Q&A for How to Talk to Your Chickens

Yes, they do. They can also recognize up to a hundred individual human faces.

They are likely intimated by your height. Try a different approach, such as crouching down and letting them come to you. When they learn that you're not a threat to them, they'll no longer run from you.

Someone may have abused or harmed it when it was fairly young and he has never gotten over the mental trauma.

Roosters crow because they feel good about themselves and crowing is their way of expressing themselves.

No. After you're finished with the eye drops, just be very calm and gentle with her, and she'll gradually trust you again.

All chickens have different calls; some may be high pitched, others may be low.

Wear gloves, pants, and long sleeves at first. Be gentle with them, and they will accept your attention gladly.

A huge problem with chickens is their constant need to brood. Check our article on broodiness in hens, which can be found here: How to Stop a Broody Hen .

Chickens make noises all the time. Maybe it has something it wants to tell you, or it may want to stay outside for longer. If the sound seems painful, talk to your vet.

It seems pretty clear that your chicken is friendly with you.

Yes, chickens can do something like purring. That means they are happy. If you have ever had a dog, you will notice that they wag their tail, or bark when you walk in, well, chickens are the same way.

If your hen stays in her nesting box all night, then she is definitely broody.

Provide a heat lamp if she absolutely refuses to provide warmth herself.

You have possibly both pullets and cockerels. Chickens at that age start showing signs of which sex they are at this time. Pullets (Young hens) tend to not show much redness in the face as they do not need the large and intimidating wattles and combs like roosters need to help them get up the pecking order so that they can get the best mates and food scraps. Cockerels (young roosters) start growing larger in the face as they will start competing with each other for the statement already said. Around this time would be good to listen for crowing for you to find out who is the boy and to also laugh at them (as first timers are amusing to listen to!).

Bait them with food, treats, or something flashy that will get their attention (like a toy). Chickens are curious, and sometimes like to investigate different things in their territory.

Really the only solution would be to put them in the coop and use something to block the door. They will eventually get used to it. Sleeping in the run could be dangerous for them.

Chickens will always stay where they are comfortable. They will not stray to far from their home.

He might feel threatened or unsafe. If you are feeding him by hand, he might peck your palms to get the seeds.

Your rooster is attacking you because he thinks you are after his hens. He thinks of you as a threat to his hens. If your rooster tries it again, try to calm him down by giving him his favorite food or mealworms.

With my chickens, it took a good year to build their trust. I spent plenty of time with them, hand fed them, and let them get used to my voice. Never walk up to your chickens or chase them, because that will only slow the process. I would recommend spending more time outside with them, maybe sit outside while you do your work or read and let them approach you when they feel comfortable. It could take a week or it could take a year, you just have to be patient.

Pecking can be a sign of aggression, fear, curiosity or hunger. Sometimes it can be accidental, like if you are hand feeding them.

To protect your flock against weasels, make the coops sturdy and durable (long lasting). Fit 1/2 inch plastic-coated hardware cloth (do not use chicken wire). This cloth should be heavily gauged. Attach to the coop windows and over any other openings. Chicken wire is good for keeping chickens in, but it won't keep predators, such as weasels, out. This is why you need a different material for keeping them out of the coop.

Chickens follow a hierarchy commonly known as a "pecking order". The oldest members of the flock will attack new members to let them know who is in charge.

Chickens do not have the greatest eyesight. He may accidentally peck you if he mistakes your hand as food, especially if you are hand-feeding him. Otherwise, specks of dirt or beauty spots on your hands may look like food to your rooster. If your rooster pecks you harshly and aggressively, he may be signalling to you that he wants you to go away.

It is important to start handling your chicks physically as soon as they have down feathers. You will make a bond with your chick when you start holding it. Just be sure to be very gentle!

You will know if they like you if they run to you, crowd around the door when you are coming or if they trust you when you go to their coop!

No, the rooster is mating with the hen. That's how eggs become fertile and produce chicks.