5 - 6 week old behavior

[RedJasper]

I have a question about behavior. Is it OK/normal that my chickens (about 5 - 6 weeks old) are constantly trying to perch on my shoulder and sit in my lap. I understand them being on the shoulder could be a problem in the future (if they try and peck eyes, ect), but if they want to be on the lap is that a really good thing because they are comfortable around me? Or is it just a fluke?

The other night, I had one bird on my head, one on my shoulder and two on my lap. (Nothing like being a live human "scarecrow".)

 

[bantyhen'sfriend]

I see nothing wrong with it! They'll be fine. It's great that they're so comfortable with you.

 

[gryeyes]

You don't know how many BYCers would like to be in your place! ;-)

That's adorable behavior, and much more rewarding than if your chicks were terrified of you and did everything they could to get away when you approached them!

So, now we need pictures of it, or it didn't happen.

 

[operator16]

So sweet!!! My 4 week old EEs fly out of their brooder whenever I lift the top. Just yesterday one flew straight out and landed on my shoulder. My 9 year old said, "Mom, she's going to poop on you!" I said, "No, she just got up there. We're fine...." SPLAT!!!! The biggest, greenest, goopiest poo splatted down my shoulder and dripped to my elbow before he could run to get me a paper towel. How funny. I wish I could have gotten a picture. They are funny birds! Today, I cleaned out the brooder and carried all 12, one by one, outside to a big cage on the grass so they could enjoy the sun while I cleaned. The same one jumped out of my hands, landed on my shoulder, and as I tried to get her, she ran down my back. I'm pulling my shirt forward trying to catch her and she just keeps running down my back. So, there I was bent all the way over at the waist, no shirt on anymore, and that proud, silly bird perching on my butt!!! They are cracking me up and making our whole family so happy with their silliness!!

Enjoy your sweet, friendly chicks!!!

e

 

[LauraG]

Quote:
Hilarious! I can just see it!

 

[jafo]

My wife sits with our 4 week olds on her anywhere they want. It's pretty neat that they allow us to pick them up etc. UNLIKE the "others". Night before last, I'm watching MMA, and she has one sitting on her shoulder. "isn't this cute" she says. I looked over, and the chick was pecking at her little gold earring stud. Then,,,,in an instant, with the accuracy and precision of a speedy right cross, that chick snatched her TINY nose thing / stud or whatever it is right outa the side of her nostril!!! (she wanted her nose pierced for her B-day last year, so I gave in and we got a gold stud for that too) Karen freaked, and I thought the little twit swallowed it, thinking how the heck will it pass THAT ??? (it's got a very sharp stainless steel hook on it) but fortunately, she dropped it on the chair. Yes, they're cute, yes they like shiny things, me, I can't deal with the little squat dance they do way too often.

 

[donnavee]

Ahhhh, enjoy it! We have six 6wk olds and every evening my husband sits with them while they use him as a human roost. The Sussex enjoys sitting on his head and pecking his hair. The Dominique has become a little lap peep and wll just sit on his leg while he strokes her head and back. He says she almost purrs. The Wyandotte is a bit shy, but he grabbed her yesterday evening and stroked her until she finally settled down and sat calmly on his knee. Now he calls himself the "chicken whisperer". This bunch of peeps has been much tamer than the 8 we got last year were at the same age. Not sure if it is because of the breeds or just that we are so much more "experienced".