Chickens chewing when I pet them. What does it mean?

[Harun]

I have a good relationship with most of my flock and tend to treat them like pets via picking them up, petting them, etc. Sometimes when I scratch or pet them in certain places they chew like something's in their mouth even though there's nothing. I've done copious of Google searches on the topic but never got a clear answer as to why they do that. Do you chicken lovers know why?

 

[HKG]

@aart @azygous

 

[writerskramp]

Sometimes dogs piddle..

 

[azygous]

Since chickens do not chew, you might want to elaborate on exactly what this beak action is. Is there a noise involved?

Beak clicking?

Beak gaping?

 

[Harun]

Since chickens do not chew, you might want to elaborate on exactly what this beak action is. Is there a noise involved?

Beak clicking?

Beak gaping?

That's a bit hard. Maybe I can send a video? Can I record and send videos on this app?

 

[azygous]

Yes. Post the video to You Tube. Copy the URL and paste that here in a message window. Hit "post reply" and it auto-embeds.

 

[Harun]

Yes. Post the video to You Tube. Copy the URL and paste that here in a message window. Hit "post reply" and it auto-embeds.

Here it is. Sorry for the horrible sounds in the background. My phone records like a potato. https://youtube.com/shorts/IArwh_ycu0k?feature=share

 

[azygous]

 

[azygous]

Let's call that "smacking". Some of mine do that when I'm holding them. I don't know for sure what it signifies, but the hens that do it are the hens that feel entitled to be picked up and held on demand. Their demand, that is. I have the feeling it's a self satisfied smacking.

These hens also "paw" the ground when standing at my feet looking up at me, which I know indicates they want to snuggle in my arms. One in particular would be content to be a "purse chicken", carried around all day with me wherever I go as some do with small dogs.

 

[Harun]

Let's call that "smacking". Some of mine do that when I'm holding them. I don't know for sure what it signifies, but the hens that do it are the hens that feel entitled to be picked up and held on demand. Their demand, that is. I have the feeling it's a self satisfied smacking.

These hens also "paw" the ground when standing at my feet looking up at me, which I know indicates they want to snuggle in my arms. One in particular would be content to be a "purse chicken", carried around all day with me wherever I go as some do with small dogs.

Oh, that's funny, and pretty cute! Thank you for the reply. Pretty interesting how much personality these creatures have.