congratulations on those first eggs! as far as my experience, which albeit, is limited... my chickens kind of figured out that they were chickens when they started laying... the super tame and sweet ones became a little more distant ~ still very personable, but not so much "lap" chickens anymore, and the grumpy ones who wouldn't let me get too close became much more friendly, but not "lap" friendly... as long as I can be in close proximity ~ inches away ~ without them getting jumpy, I'm cool... if I need to get ahold of one, it's pretty easy, they trust me, and know that I'm not into forcing them to do non-chicken things, like being held if they're not into it... now I only have the little bantam that flies up to my shoulder or sits on my lap on a regular basis.
my oldest roo, who likes to mill about very close to me and gives me great curious eye, and stink eye... gave me a small kick this afternoon. first time ever. i was so surprised, but i caught his feet mid kick and swung him upside down in a split second. now it was his turn to be surprised! I held him upside down for maybe 30 seconds, then flipped him up and held him and looked in his eyes... took one second for him to try to kick me again, no doubt to get away, so upside down he went again! this time i carried him around the yard for a couple of minutes. his harem was under the big pine taking a bath, so they didn't witness his humiliation. his behavior was much improved after that, and he still came very close to me. I'm glad. I don't want him to avoid me. but i won't tolerate a mean roo. he's 7 months old +, I'm fairly certain that it will be ok, even if he needs another reminder. but i also don't mind using the crock pot method of permanent correction.
