Young chickens perching on us?

[LadyWoodsong]

I am new here and new to having chickens.

We have 12 young chicks (well, they're probably about 2 months old now, I guess....) and when myself and my two young sons went out to check on them tonight (it would have been early evening, about 7:30 pm), the chicks seemed very friendly toward us.

We got them when they were about 2 weeks old and we didn't handle them a whole lot, just a little here and there. So it surprised me at how friendly they seemed tonight. They really seemed to hover around us and one actually jumped up on my son's lap and sat there for quite a while before hopping to his shoulder and then made a nice little spot on the back of his neck to sit. It was funny and weird at the same time to have them be that way toward us.

A little while later, another one hopped up on my leg and then another, then I held my arm out straight to see what they would do and they both hopped up on my arm.

Is this ok to let them do this to us? Is there some sort of "bird psychology" I should know about? Will they "think" they have the "upper hand" with us? lol I feel strange asking these questions, but I don't want to encourage behavior that is going to bite us in the butt at a later date.

Please advise! Thank you in advance.

 

[Kim_NC]

They like you and have decided they're very comfortable with you. Sounds like some of them could become "lap chickens" / pets.

Not a problem unless you just don't want them to be so friendly.

 

[the4heathernsmom]

Our young ones we have hatched here do that and it makes for wonderful pets......but they might do it when they get older too lol!!!! We have one ole gal if you sit down she is automatically in your lap or trying to perch on an arm. If you don't mind that it isn't a big deal and my kids love it but if you don't want a full grown chicken in your lap or on your arm or shoulder you might want to discourage it now.

 

[LadyWoodsong]

Thank you....that is good news. I was afraid it could be some dominance thing or something lol

My children were happy to learn that they like us.

 

[Mahonri]

They've accepted you. They know where the treats come from!

 

[cpegram]

I have a few California Whites when i walk in the coop in the evening they will fly up to my back and sit on my shoulder LOL

I think it's cute..

 

[tigerkitten45]

Just be careful of your eyes, they are attracted to shiny things and are very curious, lol!

 

[cpegram]

yeah that is what i worry about thier beaks are getting bigger they are 6 weeks old now....

i try not to look at em when they are there just talk to em

 

[gryeyes]

I am glad I wear glasses, for that exact reason. I've got a couple of chickens that like to perch on my lap, arms, or shoulders. They are attracted to the lenses and frames, but can't get to my eyes. I know it's just a "something shiny" issue, not a "go for the whites of her eyes and peck through to her brain" situation.

 

[magic maker]

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