I like the thought that they are loving on me instead
Hi,my hen gather at the back door and preen where they can see me. They will come into the house is I leave the door open. Found a hen sitting in my kitchen sink one time! Crazy hens.I believe it is preening at times, especially when they are sitting on my lap. I notice that they pull bits of weeds/hay out of my hair or off of my clothes if I have been doing yard work, etc. They will casually reach out to pick at a piece or two and then settle in to rest. They are grooming me, just like they groom each other when they are relaxed. Since they have food and water available at all times and free range during the day, they aren't looking for food when they jump up on my lap, they are looking for companionship. This behavior is different from when they are pecking for food or demanding attention.
My chickens will crowd each other trying to get to my hair to preen. If they can’t reach it they will gently peck at my feet and legs but never harshly. They are very affectionate, always trying to get up to my eye level (when I’m not down at theirs) to give that one sided stare. One commentator above said they are just looking for food. Not true. It’s a grooming behavior and means they consider you part of their flock. They are curious cats but cautious about new things. They do show affection as well.The behavior you describe with your hair sounds like preening behavior, like they would do with their own feathers. I used to have a parakeet that would do that. He would even preen my stepdaughter's eyelashes. I would think other birds (chickens) would do preening behaviors on their favorite human, too.
