Are All Chickens Friendly and Affectionate?

[HarlessGals]

I have 17 hens in the chicken coop and chicken yard. We raise our own from 1-day old pullets and our babies are handled daily. They spend the first 6-8 weeks in the house and then out to their new home.

My 10 hens that are 6 months old and laying eggs have become super friendly. Of course they squat anytime I am around, but I can pick up any of them and they love to be held and petted. I wrap my arm around their bodies with my hand being on their breast. They like to tuck their necks under my chin or in the crook of my arm.

When I sit in a chair in their chicken yard it's like a little parade as they all take turns jumping up onto my lap for lovin'. They like to be petted on their backs, heads and necks. Sometimes they close their eyes and sometimes they make that purring sound. I frequently bring them little treats in the evening and sometimes it's just a little scratch.

I searched this forum, but I didn't see much about others having such affectionate birds. I have all different breeds - RIR, Buff Orp, Sussex, Silkies, Aracaunas, Barred Rock, Black Australorp, Lite Brahama, Buff Brahama, Silver Wyan.

I'd like to hear any other stories like this. Thanks!

 

[moduckman]

No. Some chickens, especially some rooster can be down-right onry!!!

 

[baldie]

I also raised all mine from day one. They went through an awkward stage and ran away from me for a while, but now they are all lovey dovey again. They chase me now!!! LOL!!!

 

[Hackles]

He's right some chickens can be Fairly aggressive, I raise my babys from 1 day olds, and are great ,they love to be pat, and are handled daily. It all depends on how you raise them, with the exception of over-protective roosters ,and broody nest sitting hens,but hey we all do crazy things when hormones kick in!

 

[ThePolishPrincess]

Does this look friendly and affectionate to you?

Consider yourself lucky. You don't know aggression until an immature rooster stabs you in the back.

Not a particularly fun experience.

Hens have a rep of being friendly, but every chicken is like a person. No two are exactly alike. You can't make a chicken do ANYTHING. They all have their own brains and feelings. Yours simply like you.

 

[farmerlor]

I have 16 girlies. Some of them are so friendly they're rather annoying, always asking to be held and petted. Some of them are a little more standoffish but certainly none are afraid of me. They walk all over me to get to the food or wherever they're in some kind of hurry to get to.

 

[lovemychix]

I have raised all my babies and some of them are nice and love affection and others run away. Even after you baby them when they are sick...depend on the breed and chicken.

Most of my older hens have learned I am the woman with the goodies and they do love me. Chicks are always a bit skiddish. I suppose they are careful about the world yet.

 

[rockabilly7]

i give all my chickens daily affection even against their own will but they still run away from me as soon as they see me coming unless i have food lol!!!

 

[Renee]

Mine are all girls, and they were all affectionate like that when they were young pullets, but then in the heat of summer they became less interested in jumping up on my lap. Now that it's winter and cold, they are all sitting on my lap again. Hmmm, I wonder if they are using me as a heating pad?

 

[lovemychix]

Quote:

They may come around. I found letting them come to you is the best way to gain trust.