Preening Behavior

[SuspiciousChick]

My big boy likes to preen me. It can be my shoe or my thighs/legs when I’m sitting. Does this mean he enjoys being around me? Here’s a picture of him sitting on my lap right after.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

How old is he?

 

[SuspiciousChick]

How old is he?

15 weeks!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

He may be thinking you are a part of his flock. Hard to say if he likes you, or is just grooming you like he would a hen. Hopefully he remains respectful.

 

[Mrs. K]

He is in the darling stage. It often times does not last. Enjoy it while it does. Do be aware, often times this type of bird can become very aggressive. Not saying he will, but it is a strong possibility.

Mrs K

 

[DonyaQuick]

Social preening indicates trust in birds (a broader aspect of birds beyond just chickens). All of my cockerels and roosters preen me if I preen them, especially if I help them out areas they have trouble reaching themselves. Many of my hens do the same if I'm wearing a fluffy sweater or something.

 

[SuspiciousChick]

He may be thinking you are a part of his flock. Hard to say if he likes you, or is just grooming you like he would a hen. Hopefully he remains respectful.

Interesting. My pullets do the same to me as well so I’m assuming it’s a grooming behavior.

 

[SuspiciousChick]

He is in the darling stage. It often times does not last. Enjoy it while it does. Do be aware, often times this type of bird can become very aggressive. Not saying he will, but it is a strong possibility.

Mrs K

I am very aware. Two of my boys have shown aggression toward me, which I discipline. I lightly pop them on the head, like how another chicken would peck. It worked with one of them, who actually became more chill around me. The other one still bites occasionally, but hasn’t been excessive about it fortunately. I actually think this particular chicken is the least likely to become aggressive toward me out of all my boys haha (hopefully).

 

[SuspiciousChick]

Social preening indicates trust in birds (a broader aspect of birds beyond just chickens). All of my cockerels and roosters preen me if I preen them, especially if I help them out areas they have trouble reaching themselves. Many of my hens do the same if I'm wearing a fluffy sweater or something.

Aww! I think that’s adorable! Whenever I sit in their yard, they sit near me and preen and I think it’s super cute.

 

[Mrs. K]

I actually think this particular chicken is the least likely to become aggressive toward me out of all my boys haha (hopefully).

I hope so too, however, today's behavior is no indicator what the behavior will be in a week or a month or a year. Cockerels are crapshoots.