Do Chickens Need Daily Cuddles And Attention?

[Coturnix Quail]

Yes, I know they need food and water daily, but do they need cuddles and attention? My hens sit all day right by the edge of the run and wait for me. If I open the back door they all run to see me. I was wondering if I needed to spend and hour or two daily with them to fulfill their cuddle needs? Thanks

 

[Cyprus]

No. In fact, don't.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...t-raise-incredibly-friendly-chickens.1262469/

 

[Coturnix Quail]

I definitely where the author is coming from, but my hens one aren't free ranging by themselves, two, they are aware of predators because they scream when they hear hawks, plus they haven't been raised in front of any other animals. But if they don't need daily attention for their well being, well that's all I need to know.

 

[gladimsaved]

I'm no expert, but last year when we got our babies at 2 days old, I held them a lot. When they were big enough to go to their run, I spent a good amount of time in there with them! I held them all!! When they were old enough to free range, they wouldn't follow me around, but they'd still come and visit me! One would jump up on my back if I was down on my hands and knees working!! She loved it!! (so did I!!)

Now they are over a year old, and I have one that doesn't mind being held. The others not so much. We have 2 roosters...one will draw blood from my husband every morning! He's done that to once in awhile. I think it was because I was a sweet mama to him when he was just a young one!! Before I knew he was a rooster!!!!!!!!LOL

 

[Chickassan]

I would say it is your call. You know your flock, if one looks like it needs some tlc then go do it. Same goes for yourself, if you need chicken time then go get it. Personally I do spend time with my flock and they do free range. I'm not saying it dosen't happen but mine haven't lost their sense of danger at all. They've never had alot of common sense, but that isn't my fault...."I blame the rooster."

 

[snow5164]

They don’t “need” cuddles or attention at all , a lot of the things we do for our animals are more for us and not for them.

That being said , I talk to all my animals and they respond to my kind words , and if I yell, they know to flee the scene

Animals be it birds, cats,dogs , pigs, cows etc are therapy to our souls, unconditional love is hard to find these days

 

[Egghead_Jr]

It's their want for treats not "cuddles" that make them come running when they see you.

 

[Coturnix Quail]

Cute stories guys! Sounds like you guys have wonderful flocks! I think sometimes it depends on the way my hens are feeling. My BO bites me until I hold her and she stretches her neck over my shoulder, so cute! Easter Egger gets jealous when someone else is on my lap. Also something my Australorp started by herself was if I pat my lap she'll jump on. I do have to say chickens are my therapy and I'm very glad I chose to get them.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I don't think they need (or want, in many cases) "cuddles" but they appreciate attention, whether it's in the form of treats or hearing your voice or just getting to watch "people tv." Some chickens do like a show of affection so for the ones that do, I'm happy to give them a little extra, whether it's petting them or picking them up.

 

[KentuckyRooster]

Short answer- depends on the bird.

If I denied beep love he'd have an aneurism. He is my little shadow. A stalker bird. I am his flock, without me he'd be lost because he has no recognition of chickens as his species. A regular outside bird shouldn't be dependent that way and would only enjoy a pat here and there. I handle all my seramas every day or so though.