Why do my rescue hens obsessively peck footwear?

[BigBlueHen53]

Now that last paragraph really makes sense. They peck, maybe at random at first, they get some attention or response, and the pecking is thus reinforced and repeated. Hm, funny, how they train us, i'n'it?

 

[Roo5]

That’s is tidbitting, my rooster did it, it’s basically just the bird showing them a watering station, just like he would for feed, it’s a great trait imo.

OCD
I had a friend pick me up a jap bantam rooster from a livestick auction once. He was a beauty but had always been in a cage apparently. He was totally obsessed with water.
He would hear the outside faucet or garden hose and come running.
Start to dance around in excitement and loudly clucking to the hens to "come hither and see what i have for you"
Its just water....running along the ground......whats the big deal...?
He did not get that excited about scratch feed or meal worms or any treets....just water.
Go figure!

 

[Chelsa'sChicks]

I would guess that they are trying you for more food. My hens will literally jump up 2 feet off the ground to try and see if I have anything in my hands. They also run up to me and stand on my feet, walk between my legs like a cat.. they are weird but I love them. My chickens will always stop though once they see I have nothing.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Chickens have much better eyesight than humans. Perhaps they see a speck on the shoe that you can't. They'll eat things as small as ticks, chiggers and ant eggs.