I've got a really odd question...

[zippitydooda]

As a newbie, I am clueless to chickens in general, but have tried to educate myself on how to care for them, etc. I do have a question that I've not seen asked/answered before...

Are chickens affectionate? I realize that all creatures have personalities, and animals such as dogs/cats and other birds can be lovey.... I would guess they could be, but how do you tell they are being loving, or at least happy?

My chicks are only a day old, so I guess I'll figure it out, but was wondering what to look for. Thanks for any info.

Jean

 

[PriceFamilyFarms]

some of them can be very affectionate...the more interaction you have with them the more affection they show...

One of my RIR pullets never wanted anything to do with me for the past 10 weeks, then just last evening, she came up to me while I was out closing everything up for the night and let me pick her up. I carried her to roost and she let me stand there and pet her for awhile. This morning I went out to let them range and she followed me to the barn, jumped up on my desk and wanted to "talk" to me.

 

[PortageGirl]

Affectionate? No. Friendly? Yes. Curious? Yes. Interested? Yes.

Some are more curious than others, more interested in what the funny looking big chicken is doing (you) or more interested in treats you may bring, and some are more willing than others to allow you to be affectionate towards them, but are THEY affectionate? No.

You'll get all sorts of answers to this one!

so be ready!

 

[silkieroo]

They can make VERY affectionate pets if you socialize with them and bring them lots of treats! food is the way to a chickens heart! in fact i have an old English game fast asleep on my lap as i write this... her names Josey

Edited 'cause I'm an awful speller!

 

[3goodeggs]

Some of mine were very affectionate from the beginning, I assume there was bonding early. Some I figured would never be, but Stinkeye Pete has been standing by the 'petting chair " looking, watching, giving me the eye for over a year now. She recently jumped in my lap and got petted. She has wanted affection but was leery. Now she wants to cuddle. I do not know what an animal behaviorist would say about that. She obviously did not 'Bond" and I thought that was something that had to happen early on. She wants to be a lap chicken, but her instincts still say 'No." She hesitates then gives in, so she over came 'something'. I do not give treats when I hand out huggies, so it was something else that drew her to the 'petting chair'.

 

[LarryPQ]

I have some that are affectionate (usually the stinkin roos!

) and then some that are just pushy and manipulative ( *ahem* the hens)

I have one hen that will be all snuggly & cuddly...right up until you let your gaurd down and WHAM! Your sandwich is gone.

I have others that are total lap chickens. Like to be held, carried around like a purse, seek out the small children for scratchies.

 

[wegotchickens]

I think they can be affectionate.
When I've had a bad day and am ready to cry, I can sit outside and my bantams will push the cats off my lap to cuddle with me. No treats, no training. Just me sitting the yard, sad, brings them over to just be with me.
They don't do this on the days when I'm simply sunning myself, either. They'll stop by and 'chat' with me on those days, but not cuddle.

 

[noodleroo]

If you consistently treat them well, they will accept you as a part of their lives. If you feed them out of your hands, they will see you as a means to eat. If you use your hands to cuddle them, they will see you as a refuge of comfort. Many on this site doubt it is possible, but I am sure that mine love me. I consistently show them kindness and comfort and they respond accordingly....

 

[zippitydooda]

Thanks for all the advice.... I guess I just need to get to know "the girls". They are so darn adorable!

 

[missychicky]

I have one chicken who is so loving of me that when I go in the yard she will peck my foot and perp pitifully until I pick her up. Chickens can definitly be affectionate!