What does this behavior mean?

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bmill88

bmill88

In the Brooder
Apr 29, 2016
47
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Hello,
My 10 week old barred rocks have been flying around trying to get on my shoulders. This behavior somewhat new, they generally don't like to be picked up and they run away from me when I approach them really closely. I have been sitting in my patio chair and two of them will run towards me and jump onto a small outdoor table and give me a this particular look. Then they lunge at me and rest on my shoulders. Today me and my husband were walking around the yard watering the plants, and one of them jumped from the ground ONTO MY SHOULDER! I didn't know what to think about that. So my question is: is this an affection thing or is this a dominant thing? I want them to be friendly and affectionate but I can't tell if this is being friendly or dominate....
 
I tried to tame them by holding them and petting them to show I'm not to be feared. They are 10 weeks old so I don't know if they are considered pullets or not. They initially don't like being picked up, but once they are held for a few seconds they generally calm down. I want them to be friendly but I'm not sure if they are jumping on my shoulders to be friendly or if they are asserting dominance.
 
If they are staring you down, they are trying to be dominant. To me this just sounds like your birds like you and think you're a nice place to hang out on and have some fun. A lot of animals tend to not enjoy being picked up, but are okay with it after they are up, usually because they are prey animals. My chickens know that I will pick them up and so they avoid my hands unless there is food involved.
 
If they aren't staring you down, or initiating any fights with you, they are probably not trying to assert dominance with you! They are probably just having some good old fun, and perhaps like you too if you're lucky!
 
Oh and they are free range chickens, they have full access to my backyard. Since the weather has been warm here (GA) they like to be where their coop is which is in a screened in porch. My backyard gets a lot of sunlight so they get hot easily
 
Hrairoo said:
If they aren't staring you down, or initiating any fights with you, they are probably not trying to assert dominance with you! They are probably just having some good old fun, and perhaps like you too if you're lucky!
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They tend to give me this look like they are looking to see if they are close enough to pounce, it doesn't seem like they are trying to fight with me, so that's good. Once they get on my shoulder they rub their head and peck into my hair and then they roost, churping in my ear
 
I agree with the other poster above.. it sounds like they are just playing. Do you typically give them treats? If they recognize you as the awesome person who brings them yummies, they might just be giving you a very happy greeting. :)
 

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