I've read on here that chickens are very smart, curious creatures, but it still amazes me. Their little brains are the size of what? A pea? My girls have been in the coop for two weeks. Within the first few days they knew to go right up the ramp at dusk, and they come when I call them. They are so sweet too. I find myself using the same voice with them that I use with my infant. I can see how people become attached. I'm glad we weren't planning to use them for meat, I could never do it.
I completely agree I love my girls (& boy) and really have become quite attached to them. Some days I just sit outside & watch them. I tell my kids & dh that I'm going out there to feed & clean them and an hour later they are wondering where I am
Mine are all re-homed, older hens so I wondered if they would "take" to us. One is coming right along! Marigold will come up to me in her run and take snacks from my hand. She's the only one that comes running when I approach so far, but the other 2 show signs of being friendly in time I too find myself sitting out there talking to them and just watching them do their thing. It's suprisingly relaxing!
I would say that some chickens are smart and I've seen some of my hens show the ability to learn. Some are airheads, but I've got a couple of hens in my flock that have shown intelligence. I've got a BR hen who has learned that when I plant a tree she'll get lots of worms if she gets in there when I dig the hole. I can't go anywhere with a shovel without Betty following me. She also follows the roto-tiller while the other hens run off, scared. She's my avatar photo. I love that funny little hen!
Yes, I'm right there with you! They have got to be one of the sweetest animals out there, and like you say, smart too! I just love them.
