Needy chooks?

[moody-chicken]

Hiya, every morning I let my girls out and give them their breakfast. I also sprinkle some grain and seed around in the hopes they'll forage for food throughout the day. I also visit them at tea time and chuck them a treat as well as saying good night and locking them up at nightfall. This has worked well so far except that now 3 of my 4 hens just sit in between my visits staring at the house for some indication I'm coming to feed them. If they notice any movement they all start head bobbing and getting excited. They often sit huddled in the corner waiting for me instead of doing their chicken thing. They have soil, sand and trees in their run, as well as straw on a concrete part. I have noticed that after about 1 hour they will get bored and go off and do some wandering but they stick very close to the front of the run and will eventually resume their post, looking ravenous and desperate if they notice any movement. Do I just ignore it and hope they'll realise there are better things to do than watch for me or should I get them something to do, like a boredom breaker?

Edit: Also how good is their eyesight? The house is quite a distance away and I swear they can see in through the patio door to me sat on my sofa ... It's spooky how they all start head bobbing the minute I get up to make a cup of tea!

 

[sumi]

My chickens like jumping up on the window sills and would stand there staring at me sometimes. Scared the crud out of me a few times now

It sounds like your girls are well looked after, so I'm guessing they are hoping for a treat and/or attention. Best to ignore them and let them realise that is the routine and you're sticking to it.

 

[Sgtfirstwife]

I agree with Sumi. They just need to learn your routine. My chicks get crazy everytime I go near the coop. Thinking I have a treat or I am going let them out (they can't free range without me, due to hawks). Sometime I am just checking for eggs, or filling their water.