Lap chickens

[azygous]

Today I believe we had some kind of record for my hens stuffing themselves into my lap. It was 32 degrees outside the plastic enclosed pen off their coop, but inside it was a cozy 50. I sat down on a stump I keep in there for visits, and I said, "Come on! Who wants up?"

My oldest Michelle, an Araucana who's maybe around six, two of my Light Brahmas, Diane and Nancy, around two, and Irene, a nine month old Golden-laced Wyandotte, all crowded onto my lap at the same time. It was a cooing fest of complete contentment. I even contributed a bit of singing, but stopped when I got the stink eye from Michelle, which wasn't an easy thing since she was at the very bottom of the pile.

Does anyone know what drives hens to want to cuddle in your lap? This is usually a behavior that has to be initiated by them. It almost never works to grab them up and cuddle them. Well, except for Diane. She's always up for cuddling whether it's my idea or hers. Is my lap like a sort of "dry dirt bath" or something? There's almost never any competition or pecking, even between birds that normally annoy one another. It seems, like in dirt baths, all animosity is suspended.

And what is your record for lap chickens?

 

[wood&feathers]

I only have two lap chickens. My RIR pullets, near laying age, both like to hop up for treats. Then one of them, Boldy, settles in for a nap. If I spread one coat flap she will tuck in like chicks under a broody. We coo and purr to each other.

I only have 2 other chickens. One psycho barred rock cockerel who will be attending freezer camp soon, and a sweet old mutt roo. He likes tummy rubs but not laps. I am glad of that, his spurs are substantial.

 

[Lilytoes]

My hen likes to be picked up but it's my roo that likes to be held. I sometimes go and pick him up and bring him inside to watch t.v. with me . They just became parents today. So both are inside cause we have a blizzard going on hear. Thier egg hatched about 3pm . I'm hoping to make this chick just as loving as its parents Eaglet(hen) & Sydney(roo). I hope they end up liking to sit in my lap like yours.

 

[LindseyM12]

I have a ton of lap chickens. All I have to do is pat my legs and call them and they all come running and 8 or 9 try jump on my lap!!!

Its so funny!

 

[teach1rusl]

I sure bet your lap was warm! I love lap chickens!

 

[azygous]

Quote:
Back when my Brahmas were tiny, they would all three snuggle in my lap and burrow under my wings, I mean armpits. The days were getting cooler, and they were only a few short weeks from being heat weaned, so I figured they were doing it to get warm. Indeed, their little toes were icy, and it did appear they were seeking warmth. But as winter turned to spring and then to summer, even on warm days, they continued to be eager to snuggle in my lap.

It was this affectionate trait that encouraged me to obtain a new batch of chicks to raise this past spring. But of all my new Wyandottes, only the one has the lap thing going on.

I'd prefer to believe they really love me and that's why they're so affectionate, but reason and common sense would indicate there's more probably some kind of instinct involved.

Whatever is the driver behind lap chickens, it's one of their most endearing features, and it just thrills my socks off!

 

[catdaddy66]

I hope to have lap chickens but will settle for yard buddies

 

[eastbaychicks]

Wish I had lap chickens. I have one that likes me to pick her up.... she always gets special treats. But no lapies. Enjoy them!

 

[happyhensny]

We have a tiny Silver Pencilled Hamburg Roo that loves to be picked up. As soon as he sees anyone he will run over and stare at you with his eyes and plead for some lovin"! He is very small, about 2/3 the size of the hens the same age. Sometimes he seems to shiver so I feel guilty about not snuggling him!

His name is "Chirpy" When he was a chick he would chirp until he got picked up.

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

I have a 6 year old hen turkey that I hand raised when her siblings all got killed in a hailstorm. I felt so bad for her, I brought her inside & we spent hours watching T.V. with her on my lap. She now resides in the barn with the chickens, horses, & other turks. Every day I go feed, she runs up & turns around in front of me so I can pick her up. Love that bird!