EE acts psycho every evening

[cicene mete]

We have two EEs who are higher strung than four other chickens. One, in particular, freaks out every evening when we go out to close the outdoor pen. She jumps up on our shoulders or tries to climb up on top of our heads.

Eventually, she calms down and falls asleep on her roost.

Does anyone know what this behavior means? They are about eight weeks old.

Thanks!

 

[ScottK]

I don't follow - if you are closng the door, aren't you on the outside and the chickens on the inside? How would she get on you?

 

[cicene mete]

The door goes from the pen inside the barn to the outside pen, so you have to go back through the inside after you close the door.

 

[Akane]

Could be just trying to roost on you. Especially if your taller than her usual spot on the roosts.

 

[lilchick]

Their instinct tells them to roost, but the baby in them looks to you for comfort...
If momma hen was raising them they would be climbing on her and crying in that nervous way...
Eventually they mature and go to roost just fine..
As far as then getting on your head..That's why I wear a hat!

 

[Jenski]

One of my Ameraucanas was like that when she was younger - she would climb all over me, especially at bedtime. Sounds like they are just being babies, poor dears. How long have they all been together? Are the EEs lower on the pecking order?