How do chickens show affection for their human flock leader?

[Pele]

My chickens show their love by always following me around and mobbing my lap whenever I sit down. It used to be cute when I had 5 fluffy babies, but now it's just a circus show. 5 large hens trying to cram into my lap and play Queen of the Mountain with each other for primo space.

Then there's the fact that I don't get pecked when I rummage underneath them for eggs while they are laying. I'd feel bad for doing it, but they're the ones who all use one nesting box and traffic-jam in the mornings.

 

[ceeceeholt]

I have a WL that just started laying 3 days ago and she TALKS to me everytime I go out there, did I say LOUDLY? I get down to her level and BAWK right back at her. She quiets, tilts her head (and I swear, smiles) then walks away!!!!! Don't know what I say, but she finds it funny!

My fav baby (8 weeks) BO, loves to be loved. Sundrop comes running in her waddle baby run, legs a flying every which way, I'm waiting for her to wipe out at one point she runs so fast! She loves to be held and snuggled!
Of course, when I have food, they all love me best LOL

 

[harveyhorses]

Quote:
My Sasha does that too, and does not want to get put down. They will come through the cat flap if they hear me inside.

 

[centrarchid]

CLosest I see to what might be interpreted as affection is when bird touches you with tail and will lay down next to you. They will also engage in allopreening.

 

[nurse_turtle]

I'm not convinced they "love" me or even "like" me. They do run toward me when I come near, but I supply the food and treats and I'm sure they hope and pray I brought the grapes this time. I can pick them up and pet them and sometimes when I let go they still stand on my lap. I take this to mean they 1) LOVE to be fed and 2) accept me as a flock member. I do enjoy them greatly and have my favorites.

 

[Patricia Jane]

Quote:
Awww. I'd say she loves you very much. That's so sweet.

 

[Uzuri]

Buffy used to come "talk" to me, and Bossy does it sometimes as well. Other than that I think they see me as a mobile takeout window.

 

[goldeneggtees]

Now that's cute!

Quote:

 

[Firefighter Chick]

What sounds do your chickens make when they talk to you? what does it mean?

 

[wood&feathers]

My mixed flock all come running every time I step outside. The lead hen has the privilege of following me to the garden. This summer when the new youngsters thought they might come, Hawk persuaded them NOT to. Then at treat time she gets first lap time. Of my 10 birds, only the rooster and one Cubalaya hen won't jump in my lap. The bantam EE actually will fly up onto my arm or shoulder if I offer my arm. she also is quite chatty, and will sit by my ear and tell me all about her day. Her "chat" is all gurgles and chirps. She and my cuckoo maran will groom my hair from a perch that sits above my bucket seat.

They all get more affectionate in winter - when their toes get cold!