Chickens can make great pets! They are social, intelligent creatures that each have their own unique personalities. When raising backyard chickens, you’ll find that some are more friendly and affectionate than others. So which chicken breeds are known for being the most docile and friendly?
What Makes a Chicken Friendly?
There are a few key factors that contribute to a chicken’s friendliness:
– Breed – Some breeds are genetically more calm and docile than others. Breeds like Silkies, Cochins, and Orpingtons are especially known for their sweet and friendly natures.
– Handling – Chickens that are handled frequently from a young age will become socialized and comfortable around people. Make sure to hold and pet chicks when they’re young.
– Environment – Chickens that have frequent positive interaction with humans are more likely to approach and trust you. Give them attention and treats, and avoid stressors.
– Personality – Like any animal, each individual chicken will have a unique personality and temperament. Some will be cuddlier than others.
So the most friendly chickens combine a naturally calm breed with plenty of gentle handling when young. But any chicken can become affectionate and bonded with her owner through time and care.
The Top 5 Most Friendly Chicken Breeds
Based on their reputations for docile, affectionate personalities, here are the top 5 chicken breeds known for being the most friendly:
1. Silkie
With their fluffy, flouncy feathers and adorable fluff on their heads, Silkies are oddly endearing chickens. They have a remarkably calm, sweet temperament. This, combined with their unique appearance, makes them a favorite breed for backyard pets and exhibition. Be prepared for them to follow you everywhere!
2. Orpington
Orpingtons are big, fluffy balls of feathered loveliness. They are relaxed, quiet birds known for being gentle and mellow. Breeders have selectively raised them to be docile and calm. The Buff Orpington is especially prized as a friendly pet chicken.
3. Cochin
Like little feather dusters on legs, Cochins are fantastically fluffy chickens. Their soft appearance matches their sweet personality. Solid and substantial, Cochins are mellow and not easily ruffled. Many chicken owners report Cochins love being held and petted.
4. Frizzle
The Frizzle is a breed defined by its unusual, curled feathers. Underneath their quirky exterior, Frizzles have placid, endearing personalities. They tend to be adaptable and become very attached to their owners.
5. Australorp
Australorps are good-natured, personable chickens that tend to be non-aggressive and relaxed. They are also known for high egg production. With their fun personalities and productivity, Australorps make great backyard chickens.
Tips for Bonding With Your Chickens
To encourage friendliness and bonding with your backyard chickens:
– Handle chicks frequently so they become accustomed to human contact.
– Speak softly and move slowly around your chickens to build trust.
– Offer treats by hand to associate you with positive rewards. Good treats include mealworms, chopped fruit, seeds, cooked rice, oats, or vegetables.
– Pet and hold chickens gently if they seem receptive. Avoid grabbing or restraining them.
– Make sure chickens have a secure, low-stress environment. Stress can cause fearful or aggressive behavior.
– Sit quietly in the pen frequently so chickens see you as a non-threatening part of their environment.
– Recognize flock hierarchy and work with dominant chickens first to earn respect from the others.
With time, patience and positive reinforcement, you can build meaningful relationships with your feathered friends!
Signs of a Friendly Chicken
How can you tell if a chicken is feeling bonded and friendly toward you? Here are some behaviors to look for:
– Runs up to you excitedly when you enter the coop or yard.
– Follows you around and stays close by when you’re near.
– Sits next to you or leans into your touch when you sit with them.
– Makes soothing clucking noises.
– Allows you to pick her up and hold her without protest.
– Eagerly takes treats from your hand.
– Perches or sleeps on your lap or shoulder.
– Grooms you by lightly pecking at your clothes, hair or hands. This is an affectionate form of bonding behavior.
– Falls asleep near you. A relaxed, sleeping chicken shows she feels safe and content in your presence.
Health Benefits of Chicken Friendship
There are some surprising benefits to owning friendly, bonded chickens:
– Lower stress for chickens. A good relationship with their human caretaker reduces fear and anxiety.
– Potentially healthier chickens. Studies show reduced stress levels can strengthen chickens’ immune systems.
– Less aggressive behavior when roosters have a strong bond with their owner. They are less likely to attack.
– Better egg production according to some breeders, thanks to lower chicken stress.
– Companionship and enjoyment for their human caretakers! Petting and holding chickens can be therapeutic.
Chickens are very responsive to care and affection. Friendly chickens make backyard chicken keeping much more rewarding and fun.
Downsides of Chicken Friendliness
As adorable as friendly chickens can be, there are a few potential downsides:
– They can be more prone to predator attacks if they run up to any visitor in the yard, expecting food or attention.
– Chickens that are too eager for human interaction can sometimes peck, scratch or even nip at you for treats or attention. This is usually remedied by redirecting them into more positive behaviors.
– They may try to follow you into the house or car! Escape artists can be tricky with friendly free-range chickens.
– If you have to be away for a period of time, very bonded chickens may become stressed, stop laying eggs, or even become depressed.
– Some chickens ONLY bond with one person and remain skittish and fearful around others. This can make care difficult if that one human isn’t always available.
– Friendly chickens will need more of your time, care and attention on a daily basis than independent chickens that entertain themselves.
So friendly chickens require a little more care and management. But for most owners, the benefits of a close chicken-human friendship outweigh the modest challenges.
Best Practices for Safety
To enjoy interacting with your chickens while still maintaining safe boundaries, keep these tips in mind:
– Avoid hand-feeding treats. This prevents chickens from accidentally nipping fingers.
– Don’t allow chickens access into your home, where they can poop or cause damage.
– Provide roosts and perches so chickens don’t try to fly onto your shoulder or head.
– Discourage chickens from resting on your lap or climbing on furniture/cars where chicken feces can mess up upholstery.
– Wash your hands after handling chickens to prevent possible illness transmission.
– Supervise small children around chickens since chickens can unintentionally scratch or knock kids over.
– Use secure outdoor pens and runs to keep chickens from escaping as you enter and exit areas.
– Lock chickens safely in the coop at night to protect from predators.
With some basic precautions, it’s easy to interact safely with friendly backyard chickens for both you and your flock’s health and wellbeing. The benefits of a close human-chicken bond are well worth it!
Conclusion
While all chickens have unique personalities, some breeds like Silkies, Orpingtons and Cochins are known for being extra mellow and affectionate. With gentle handling from a young age, providing a low-stress environment, and positive reinforcement with treats and attention, you can encourage friendly behaviors with your backyard chickens. Signs of their bonding will include eagerly approaching you, allowing handling, and cozying up next to you. Friendly chickens make wonderful pets, but still require safe handling practices. When cared for properly, chickens offer enjoyable human-animal connections for both you and your feathered friends.