Who REALLY loves their chickens?!?!?!

[Queen of the Lilliputians]

The last thing I do at night before I go to sleep is go hang out with 'the girls'. I sit in their house (it's really late.. like 2am... don't ask!), and give them treats. They peep to me, and sit around my feet talking. I love to watch all their different personalities develop, and who is walking around with whom.

The first thing I do in the morning (with my ds, who adores them, too) is open their henhouse so they can come out for some sunshine. Hubby calls from work and asks about 'the girls'. Their coop is right next to my garden, so I get to listen to them talking while I weed, and they like to sit and watch me.

I adore them! A few of them really like to be held (although only Sally hops into my lap), and love to be cuddled. I kiss them too! What I find absolutely, staggeringly amazing is how much they TRUST me. Do they love me? who knows. But they certainly listen to me, make eye contact with me when I talk to them, do to a certain extent seem to recognize their names (honest! They don't come to me LOL! But they do look up at me for their own 'special word'), and seem to enjoy my company. My mother told my group that they don't act like chickens!

I love them. It has been completely different than I thought it would be. Why the heck did I ever think at some point I could EAT one of them? Kill to feed my starving family.. sadly I think I would still do this if I had to. But I would have to leave the table hungry, and go outside to cry and cram my mouth with grass and unripe berries.

-Meghan

 

[Judymae]

I'm so glad I'm not alone. Our new babies have won our hearts. They are only a few weeks old and already such a BIG part of our lives. I find the kids sitting on the couch with wash rags holding baby chicks. We all know what the rag is for! I hope they love us as much as we love them!

 

[kstaven]

When it comes down to it what is the difference between petting or talking to your pet chicken or petting your dog? There isn't!!!!

It is all in the perception of people and what they see as a commonly accepted pet and what isn't. We chicken addicts are just not as badly brainwashed by societal stereotypes.

Thats my story and I'm sticking to it.

 

[AtRendeAcres]

I love my chickens

they are so cool to watch! they listen to everything I say too

I moved them out in coop last night they were out growing the tub! I really miss them being in the next room

it is good to know I am not alone!

 

[chickchair]

I adore my birds...I have over 50, and each one has it's name, it's quirks, and it's own personality...
I got my first hens over four years ago. Right after that, I found this site, and message board (the ezbyc at the time) It took me exactly two minutes to realize I wasn't alone in this, and have made friends here ever since.
I like nothing better than to sit quietly in the pen while my peeps jump to my lap, shoulder, an outstretched ankle, head, etc. Some of them come up behind me and peck for attention or treats...(not necessarily in that order)
It's funny how so many of us think we're "odd" until we come here and realize that there's so many others....

 

[bigzio]

Southern28chick, We have all the flock named and feed them good nutrious treats like watermellon and strawberries for starters, then move on to any leftover from supper dinner or breakfast... In return we get lots of healthy all natural free range eggs that are superior to any store bought egg, hands down.

bigzio

 

[MayberrySaint]

I love my flock, but have been smitten by my little rooster, Fredo. I received 16 roos for warmth and one got a poopy butt when he was just a week old. I thought I hadn't caught it in time but he pulled through...however, it set him back and he is the runt of the litter. When it came time to cull the roos, I decided to keep 3. The alpha male was an easy choice (even though he is very ornery), a mid-range roo that liked to sit in my lap and then I had to keep the little runt. Now he comes and lays in my lap and falls asleep. I like to snuggle on him and kiss his neck...this coming from a 42 yr old male...lol. They can be the sweetest things.

 

[SpottedCrow]

You are SO NOT Alone!!!
In the morning, I say hi to everyone, including George the Cockroach. I tell them when I'm leaving to go to work and when I should be home. I leave the TV on so they won't get bored. Nothing beats coming home from work all stressed out and sitting out back watching your babies barrel ass across the yard because they think you might have treats for them. And they talk to you and you learn their language and can understand them.

 

[chickaboo7]

Love isn't the right word I adore!!!!!!!! all my girls. my best bud is Foghorn if she had her way she would never leave my side. when I go outside she follows me, the same when I go in. When I call she comes running. If I sit on the floor she'll jump on my shoulder. If I bend over she's on my back. We love to watch T.V. together. She likes Discovery & Animal Planet, but HATES the cooking channel. I know she's going to have to go outside soon since I can't house break her.

I hope she will always jump in my arms when she gets big. I know we will find time to cuddle everyday.

Chickens make the best pets or should I say companions.

 

[New chicken family]

One of my favorite things:
Look out the door at my 9 year old daughter (who is an early riser like her Dad) sitting on the swing, facing the coop, singing and talking to the chickens.
Life is good!