I love my chickies every day. All day actually lol. I have meat birds out back in the old run and dh hasn't had time to build my new and iimproved coop yet. So that leaves my young little roo who hasn't found his voice thankfully and my to pullets. The stay in a play pen in the living room when they are not running around. Mind you that I always talk to them and if you were to walk by my house you would think I had someone over. I hug my little guy everynight and ruffle the feathers of my girls ( they don't like hugs ) lol. Its not gross at all. Although 9 out of 10 people I know would agree with your girlfriend. But hey I think I'm happier then they are.