Do chickens imprint like ducks do?

[Ninjasquirrel]

Ive heard but dont know how factual this is that ducks if they see you when they hatch they will think you're their momma. I want to know if this is true for chickens...or ducks for that matter. I didnt hatch my birds myself. I purchased them live from TSC. However they seem to follow me where ever i go and complain when they cant find me. When we let them out later than usual on work nights they wont go back to the coop/run until they see me walk in there. We have to quickly shut the door once im out or they will run out again even though its dark. Has anyone else experienced this?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

That's not necessarily imprinting. They have come to see you as a part of the flock, and apparently their leader.

 

[Shadrach]

Ive heard but dont know how factual this is that ducks if they see you when they hatch they will think you're their momma. I want to know if this is true for chickens...or ducks for that matter. I didnt hatch my birds myself. I purchased them live from TSC. However they seem to follow me where ever i go and complain when they cant find me. When we let them out later than usual on work nights they wont go back to the coop/run until they see me walk in there. We have to quickly shut the door once im out or they will run out again even though its dark. Has anyone else experienced this?

Yes chickens do imprint.
The behavior you describe isn't necessarily due to imprinting though.

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

That's not necessarily imprinting. They have come to see you as a part of the flock, and apparently their leader.

I am leader hear me cluck!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I am leader hear me cluck!