Chickens too, share a special bond with their humans just like dogs. They can also be loyal, cuddly, and temperamental. They would follow you around and even come running to you when they see you or when you call them. Chickens can even sit on your hand, shoulder, or lap as a way of showing affection.
These feathered friends are very docile and you can easily take care of them. Having a small backyard coop is enough to keep them safe.
Let’s get to know about the signs that tell you the chickens are affectionate to you.
How to Understand Whether Chickens Enjoy Being with You?
Chickens are quite emotional creatures, they too are capable of expressing love, happiness, fear, sadness, and frustration. They too try to grab the attention of their human and also get jealous, if you do not spend enough time with them.
If you want to understand whether the chicken is affectionate towards you, then here are the behaviors that you need to notice in them:
- If the chicken is seen scratching at your skin or rubbing its beak against your feet, then it is a sign of affection. Some chickens will try to get closer to you while rubbing against your leg. They might even be seen lying close to you.
- When a chicken gets close to the owner, they even start grooming themselves and also the human. This is their way of showing that they consider you to be a part of their pack.
- When you touch them or try to pet them, they won’t hesitate. They would sit and enjoy being petted. This will help to build a strong bond between the owner and the chicken. They will also be seen purring or peeing or pecking you as a sign of being happy around you.
- Chickens are smart and social creatures, they might even bring gifts for you, such as a twig or leaf, when they are happy. They are also very sensitive creatures and would remember you very well. So, every time you touch them, they won’t feel threatened or startled.
How Can You Enhance the Affection Between You and the Chicken?
Let’s have a look at a few of the methods that would help to increase the chicken’s affection toward you:
- Communication is the key, so when you are feeding the chicken, try to use your voice and communicate with them. Try to feed them by hand or you can also leave the feed in front of them while they get used to it and trust you. You have to be patient and provide her a reward, every time she follows your command.
- You must learn the correct way to pet them. Try to be gentle and slow and never make any quick movements. You have to pet the chicken regularly so that they can become used to it. Start with the back feathers of the chickens and gently stroke them, so that the chickens can feel safe and happy.
- Talk to the chickens and help them to understand your language. You can also respond to their peeking back and learn to identify every chicken by its face. Try to understand what these chickens are trying to tell or convey to you.
- If it is your first time holding the chicken, then hold it close to your chest, and it will help to develop a trust and strong bond with the chicken. This practice will help to build a relationship and also grow affection towards you.
- Never keep them confined, allow them to roam freely, otherwise, it can lead to stress and anxiety among the chickens. Keep a close watch on them, so that you can start interacting and spend more time with them. Set up a space that is safe from predators and provides all the basic amenities to them.
How to Understand Whether the Chicken is Comfortable Around You?
If you find that the chicken is expressing love by cooing softly, coming closer to you, or seeming to be happy and content, then it proves they are comfortable around you.
How Chickens Start Liking You?
You need to spend quality time with the chickens and every time you go to meet them, announce your arrival. Bring along treats and feed them with premium feed only. Moreover, get to know the chickens and take good care of them.
How Does Chicken Interact with Humans?
If the chicken grows affection towards a human, they start responding to them. Chickens are vocal creatures and when you engage in a conversation with them, they start responding. They would cook and make many bodily movements to convey their message.
Can Chickens Recognize Their Names?
Yes, chickens can recognize when you call them by a name, but it has to be consistent and regular. You need to give them some time so that they can recognize their names.
How Do Chickens See You Coming?
Chickens have their eyes placed at the side of the head and so they have a 300-degree field of view. Thus, they can see you coming from a great distance.
Which Chickens are Cuddly?
Some breeds of chickens are popularly known as cuddly chickens or lap chickens, such as – Barbu D’Uccles, Cochin, Silkie, Buff Orpington, Salmon Faverolles, Easter Egger, Polish, and Sultan.
Does a Chicken Get Attached to the Owner?
Yes, Chickens do get attached to their owners but there are certain breeds that show more affection towards humans when compared with others.
Can you Hug a Chicken?
Yes, you can hug and cuddle a chicken, but it is usually not recommended as this leads to the passage of disease to humans due to direct contact, such as salmonella infection. Mostly kids, less than 5 years old should be kept away from the chickens.
