How would a chicken like to be petted

[texas_chick]

I just hold the chicks in my hand and gently pet them on the head. But do they really like it?
Any opinions on how chickens should be petted?

 

[purr]

some of mine like their chest scratched and the back of their neck

 

[Mahonri]

My buff orp likes her wattles tickled.

 

[ThePolishPrincess]

My pullet really likes when I preen her back-neck feathers with my finger. It's like the dog kicking their leg with that impulse, she starts preening the front of herself while I do that back.

Such a funny sight.

 

[SeramaLife]

One of my roosters will hop on my lap just like a cat to be petted.

 

[Rhett&SarahsMom]

Quote:
Most of my girls prefer the same

 

[CK Chickadilly]

I have a young hen that loves to be held & I pet her back, actually starting at the top of her head & down her back &
I have a young cockeral that likes it too....lol They both snuggle in & close their eyes like it feels heavenly

 

[fargosmom]

Is it safe to assume they like it if they settle down, tuck their head in and are still and quiet? One of mine does this so I've been assuming she's happy. . .

 

[The Chicken Lady]

Quote:
My roosters liked this, too. They liked to have their wattles rubbed and liked to be petted down the backs of their necks on their hackle feathers.

 

[estpr13]

I do the wattles and stroke their breast and legs. If I reach to their heads they tend to duck as if I were another chicken wanting to peck them. So I stay away from putting my hand over their heads if I can. Sometimes I can do the comb if they are calm and I have been petting them for a while.