fear of chickens
fear of chickens on Alektorophobia: a running collection of 23 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on fear of 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 fear of 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.
late update on my chick who was having issues
## A Wry Neck Scare & A Little Beast's Triumph! Things took a cluck-tastic turn recently with one of our chicks! After an initial positive shift, she unfortunately developed wry neck—a completely new challenge for us. Seeing her struggle was unsettling, and we wrestled with concerns about her well-being. Thankfully, despite her discomfort, she remained surprisingly active, eating and drinking with gusto. Determined to help, we started a course of poultry cell, carefully managing the dosage to avoid any iron overload. A boost of boiled yolk and vitamin supplements followed, and the results were egg-citing! Within days, she perked right up – proving she's a true little beast. We're keeping a close eye on her for now, but celebrating this incredible recovery!
Coop Floor/Bedding
Welcome to the cluck-tastic world of chicken keeping! It sounds like you’re off to a great start with your six feathered ladies, but let’s address your coop concerns. While dirt flooring is common, it's important to ensure proper bedding. Straw can retain moisture and harbor pests, so switching to pine shavings is a wise move. Pine shavings are absorbent and less likely to attract mites or lice, which is understandably a big worry for you, especially with little ones and a dog around. If you're curious about whether your hens are showing signs of pests, you might find our article, "Sanity check," helpful as it dives into common issues with chicken legs. Let’s keep those ladies happy and healthy!
My parents’ sole surviving chicken from their old flock
Meet Mocha, the sole survivor of my parents' old flock and a six-year-old barnevelder who’s mastered the art of retirement in the backyard. Occasionally laying eggs, Mocha has embraced her solo lifestyle for nearly two years, proving that sometimes, all you need is a little solitude and a loyal companion. Most days, you’ll find her shadowing my mother as she tackles yard work, forming a delightful duo that keeps the garden lively. However, there's a twist: Mocha has a strong aversion to my wife, fleeing in fear at the sight of her. It’s a classic case of chicken personality quirks! For more chicken antics, check out “Random chickens in random places” for a chuckle!
chickens accidentally passed
Hello, fellow chicken lovers. I’m reaching out with a heavy heart after a tragic incident involving two of my beloved backyard chickens. Last night, they accidentally drowned in a water trough, possibly scared into it by something unexpected. At around six years old, they had lived a good chunk of their lives, yet I can’t shake the overwhelming guilt and sorrow I feel. It pains me to imagine their fear and confusion in those final moments. If you have any comforting words or photos of your own happy chickens, I would truly appreciate it. It’s moments like these that remind us how precious our feathered friends are.
I lost one of my girls yesterday to heat stroke and I’m all torn about it. Should I keep other 3 out of coop?
Losing a feathered friend is never easy, and it sounds like you’re carrying a heavy heart right now. Your experience with heat stroke highlights the challenges of chicken ownership, especially for those still learning the ropes. It’s perfectly natural to worry about the well-being of your remaining girls, particularly after such a loss. Keeping them in the run until you can add some cooling measures like fans and a kiddy pool seems like a wise move—better safe than sorry! Just remember, you’re not alone in this journey; many of us have felt the sharp pang of regret and uncertainty. If you want to dive deeper into chicken care, check out our article on "Scissor Beak Tips" for more insights.
Any thoughts/advice on what this could be?
Hey there, fellow chicken enthusiasts! It sounds like you're navigating a bit of a cluck-tastrophe with your feathered friend. Noticing an eye issue can be concerning, especially for a new chicken owner. While isolating her is a wise move, it’s good to hear she’s not showing any other symptoms and that it doesn’t seem to be getting worse. It could be something as simple as a minor irritation, but it’s always best to keep an eye on her—pun intended! If you’re looking for more insights, check out our article on "How do you preserve the quality of your eggs?" for some extra tips on keeping your flock healthy and happy. Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery for your little lady!
Mail Carrier with Baby Turkeys!! (almost) FINAL UPDATE!!
Hello again, feathered friends! I’m absolutely clucking thrilled by the overwhelming support and knowledge you’ve all shared regarding my baby turkey adventure! 🦃 All six little ones are thriving, and I’ve been busy connecting with resources for their future. After reaching out to the hatchery and the SPCA, I found a sanctuary that’s excited to welcome them if we choose to let them go. However, I’m weighing some serious concerns about keeping them, especially with our large breed dogs around. Plus, I'm anxious about potential salmonella issues affecting our new cookie business! Your thoughts and advice would mean the world to me. Let’s keep this chat going—check out our related article, “Free Range Tips,” for more cluck-tastic insights! Gobble, gobble!
Roost High Mama Roo
Today, my heart aches as I share the bittersweet farewell to Mama Roo, my first hen and the spark that ignited my passion for chickens. Rescued from the streets in June 2024, she brought nearly two years of joy, lessons, and love. Despite her struggles with sour crop and reproductive issues, she remained my alpha hen, guiding our flock with grace. This morning, as I held her close, I whispered a prayer for her peace, and within moments, she left this world. It feels surreal, and I’m left with a million pieces of a broken heart. I take solace in knowing she’s now in chicken heaven, feasting on all the corn and worms she desires.
Issue with my naked-butt chicken
Winter can be a cruel mistress for our feathered friends, especially when temperatures plunge to a bone-chilling -20 degrees. During such harsh conditions, many of us confine our chickens for their safety, but sometimes, even the coziest coops can lead to unexpected issues. One unfortunate chicken in particular, a Barred Rock, has been left with a bare backside after battling poop balls and the stress of confinement. Despite efforts to heal her, including using hen healer paste and a saddle coat, she’s now not only featherless but also facing bullying from her fellow flock members. Concerned about potential frostbite and her overall well-being, the owner seeks advice on helping her regrow feathers and stop the pecking. Have you faced this chicken dilemma?
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)!
Saying a painful goodbye to my flock
Today marks a bittersweet chapter in my life as I grapple with the painful decision to say goodbye to my beloved flock. My journey with chickens began in childhood, where their antics offered a reprieve from life’s troubles. After years of feeling lost in anxiety and despair, a chance encounter with a striking rooster reignited that joy, prompting me to bring chickens back into my world. However, the harsh reality of predators in my area has forced me to confront the impossible: I can't ensure their safety. With a heavy heart, I’ve decided to sell my hens and end my flock, focusing on my future. I hold onto the hope that one day, I’ll create a safe haven for these feathered friends once again.
Squirrels... ugh.
Squirrels—those bushy-tailed bandits—can really test our patience, especially when it comes to protecting our beloved chickens! While I’m crossing my fingers that these furry foes aren’t eyeing your feathered friends, their penchant for digging can create more than just a few holes in your coop’s defenses. It sounds like you’ve put in a solid effort with hardware cloth and cement blocks, but those persistent critters always seem to find a way around our best-laid plans. If you’re feeling a bit lost in the battle against these furry invaders, fear not! In this lively discussion, let’s share some cluck-tastic tips and tricks to keep those squirrels at bay and ensure your coop remains a safe haven for your chickens. Your insights and experiences are welcome!
Chicken help needed very badly! Called 10 vets already and no one is available today
Hey, chicken lovers! I’m reaching out to this amazing community because I’m in a bit of a cluck-tastrophe with my 6-year-old Wyandotte, Scully. This morning, we discovered she has an impacted egg, and to make things even more egg-citing (in the worst way), she also has a second hole near her cloaca with some not-so-pleasant maggots. After calling 10 vets and finding no one available, I’m turning to you all for some much-needed advice and support. I know the typical remedies for impacted eggs, but this extra complication has me worried. Is she too far gone? Any words of wisdom or encouragement would mean the world to me right now! Thanks a million for your help!
Sad story but informative
Losing two sweet ladies in such a short time is a heart-wrenching experience for any chicken keeper, especially when they were thriving Copper Marans, just over a year old and laying well. The sudden deaths prompted a trip to the state lab, driven by concerns about bird flu. Thankfully, the results ruled that out, but the diagnosis of Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome was a bitter pill to swallow. This unfortunate condition could likely have been prevented, raising questions about diet choices. While feeding a balanced 16% protein feed supplemented with mealworms and sunflower seeds, it turns out that the high-carb treats, especially cracked corn, may have contributed to this tragedy.
Is it a cockerel?
Welcome to the delightful world of chicken ownership! It sounds like you’re embarking on an egg-citing journey with your Brahma. At around seven months old, the anticipation of whether you have a cockerel or pullet can be as nerve-wracking as a chicken chase! Many first-time chicken owners, like yourself, find themselves pondering this very question, especially when their feathered friend has yet to vocalize. The two pictures you’ve provided offer a glimpse into your bird’s transformation, and we're eager to help you decipher those clues. Let’s cluck through the signs together and see if your little one is gearing up for a crow or if it’s just a sweet, quiet companion. Join the conversation and share your insights!
Help me re-think my brooder setup.
Hey fellow chicken enthusiasts! As a proud chicken mom from the NE USA, I’ve been navigating the feathered frontier for about three years. My journey kicked off in a cozy but chaotic spare bathroom, where I brooded chicks amidst the challenges of keeping them warm and tidy. Fast forward to now—I’ve got a charming chicken barn complete with power and plenty of space, but I’m facing a new hurdle. With a nine-month-old and a cat who claims the bathroom, my chicks need a cozy outdoor brooder. I had everything set up, but it seems the chilly temps caught me off guard. I’d love your advice on making the barn more suitable or alternative brooder ideas. Let’s cluck through this together!
Lump on Leg
Have you ever spotted a lump on your chicken’s hock joint and felt a mix of confusion and concern? Meet the one-year-old Easter Egger who's not only an egg-laying enigma (with just three eggs to her name) but also now has a mysterious lump that’s left her caregiver puzzled. After noticing the bump last Wednesday and observing no change in behavior, the owner attempted to aspirate the lump, only to find it solid and somewhat vascular. Despite keeping her comfortable and clean with antibiotic cream, the chicken has started limping significantly. With no local vets willing to help and a long drive to the nearest one, this chicken enthusiast is reaching out for insights and support from fellow chicken lovers.
Silkie chicks toe
Oh no, it sounds like your little Silkie chick is having quite the toe-rrible time! It’s heart-wrenching to see our feathered friends in distress, especially when it’s something so unexpected, like a strand of hair causing trouble. Your quick thinking to soak the toe in Epsom salts and apply antibacterial spray shows just how much you care. However, that greenish tint is definitely a cause for concern! Infection can sneak up on us, especially in delicate chicks. While you've tackled skin wounds successfully before, this situation feels different, and it's understandable to feel worried. Let's gather some community wisdom to help ensure your chick’s toe gets the TLC it needs. Any suggestions or experiences to share would be cluck-tastically appreciated!
I fear my chicks may be dumb.
We've all been there—watching our feathered friends and questioning their intelligence, especially when they seem to gather in a pile on a warm day. As my chicks approach the eight-week mark, they've been enjoying the sunshine and fresh air in their run. However, on this particularly warm spring day in the Midwest, I caught a glimpse of them all huddled together, and I couldn't help but think, “Surely, they can't be cold!” To my surprise, they were panting from the heat! A little intervention was needed, so I stepped in to disperse the flock, and just like that, their panting ceased. Sometimes, I wonder if my chicks are just a bit clueless—or maybe they're simply embracing their quirky chicken ways!
So incredibly dramatic
Oh, the drama of chicken life! Just when you think you have your feathered friends figured out, they prove you wrong in the most hilarious ways. Recently, I decided to treat my flock to one of those big treat blocks, imagining their delight at the colorful seeds and goodies. But instead of clucking in joy, they went into full-on panic mode! It was chaos as two hens made a daring escape through a seemingly invisible gap, while the roosters clung to their ladies for dear life. Even the ducks were frozen in shock—seriously, I felt like I was in a feathered horror movie! Now, here I am, petting that innocent treat block, trying to calm my chickens down.
Roo got me good
Oh, the feathered drama continues! Our dear Roo has been a bit too aggressive lately, leaving me with two puncture wounds and a bruised shin that’s really making a statement. After getting a tetanus booster and starting antibiotics, I’m keeping a close eye on those pesky wounds. Pharaoh the Roo’s fate is still up in the air, but I’ll keep you posted! It seems my flared pants didn’t sit well with him, and he even chased my 7-year-old during playtime. Yikes! I always try to win him over with treats, but clearly, he’s a tough nut to crack.
Building A DIY Chicken Nesting Boxes-21 Plans And Ideas
Are you ready to give your feathered friends the perfect place to lay their eggs? Look no further! Our guide, "Building A DIY Chicken Nesting Boxes: 21 Plans and Ideas," is here to cluck-tastically help you create cozy and inviting nesting spots for your hens. While chickens may not be the pickiest egg-layers, having dedicated nesting boxes makes egg collection a breeze for you. With 21 creative and free plans at your fingertips, you can choose a design that suits your style and your flock's needs. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual chicken enthusiast, these DIY ideas will have you clucking with joy as your hens settle into their new digs. Let’s get building and make those egg-citing bounties easier to gather!
Did I cut them right?
Cluck-tastic news, fellow chicken enthusiasts! 🐔 Ever find yourself wondering, “Did I cut them right?” You’re not alone! Our friend sparrio has been on a quest for the perfect angle, navigating the delicate balance between precision and the fear of causing a little fowl play. With a few wobbly moves and a touch of apprehension, it sounds like they’ve managed to get the job done without ruffling too many feathers. Let’s dive into the clucking comments and see what our community has to say!