One common misconception of people about chicken is that they do not have any feelings to express to their owners or other chickens
Even if some people know otherwise, that this is not true, it is pretty easy to overlook and forget this huge fact.
You will only realize it when you begin witnessing your flock cuddling each other in their coop or whenever they have time to do so.
Here is a great reminder or fact for everyone: chickens are actually affectionate birds.
Chickens do cuddle each other, usually whenever they are resting inside their coops.
In fact, do not be surprised if you see your chicken trying to sit on top of each other as well.
This is one of their ways to show affection to their companions.
They might also be cuddling together to share their warmth, give a sense of protection, or just generally express the love and relaxation that they feel.
Here’s what you’re going to discover in this awesome article!
- Ho do chickens show affection to each other?
- Do chickens bond with each other?
- Do chickens hug each other?
- Why your chickens sit on top of each other
Sound interesting?
Great!
Let’s get started
How Do Chickens Show Affection To Each Other?
You might not notice it or you may not probably be aware of it, but chickens are highly sociable and loving animals.
It is natural for them to seek companions among other chickens, hence why you will see them flocking or doing things together most of the time.
Chickens are fond of their chicken friends and they love displaying small acts of affection.
However, even if it is expected for them to mingle with other fowls, they are still capable of holding favoritism and tenderness in specific fowls among your group.
Nonetheless, chickens most likely have the same acts to show affection towards one another.
They will commonly share their food among them, preen their members, and sometimes try to dust-bathe or sunbathe together. (Check out my article – Why do chickens sunbathe?)
Your fowls may also express their love through roosting with one another or simply becoming inseparable most of the time.
Do Chickens Bond With Each Other?
As mentioned, chickens are highly sociable animals.
You should also expect them to have strong friendships and relationships with other chickens.
It is possible and likely that your fowls also have their own best friends in the flock!
It is natural for them to also have their own ways of bonding with each other.
Chickens that share strong relationships often do things and spend their day together.
This includes sharing their food, sitting beside each other when resting, and even playing in your yard.
Fowls can not also tolerate being separated from their group.
An isolated chicken would take a heavy toll on its well-being when it feels lonely and away from their family and companions.
Do Chickens Hug Each Other?
Affectionate animals are known for being so touchy and cuddly.
People may not seem to know, but chickens are also one of those cuddly little creatures.
In fact, they love hugging each other as they are trying to share their warmth to each member.
If you try to visit their coop, most probably you have already seen them snuggling and cuddling each other.
Chickens love being with their companions, so they will attempt to sleep together or hug each other to express their comfort and also share their warmth to the whole flock.
Why Are My Chickens Sitting On Top Of Each Other?
Generally, sitting on top of each other may also be an indication of affection for your chickens.
They may be trying to help one another regulate each one of them’s body temperature, especially during cold weather conditions.
Your fowls may also be attempting to give a share of sense of safety.
This is likely when the area is somehow unappealing or worrying them to some extent.
If your chickens are piling on each other, do understand that it is one of their ways of giving a sense of comfort in their own ways.
It may also be interpreted as one form of bonding among chickens as well.
After all, you would even see them sitting on one another and peacefully resting.
I go into more detail in my article – Why do chickens sleep on top of each other?
Do Chickens Like To Be Petted?
Now you know that your chickens are actually affectionate and they are fond of expressing them to their flock, do they also feel the same way towards their owners?
Absolutely!
While it may not be as obvious as it can be, chickens are also capable of showing love to their keepers.
A strong relationship between you and your flock would only be possible if they are truly familiar with you and have a deep sense of trust.
If you have been their keeper for a long while, it is likely that your chickens are also expressing their affection towards you.
Of course, you would have to find a way to return this affection.
One way to tell them how much you love and care for them is through petting.
Believe it or not, your fowl would really love it if you try to pet them.
You can also try to level up your affection by hugging, cuddling, and being extra gentle with them.
Here’s a question you may be wondering and I’ve actually written an article about so do have a read – Do chickens like hugs?
Wrapping Up
Chickens are highly sociable and loving pets.
They do not only show how lovable they are to their owners, but they are also extremely affectionate to their chicken companions.
Fowls love to express their affection through cuddling, sharing food, sunbathing together, and many more.
They may also try to sit on top of each other while resting.
This is because they are trying to share their warmth and sense of comfort to each member.
It is important, as their keeper, to ensure that all flock members are healthy, so you would not have to isolate them, ultimately causing them extreme loneliness and poor social living.
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