Of all the things I expected when we decided to get chickens, the fact that I might compare them to dogs was not one of them. Yet, I am starting to see more and more similarities.
When we started letting the chickens go free range, I was concerned about people pulling in our driveway too quickly, and not seeing them there. I am always cautious when I pull in someone’s driveway and there’s a loose dog – will they get out of the way? – but I’ve never pulled in and worried about hitting a chicken. I looked on amazon for a “Chicken Crossing” sign, but never found just what I wanted.
Instead I found this:
“Chickens at Play”* (affiliate link) seemed a bit incongruous to me at the time but I thought it was cute. However, I’ve learned that it is rather apt. They do run around the yard, chasing things (bugs, butterflies, and even small birds) or each other, and I would definitely call it play.
When I got home from work yesterday and went to let them out of the coop, I was surprised to find they had trashed the place! I texted the below photo to my hubby at work with the caption: “Look what your birds did today – they are as bad as puppies!”
Then when weeding my garden pathway last night, I was surprised to see all 12 chickens come running over to me to “help”! The truth is, I’m still a bit nervous about them pecking me, so didn’t know what to think! I wish I’d had my phone in my pocket so I could have snapped a photo.
I have read stories of people with chickens and even roosters who sit on their laps to be petted. I’m not sure we’ll ever get there (or if I even want to!), but they are getting better about being picked up at least.
And the little Guinea keets? Well, they are progressing a bit – I was actually inside the coop talking to them and they stayed on top of their heater instead of hiding behind it! They are far more timid than the chickens (as soon as I reached in there, they hid), so it remains to be seen if they will do anything dog-like. They are messy though. We no sooner put their fresh food in their crate and they have it emptied and scattered all over the floor. Apparently, they prefer to eat off the floor, and I have heard of dogs who do that as well!
Having farm birds is all new to me, but I am learning to expect the unexpected!
Who knew chickens could be mischievous?
I sure didn’t! They are really turning out to be a lot more fun than I expected!
I wonder if you can teach a chicken to fetch a ball? I think that would be a hoot, can you see Cricket? 🙂
Ha ha, Cricket would not be happy about having to share her ball with the chickens!!
Like others have said, I love the sign and thank you for sharing such an interesting story. I’m curious to see how this develops in time.
This is such a fun adventure! You’re making me want chickens! (Maybe I can convince my beekeeping parents to get some as their next adventure–Rye might like visiting them better than sharing her yard with them.)
You should definitely convince your parents to get some – then you can get the entertainment without all the work! 🙂
Haha funny how they destroyed the coop and of course then they were your hubbys. Love it! Their pecks don’t hurt they peck me all the time when I steal their eggs
Oh, that’s good to know! So far they’ve mostly pecked at my shoes and jewelry – they love shiny things, don’t they? 🙂
Love that sign! Now when the chickens start barking, let us know. 😉
Hee hee. I’m hoping for that – maybe the chickens will make us rich!
Hopefully they won’t get too destructive. Enjoy all your creatures!
Things will be simpler once we’re done dealing with babies again. And we’ll learn something new each time to make it easier if we do it again in the future!
I’ll teach those tasty whole … err … chickens a thing or two … ~Bear Cat
We bet you would, Bear, but just remember….they have sharp beaks! 🙂
Are they insulted because the sign says they’re slow chickens? I’ll bet the will set on your lap if you start inviting them!
Sit, not set, oops.
I don’t think they’re smart enough to know they’re being insulted. 😉
You’re definitely not the only one who thinks of a chicken as dog-like. I know of a French sailor who was cruising around the world with a chicken named Monique. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36475672
That is too funny! I had to go and follow his social media pages. It looks like he has a dog too, and that the dog and chicken get along great (I don’t think the dog sails with him though).
MOL! These chickens are going to keep you busy! And that sign is adorable!
That’s for sure, possibly busier than I was hoping for! MOL
Haha I love that sign! That must have been adorable when the chickens came over to “supervise” your weeding skills LOL! How funny that they tear paper apart just like pups. 🙂
Your sign is the BEST! It is so funny that the chickens do such dog-like stuff. I’m not sure if I’d be comfortable with them sitting in my lap either but I know people that do. Flea loves her chickens!
Talented chickens, I must say! ???? As for the Guinea keets eating off the floor? Heck, why not? Shadow eats her kibble off the placemat for her food bowl. She’ll eat the canned food out of the bowl but not the dry food. Silly girl.
Wow they did all that? Love your sign! Are they safe from predators if they are out running around? Is your fence high enough for an animal not to jump over it? (sorry, I am the Queen of Paranoia)
Mommy always wanted chickens too. We want a turtle
Lily & Edward
I never would have thought of chickens as being playful, but I guess they are! 🙂
Fascinating progression with this birds. I was chased and pecked by chickens in my early 20’s so I’m always more than slightly apprehensive around them. Kudos to you for having a warning sign to visitors. It would have been most appreciated by me years ago.
they can sort your mail ;o) you only have to train them to shred only the bills ;o)