Do you ever look your feathered friends in the eye and wonder if you mean as much to them as they mean to you? Chances are, you probably mean a lot more to them than they could ever say! Chickens can bond with humans just like any other pet, especially if you’re actively showing them how much you care! Here are five of the subtle ways chickens show humans affection!
1. Grooming
If your chicken relaxes enough to groom or preen itself by your side, consider yourself loved! The same goes for when they allow you to brush and groom them! Chickens only allow those they trust around them during those vulnerable grooming moments. Chickens also show their affection by grooming the ones they love. So don’t be surprised if they start picking bits off you too, that just means they see you as a member of the flock!
2. Closeness
You’re a lucky one if you have a special chicken in your life who always wants to be around you. When a chicken always seems to be following you around, it is simply trying to express how adored you are! Sure, sometimes chickens follow you when they want food or treats, but that isn’t always the case. Some chickens will even stand on keepers’ feet to try to get as close as they can to them. If there’s a chicken sitting next to you right now, you are probably feeling the love.
3. Noise-Making
Some breeds are much noisier than others, but that doesn’t mean a quieter chicken loves any less! It’s not uncommon to hear a chicken scream when it sees someone it loves. This is actually a sign that it’s happy you’re there. Your flock may also express their love through coos and other soft noises when they’re near you and content. Feel free to make some noise back, we won’t judge you…
4. Cuddling
When you raise chickens who are used to being close to flock members, they tend to still enjoy that closeness as adults. If you earn a special place in their heart, you might become their new cuddle buddy. When you can easily pick up and hold your chicken, you can sleep soundly knowing you are very much appreciated.
5. Engaging
Chickens don’t show interest in everything, and actually lose interest pretty easily. When interacting with a chicken, check to see if it looks up at you or not. This is a sign that they are forming a connection with you. If you notice your chicken focusing all its attention on you, take that as a serious compliment. It means you’re something worth paying attention to!
We hope this post helps you to notice when your chickens are trying to show their love. Every chicken is different, and no one knows your flock better than you. If you can feel the love every time you see your chickens, you can trust the feeling is probably mutual!