My morning chicken routine.

[bakerjw]

I see this almost every morning when I let my chickens out of their coop.

I unlock the doors and they flap and bail out the doors to get outside.
I check their food and they scramble all over themselves for the "new and improved" food.
I change their water and they usually come to drink.
If they stomp and act submissive or act neglected then they get a rooster pat down. Ruffle the feathers, rub their neck, etc...
Then they gather around and stand there whining with a "What are we going to do now?" attitude.
It's like I'm supposed to be an activity coordinator for them.

Either that or they think that I'm holding out on some treats.

Oh the special chicken moments.

 

[gingerpeach22]

Baker, your post gave me a big smile. I think your chickens are lucky birds. Mine too gather around looking at my hands as if to ask if there is more, more, more.

 

[Buff Hooligans]

Quote:
That's so funny - mine do the same thing, and I couldn't have described the routine better! Well done.

 

[gryeyes]

Been there, done that, every day too!
You described it perfectly.

Then there are the days, however few (but this morning was one), when I discover a totally empty feeder and feel like a horrible person. Never mind that they range freely and can visit ANY feeder, I know some of the flock favor certain feeders. Those birds mill about and give me little starving chick looks and then rush that feeder when it's full again.

Or the BOSS tub is empty, so I have to scatter feed on the ground to appease them instead of tossing BOSS in the usual manner. Luckily, if it comes from my hands, it's a treat!

 

[flgardengirl]

My chickens run to the duck's feeder and the duck's run to the chicken's feeder after that they go to thier own. Its like they think each other is getting something better lol. The guineas also will try to get the duck's food and they have the same feed

I have one crazy cat that has decided she likes chicken food too and tries to eat out of thier dish.

 

[PamB]

I love when they are so happy to see you! It is adorable! As soon as we open our back door, they all RUN as fast as they can to the end of the run closest to the house to see if we are coming to see them. It always makes me smile.

 

[libertychicken]

I'm sure this is answered elsewhere on the forums, but can you describe your "rooster rubdown", in other words what do my girls WANT me to do when they squat?! Two of them are doing it all the time lately and I want to make them happy without getting *too* weird, if you know what I mean!

 

[easttxchick]

Quote:
Next time my DH asks me why I spend so much time out with my birds, I'm totally stealing this.
What an awesome description of their behavior!

 

[Bat Cave Silkies]

My morning routine is very similar....just add a hot dish of cooked breakfast.
The funny thing is, whenever ANY of them hear the sliding glass door open, they ALL come running!! they know when that door opens, mom is coming out and she probably has snacks

 

[forrestacres]

I go out to the coop at 6:45 AM to give the girls their veggies for the day (usually broccoli, kale or spinach). Boy are they excited to see me coming! They are so spoiled. I talk with them for a bit and then get ready for work. On my way to the car, I tell them to have a good day and lay lots of eggs for me. When I come home for lunch, I gather the morning eggs, chat with the girls, and throw the tennis ball for our dog. When I get home from work, I collect the afternoon eggs, hand feed the girls safflower seeds, chat with them a bit and lock up for the night. I love my chickens!