Do you keep livestock? Having any problems? Want to talk about it, whether it be sheep, goats, chickens, pigs, bees or llamas, here is your place to discuss.
I have absolutely no experience of keeping chickens so need to ask any experts out there a little question about 'behaviour'
I have four, no cockerel (yet). They are free range in an acre of land, they get fed masses of greens from the kitchen, they have a feeder full of corn, they get crushed eggshells (which they go mad for). However any time I go anywhere near them they follow me like over-excited toddlers hoping for something to eat. Is this just what chickens do because they know food comes from humans? Would appreciate any reassuring comments.
Thanks!
all of ours do that! its probably because you often come with greens and scraps, and every time you arrive they are hoping you have something new for them. its quite useful behaviour as you have probably found out - it is so much easier to catch and look at chickens that come to you rather than run away!
also, where did they come from? if they were from a hatchery they almost certainly are just getting to know you and assosiate you with food, but if they came from a home breeder, maybe they were already given treats by their breeder and are wondering if you will do the same. chickens have quite simple minds really!
I can't get away from mine. As soon as they spot me they come running. If I am digging in the garden they are under the fork or sitting on the spade. I keep treading on them as they are under my feet all the time.
I used to think it was quite sweet. Now it's become a bit of a nuisance. Especially when I have to admit to my neighbours that the poor things are all limping as I keep treading on their feet
We got two who were quite shy, and wouldn't come near us. Then one day I shook a plastic bag outside, and man did they come running!! Must've been how their previous owner fed them, I guess.
Mine are my gardening companions too, they love to deal with ant nests- they'll not leave till they think every ant and egg has been eaten, usually shown by a large excavation where they were working! the only exception is Gonzo my cockeral, he's OK with me and the kids and loves a wattle rub but he gets all puffed up and hormonal when men are around so he gets put back in the run then.
ooo,, lots of reassuring replies, thank you everyone!
I've got another question now though. One of the ladies has started being quite a bully towards the others. There's lots of neck-pecking resulting in bare patches, and one of them has a limp (my guess is there was a squabble inside the henhouse). Any thoughts on why? And does having a cockerel make a BIG diffrence to their behaviour? we've been trying for weeks to get hold of one but nobody is selling at the mo......
I gather it is quite common that they bully each other until a "pecking order" is established. I think the general advice is let them get on with it unless blood is drawn. Then separate the hurt one until she's healed.
If they don't settle down in a few days then they might be a bit bored. Are they inside all the time or do they free-range?
When mine were inside I gave them lots of things to "play" with. Old sticks and plenty of fresh earth in their run. Things hanging from the ceiling to make them jump up a bit and corn and seed scattered on the floor so they have to hunt for it. I also made sure that there were places where they could hide from each other within their run. They hardly fought at all.
Ha listen to me - I almost sound like I know what I'm talking about. Expert chook keeper in 3 months
Zoe
It might be better to keep the bully seperate for a while rather than the victim - otherwise when you re-introduce her you will have the same problems.
A little update on my last quesrion re bullying. We managed to get hold of a cockerel at the start of the week and after one overnight escape (as soon as he arrived ) and 3 days settling in time in the henhouse, we now have a very contented and well behaved chicken family out there. 'Blondie the bully' chicken, as we had started to call her, has been tamed by the new order!
And the cockerel is a real beauty. I could spend hours out there just admiring him! And I'm sure that is the intention of all the colours and the crowing!
Oh, and with really good double glazing you will never be woken up by a crowing cockerel Hooray!
ours are the same. they must have good eyesight to ours can spot a crust of bread in your hand at 25 yards 
The ducks are worse!
Hooray!