At what age are they not considered "babies" anymore?

[karmical]

I was just saying the other day to someone who has chickens that I was enjoying how my girls will fly up into my lap for petting and even fall asleep there for a quickie nap sometimes. He said to enjoy it, because that only lasts as long as they're "babies". That they'll eventually figure out that I'm NOT actually their chicken-mamma Which got me to thinking....at what point ARE they no longer considered "babies"? And will they REALLY stop wanting to come into my lap when they're "grown-ups"???!?!!? I HOPE NOT!!!!!!

I just love that they like my lap....We always have a good solid hour in the AM and then another in the PM of lap-time....maybe if I just keep it up they won't "outgrow" it? My girls are 8 weeks old.

Are there opinions/wisdoms out there on the affections of growing chickens?

 

[ozark hen]

wow, I hope they stay friendly. I have no idea here. sorry.

 

[hatchcrazzzy]

i had a rooster that rode on my shoulder.he loved to be petted. i raised him from an egg.he stayed friendly.

 

[Southern28Chick]

Mine never jumped in my lap as babies. I started giving them treats regularly (everyday) and now they love me. I'll sit in the chicken yard and have chickens all over me, even if I don't have treats. I bend over to pick something up and they'll jump on my back, I sit down and they're fighting over who's going to sit in my lap and I walk around and hear little feet and turn around and I have twenty something birds hot on my heels. Mine are 16 weeks and they get friendlier every week.

I think it depends on how much time you spend with them.

 

[2mnypets]

I agree with Southern28chick. My older flock still think I'm the greatest thing since scratch! I can't close the gate to their run fast enough. It's like they know my footsteps and come running making a bee line straight for me. My roo even comes and checks me out. Now I have stair-stepped chickens. Kinda like I did with my own kids. The chickens are 27 weeks old, then 23 weeks old and then 11 weeks old. I've got more coming the 5th of September. A lot of it depends on how much "quality & quanity" time you spend with them initially. I see a big difference in my 27 weekers vs. my 11 week old flocks. I was in the hospital and sick for about 6 weeks of the last flocks life. The bond is not as strong for them. They know I bring them food, and that I won't hurt them, but they are still learning to trust me. The older ones will jump up on me totally content to just do whatever.

Continue to do what you are doing and that bond won't be forgotten or mistaken. Chickens are not dumb like most people think they are. Just remember that every chicken has its own personality, so some are naturally going to be aloof while others have very big attachment issues. I've got one of those attachment issues and her name is Rootbeer. Let's just say that I had to order a chicken diaper for her.

 

[momoftwinsinwi]

Mine are 11 weeks old and I think cuz I bring the treats they all run to the run door when I come walking up, my red roo has been coming up to me the longest, and Big Bertha is still with us for the time being and he waddles his big old bootie over by me looking for treats, it's too funny. I think this weekend I'll grab a chair and sit in the run with them and see if I get any "lap hoppers"

 

[karmical]

I think 2mnypets it absolutely right about chickens being smarter than people think. And also about every chicken having it's own personality. My two Salmon Faverolles, unlike the rest, are NOT interested in jumping into my lap...and one won't even let me near enough to pet her. However....I had an idea last night and decided to be sneaky. I went down to the coop after dark when they were pretty much settled to go to sleep...not only was I able to PET the SFs but picked each of them up for a little sleepy lap-time! It was great. I will keep up with the "quality time" with them all, and hope for the best

So good to hear that some of you have "older" chickens that are still people-oriented!!

As for the chicken diapers....if there's really such a thing, I will be ordering some and keeping my girls in the house with me! I think I may have some attachment issues myself !!

 

[Southern28Chick]

Funny thing happened to me today. I picked up one of my Barred Rocks and was holding her and petting her. I noticed another Barred Rock standing by me looking all jealous. I heard flap flap flap and closed my eyes when I saw the chubby jealous girl flying right for my face, then I felt weight in my arms. I opened my eyes to find the Barred Rock that was jealous was now in my arms standing on the other girl's back.

 

[karmical]

Now THAT is one determined girl you have there, Southern28Chick !

 

[ozark hen]

wow s-chick, has the other b.r. ever let you hold her before? Maybe there is hope yet for me. I can only hold one of my b.r. and have a buff orp. always near by and another e.e. always come close to me then but no one else gets in my lap. that is so cool.