Cute and funny, or something to correct

[Munchkin82]

Hi everyone,

I’m a first time chicken mom and my little pullets are 2 month old now. We handled and played with them since we got them a few days old. Now when I go into the run, all 6 of them are running to me and start pecking my shoes or pull my laces. One of my Ameraucanas always comes flying on my shoulders and jumps on my head. Right now it just seems like “cute puppy behavior”, but could this become an issue later? A pecking little chick might be funny now, but a grown up pecking RIR not so much anymore.... is that just a playful baby chick stage, or already a teenager who tries out its limits? An adult Ameraucana on my shoulders now and then won’t be a problem either as long as this won’t turn into aggression later

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

People on here have gotten their eyes pecked. I personally wouldn't encourage the behavior. Chickens also can carry salmonella and cocidiosis to name a few thing. Mature birds pecking you hurts and can draw blood. They tend to get more confident and bold as they mature, so it will get worse if you don't start discouraging it.

 

[Katie386]

Definitely cute but the cuteness wears off as they get bigger so good luck. My chickens peck me when they want to be picked up and peck harder if I ignore them but they have stopped jumping on me.

 

[Munchkin82]

Thank you so much for your answers! That’s a really good point here! I like to keep my eyes How can I discourage that though?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I'd just knock them off gently or block them from flying up.

 

[Katie386]

Learn their signs! I could always see them looking to jump at me. They do a couple squats and stare down there landing point. Just look them in the eye and say no! and point at them lol it took me awhile but they settled for sitting in my lap. Also you can challenge them, if they are testing you with a peck, peck them back with your finger. if they look offended then they learn your not an easy target. Idk if it works for everyone I’m new and I learning as I go.

 

[rosemarythyme]

A lot of people find it cute (including my hubby, ugh) but I don't want poopy feet on me or scrambling claws (been scratched plenty), so it's not something I encourage. If I want one to "come on up" I'll pick her up and handle her on my terms.

 

[3KillerBs]

A point to consider from advice given to parrot owners:

The dominant bird perches the highest. If you let your birds sit with their eyes higher than yours then you are letting them declare that they're the dominant members of the flock.

Whether you consider your chickens pets or livestock, it never works well to let the animals be dominant over the humans.

 

[K0k0shka]

One big downside to letting them perch on you (especially on your head) is that they’ll poop there. Not fun cleaning poop out of your hair. None of the other aforementioned issues bother me but I can’t get over the poop

The dominance thing is debatable. It’s not clear if they see you as part of the flock at all, unless you actually live in the coop with them 24/7. Chickens are capable of perceiving other living beings as being separate entities, not part of the flock - you, your dog, your neighbor, that deer that comes by in the morning, etc. I wouldn’t worry about a hen trying to “dominate” me by perching on me. Chickens like to perch, and they like to perch high - maybe you’re just the best jungle gym around! If anything, she might be using you as a tool to dominate the rest of the flock, if you’re the tallest object in there - by perching higher than anybody else.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

I love when my birds roost on me, but it's rare they try to do that. I have been pooped on before. I have been scratched by their claws (major risk of infection for that). I work with a guy who only has one good eye after losing one with a chicken. So there are all of your risks. It is up to you if you want that risk.