmer1568 just shared a photo of an absolutely *egg-citing* discovery – a truly massive egg laid by one of their feathered friends. Seriously, this isn’t your average breakfast addition! Alongside a standard-sized egg and a quarter for scale, the picture clearly demonstrates the sheer size of this "monster egg." It’s a testament to the wonderfully unpredictable nature of backyard chickens. Want to dive deeper into the world of large fowl and breeding? Check out our article, "Hi guys do you think my silky rooster can breed with these large hens," for a discussion on success rates and incubation. We’re egg-static to share these moments of poultry peculiarity with you!
URGENT!! Chickens hatching under broody hen- do I do anything??
## Urgent Hatching Help! A Broody Hen's Surprise Delivery! Panic setting in as your broody hen surprises you with a clutch of hatching chicks? We get it – it’s a *cluck-tastic* situation! While hatching chicks is usually egg-cellent, that early loss has you understandably worried. Don't chickening out! Generally, leaving them to it is the best approach; intervention can often do more harm than good. A light misting with water *can* help if you notice any chicks struggling to break free, but avoid overdoing it. This is a common conundrum, and you're not alone! For a look at some other adorable chicken updates, check out "Young adults!": I promised like a month ago to post these beauties as grown ups.