I was five when I first saw a chicken. All 50 of them. I was given the very serious job of collecting eggs and making sure they had fresh water. Of course I was supervised by an adult. Unfortunately the first batch were all cockerels except one. So, the egg collecting was not until later.
The cockerels were processed while I was at school and I came home to 25 young pullets. For the longest time I thought cockerels would magically turn into pullets. Anyway, I was allowed to be with the chickens. I was given the responsibility of making sure they were happy. Unfortunately, that sometimes included sneaking one in the house at night, or sneaking out at night to sleep with them. I got into trouble for sneaking out!
For a while I was supervised, and learned how to handle them, how to make sure I didn't get my eyes pecked out. I don't remember chasing the hens, but I could put a rooster on the run if needed. Soon, I was allowed to escort the flock out to pasture where I was the guardian. I was such a serious chicken keeper. Maybe because I was encouraged to do so, with respect to the fickle nature of chickens.
So, my vote is yes. Allow the youngster to mingle with the flock so long he is supervised. Just make sure he behaves properly. You don't mention age, but you know your child. Give him the job of carrying feed, collecting eggs (you may lose a few). Keep him busy doing something. I had to count chickens. Not only did I learn my numbers, I was kept busy doing something. Finding hidden nests was fun, too!
