chickens only want to hang with me!

[MakettleFarms]

Don't get me wrong, feeling like an adored Momma is wonderful, especially when my own children are both teens lol,
but my chickens won't leave me alone!! I have a "flock" of 4 and they hang out at the back door and talk whenever they hear my voice. When I go outside they follow me everywhere. I know the following behavior is food related but they hardly ever forage
anymore. They won't "free range" unless I take them. We are rural/residential but they have an acre of lawn, bush and
flower beds in equal parts to peruse. They have almost completely stopped ranging at all. I used to have to look for them and keep a close eye on where they were getting to. Now, I get tripped just trying to hang the laundry! Have a messed up by feeding them
to many special treats?? Help!

 

[deeschicks19]

I have 19 hens and they do the same thing with me. And I am always afraid I am going to step on one of them. But mine are not in the yard they have their own yard but if I go out there they are all over me. If my husband goes out there they don't give him the time of day. If I drive up the driveway they all run to the fence, if they hear me walk out the door they are all at the fence. But I am the one that gives them the treats and feed and care for them. But what to do about it well I that I can't help you on. This is my first time with chicks. When I go to close their door at night they jump in my arms. So funny.

 

[bowen012]

My flock is starting to do the same thing by seeking out human interaction. Food driven incentives and all develop the pattern and I guess they're always eager to get the next special food item (or guilt you into a snack if you haven't brought one with you). I don't know that it's a bad thing so long as they're getting nutrition needs met by feed and forage. I'd much rather have a 'tame' flock who enjoys human company (even if only for the food) than a motley crew of psychotic birds that either are too difficult to catch or are aggressive towards people.

 

[MakettleFarms]

Well there you go. I guess it's a good problem to have, when you put it that way; friendly not wild. I should really probably get them their own (more serious) pen. They have one, but feel occupation is optional. It's like getting 4 puppies at once! (including the pooper scooping! UhhGG)