Some flocks are more affectionate with their keepers than others, but that doesn’t mean they can’t learn to be more loving with you! Though chickens may not all have the same capacity for love, it doesn’t hurt to build a deeper connection with them anyway. Taking the time to grow a stronger bond with your chickens can pay off in little ways that make a big difference in your heart. Here are 5 techniques you can try to gain the affection of your flock.
1. Speak Chicken
If you want to grow closer to your chickens, spend some time talking to them! Whether you want to share how your day was or tell them how much you love them and how precious they are, it’s all beneficial. Chickens communicate through a variety of sounds, so why shouldn’t they learn your sound too? Once chickens know your voice, they may feel more comfortable being affectionate with you because you will be seen more as a member of the flock. Listening to their clucks and coos will also allow you to better understand how your flock communicates with each other.
2. Treat Them
You probably already know this one, but chickens will love on anyone who has treats! Treats can help teach your chickens how you want to be loved. When you reward their loving behavior with treats, they are more likely to continue that behavior in order to receive more treats. Eventually, they may even act that way out of habit or because they’ve learned to actually love it!
3. Be The Flock
There’s no better way to gain the love and affection of your flock than to become a part of it! This could mean something as simple as sitting with them. Allow them to go about their lives with you observing and just being around. You might notice a few of the chickens wanting to sit next to you or even on you. That’s a good sign! Some chickens love to cuddle, others not so much. But give them the option to be as close to you as possible, and you’ll quickly feel the love.
4. Respect Their Boundaries
Just because they are small and weaker than you doesn’t mean you should treat chickens like dolls. That means refrain from the tiny neck ties and scarves until you know they don’t mind it. Don’t handle them if they don’t like to be handled. Respect their wishes and they may eventually open up to the idea of you holding them, grooming them, or dressing them up.
Chickens are capable of love just as much as any other pet. What makes a chicken want to be more affectionate with you really depends on the chicken and your commitment to showing them love. Don’t lose hope if some or all of your chickens don’t respond to these techniques with an immediate showering of love. Like with any relationship, these things may just take some time.