Nope, we're not crazy! People have all sorts of animals as pets... why not chickens? There are lots of people who really look down on those who have chickens as pets, but since we're not hurting anyone, I'm not sure why.
My favorite part of the day is when I get to go home and let my girls out to play. I usually stay out side with them for a bit and destress after work. Lately Ive been trying to teach them little tricks before they get treats. I love being able to show them off to my family and friends even though I usually get odd looks and responses. My girls are like kids to me since I dont have any human babies (yet), everyone loves showing off their kids and grandkids so why shouldnt I? My mom lives a few hours away so every now and then I upload videos of the girls to YouTube for her to watch them grow. I bought a chicken diaper from a lady online and now I get to take my momma bird (Gloria) for evening walks and let her hangout in the house and watch movies with me. i find it much easier to talk to and be around my chickens compared to most people. Im not anti-social I just dont have the same things going on in my life as the people around me so its hard to relate sometimes to my human friends.
Yep I do the same thing. I am a little embarassed to admit this.... but I actually tuck them in at night, in an old barn blankie. (We washed it of course!) I make sure all of them are snuggled in and warm. They are like my babies. They get treats, love and talking to every day. They also get to enjoy free ranging during the day. It is not crazy to love animals. And if it is... I don't wan't to be normal!
It is wonderful how hanging out with the chickens can lower my blood pressure and make me relax, no matter how bad the day is. We don't have names for any of the 10 hens, just the 3 roosters, but they do get treats and we also have camping chairs we put in front of their pen and enjoy their antics.
I just hatched 17 chicks, and that is a whole different level of entertainment! My dog Roxy loves to go down to see 'her' babies, she sits at the brooder and occasionally will give one a nudge with her nose or a lick. She doesn't mind if they peck her nose, either. It's funny seeing an 80 lb dog nose-to-nose with a two day old chick!