Rhode Island Reds Has a wierd habbit!

[HappyClucker7]

Hi!

I have two RIRs named Penny and Masie. When Penny was little, she used to alway jump on my back. Now, it's Masie who has the strange habbit of always jumping on my back when I bend over. Is this normal Rhode Island Red behavior? Or do I just have two very wierd but totaly cute girls? Has this happened to any one else?

Thanks!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

This is pretty normal chicken behavior, not just RIR behavior --- some folks enjoy and allow it, others discourage their birds from doing so. Since it sounds like you enjoy it, enjoy it.

 

[Wyatt0224]

I wouldn't say it is strange behavior but more friendly and trustworthy behavior. It hasn't happened to me but I have an RIR girl who always comes up to me and will eat out of my hand and let me pet her.

 

[Trish1974]

Mine do it also.

 

[Mom2g3]

Mine do this too!

 

[aart]

Certainly not a breed characteristic......any breed of bird might do that.
Those claws can hurt, can draw blood, and are frequently filthy.
I don't allow it.
I like to hand feed my birds, and handle them on occasion for pleasure rather than just the required examinations,
but don't want to be mobbed or jumped on, especially if I'm trying to do chores in coop and run.
It's a delicate balance.

 

[carlf]

I had 9 RIR-BSL hens in high school.
Most of them would try to jump into my lap when I was in the run hand feeding them. Ended up with a lap full of chickens.
They didnt mind being picked up at all.
My understanding is that RIRs are a more docile "friendly" breed.
In 3 years, never had one go broody though.