Do spoiled chickens pace?

[Znarf]

When I first got my three chickens, I gave them small treats during the day. Later on I started to notice that every time they see movement in the house they will get really noisy and start pacing along the run together. The noise is driving my wife crazy. They will easily do this for an hour or so.

I've cut back on the treats, they only get some in the morning and in the evening. But it has been weeks and they just don't quit. I'm almost afraid to open the curtains .

Is this normal chicken behaviour?

 

[thepick4uchicks]

When I first got my three chickens, I gave them small treats during the day. Later on I started to notice that every time they see movement in the house they will get really noisy and start pacing along the run together. The noise is driving my wife crazy. They will easily do this for an hour or so.

I've cut back on the treats, they only get some in the morning and in the evening. But it has been weeks and they just don't quit. I'm almost afraid to open the curtains .

Is this normal chicken behaviour?

Too funny! Chickens are smart! Especially when it comes to food. Yes this is normal chicken behavior. They know who Mama the treat lady is for sure! Too funny! My chickens are 18 weeks old and not spoiled but I will say that they will not eat any new food unless they have seen me eat it first. They were raised in my house due to our excessive heat until they were around 11! Weeks old. I live in MS and it has just been awful so they were upstairs in our laundry room just right off my kitchen until they were about 8 weeks old then we put them outside in our screened in porch for two weeks then it got awful so they got moved downstairs into the basement for about two weeks or so. So they were right inside with me watching every move I made and I talked them to death and they were in the family hub. Probably not the greatest idea for training them to be outdoor chickens. So they were not given treats in excess but when they were it had to come from my mouth first as a trust issue. Mama was safety and they trusted me for everything and still do. If the person coming in the run doesn’t have on muck boots they get the chicken eye- stink eye. It’s too funny. They know my husband but are very wary of him because he doesn’t wear muck boots like Mama does and she is the good one that does all the good stuff for them. Chickens are not dumb. Mine are nosy, inquisitive, curious, and smart in many ways. They also have to trust you to have something to do with you. They will also protect you from one another when one of them does you wrong and shouldn’t. Because I have had my lead pullet reprimand her sister for biting me when she shouldn’t have. She has done this twice actually. So it wasn’t just a one time fluke incident. If I were you don’t ever be afraid of them. After all they are your chickens. Give them some grit and some grass clippings. That’s all of a treat they need to be happy. It doesn’t have to be much to be healthy and satisfying for them. Good luck treat lady Mama!

 

[Znarf]

Glad to hear this is normal behaviour! I'm still amazed to see that chickens are actually quite intelligent. Way more than I ever thought!

 

[aart]

They are creatures of habit.
If you bring treats every time you go out, they will come to expect it.
Try going out with no treats, they will eventually learn a new habit-that your presence doesn't mean treats.
They don't need all those treats anyway.
A good chicken ration and plain water is all they need.

 

[Aapomp831]

Mine come running across the yard, frantically flying over each other’s heads to get to me first every time I pull into the driveway or go near the chicken run. They’re like dogs.

 

[Jastorm]

I've spoiled my hens by allowing them to free range all day in the yard. But now that they have just barely started to lay, I am keeping them in the run until the afternoon. I want them to lay in the nest box when they get going in earnest.
However, being confined to the run is not their favourite thing and they pace the perimeter relentlessly. I find it quite distressing to watch. It is like they have gone insane.
Our run dimensions should be adequate for five chickens, but they do not want to be there when they can see the exciting back yard.
I've also noticed that the intensity ramps up as soon as they see movement in the house, or hear the back door open.
I am hoping they will soon get used to this new routine.

 

[MarkJr]

They will use their pathetic looks and pace like they are broken. Even using their beaks to strum the wire like a kid with a stick on a fence. They will even try being extra noisy, and turn the desperation way up in each wailing cry.

They will be fine.

 

[aart]

Our run dimensions should be adequate for five chickens,

How big is that, in feet by feet?
Dimensions and pics, please.
Some ideas for 'enrichment and distraction':
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

Not sure this will work but it's one of the best food distraction I've seen
(I don't usually go for food distractions, keeping treats to a minimum)

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10220323273924789

They will use their pathetic looks and pace like they are broken. Even using their beaks to strum the wire like a kid with a stick on a fence. They will even try being extra noisy, and turn the desperation way up in each wailing cry.

They will be fine.

Yes!! DO NOT give in to their guilt tactics!!

 

[ChocolateMouse]

You're dang straight they do. >_>; Mine pace and SCREAM when they don't get fed on time, let out on time, whatever.