A little freaked out about this WARNING...

[goldeneggtees]

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yep, i remember because i got pecked in the eye a few days later.
it hurts like all get out.

got a lovely scratched cornea and almost had to have surgery!

for people who think it's 'cute' for your chickens to roost on your shoulders, think twice. firstly, that gives them the top position in the peck order and they also just have easy access to your face.

the eye doctor told me that they see more scratched corneas from chicken pecks than any other source!

My son picked up a chick and stared at her adoringly and got pecked in the eye. This has happened twice. He didn't learn his lesson the first time. Luckily, no damage was done. I have a very cuddly chick that really seeks out human attention. When I do pick her up, I am always careful of my eyes. She will peck if I don't watch it.

 

[Chickenaddict]

Both my DH and I have got pecked in the eye by a chicken. young juvenilles but even so. It hurt really bad for at least 2 days. Shiny things to peck DOES include eyeballs so beware and be very careful.

 

[MichiganWoods]

I've read several stories here on BYC about chickens pecking at eyes. It's no surprise to me that they do. Have you ever watched a bunch of newborn chicks? They are always seeming to peck at each other's eyes. I am very mindful of all of this when I go spend time with my chickens, as I only have one good eye. I've been blind in the other since birth. It would be devastating to lose my good eye to anything, including a chicken peck.

 

[tryingtohaveitall]

The OP made me laugh because I've worried about the same thing when they're roosting on my shoulder and looking inquiringly at my face. So I'm not crazy after all. Or I am, but in this case, I was right to be somewhat protective of my eyes.

 

[Chicken Fruit]

Tis true. They dont just JUMP ON YOU, but if you're at their level and they see your eyes look extra shiny they'll lunge for them.

You gotta watch your small children around them.

its not like they have blood lust or something, theyre like houseplants that poop- not overly intelligent. They just see something glisten like a bug and want to peck it.

I tell people I sell chickens to the following: "chickens are friendly and stupid. If you see your hen making eyes at you, she's not trying to have a touching moment, she's looking at that tasty speck she wants to peck from your eye. Dont kiss your chickens, they never appreciate it, but they'll gladly share their parasites and salmonella."

 

[hinkjc]

I didn't read all of the posts, so maybe someone already said this. Anything shiney, glossy is an attractant for chickens to peck at. Eyes included! My daughter was pecked in the eye by a curious young pullet. Be careful and keep them away from your face unless you're watching them closely. They don't typically just go for your eyes out of maliciousness..it is more curiosity than anything (but it hurts).

 

[hypnofrogstevie]

I had one chick peck my eye but he was curiuos. It hurt for a few minutes.

 

[E-Chick]

Thanks for all of the insight, hindsight, and foresight!

 

[redstars]

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I would second the chicken and rice!

 

[2boxers]

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With all this eye pecking going on, I am just thankful to have any sight.