Chickens jumping on me

[emiikinz]

So my chickens are still pretty young, about 5~7weeks old if I had to guess. I've had them since the beginning of June and we put them outside about two weeks ago. We have a fenced in area for them to explore while they're growing up as long as someone is out there sitting with them, so we let them out and when it starts to get dark they normally go into their coop on their own and we close the door. Well tonight, instead of going to their coop they all came over to the chair I was sitting and and they all 6 jumped onto both of my arms! Is that normal? Eventually they went to their coop instead but it really piqued my interest that they would all jump on me and start preening themselves like that. I was wondering if anyone else had had any experience of the sort.

Thanks!

 

[GitaBooks]

Welcome to BYC!

Chickens can be so cute and sweet sometimes!
When I sit outside I find that my chickens are more at ease, as they know hawks and predators won't come after them. They are more prone to staying up late and they like to preen themselves and relax, even my watchful rooster.

 

[Stephanie R]

When my chicks were in the brooder, I would sit with them three or four times a day. They would always jump onto my arm and nestle in for a nap. Now that they are older (13 weeks), I sit with them a couple of times a day and at least one will be on my lap. Sometimes three, but that gets a little crowded now that they're so big. I have also noticed that the chickens feel much more at ease when I'm out there ... don't have to be in the coop, just where they can see me.

 

[Barred Feather]

Same here! Our chickens are more relaxed while we are out, too and they always run up to us and sometimes jump up on our arms. I think chickens associate their people with good things, like food, protection, comfort etc. I guess if your chickens come up to you, it means you are a good flock keeper!

 

[emiikinz]

These are all great things to hear! Thanks everyone!