Chickens follow you because they see you as a source of food, safety, and social interaction, often forming a bond with their caregivers.
If your chickens follow you like tiny feathered shadows, you’re not alone. Many chicken owners report this amusing behavior. But what’s really going on in those little chicken brains?
Primary Reasons Chickens Follow Humans
1. Food Association
Chickens quickly learn to associate humans with food. If you’ve ever fed them treats or scraps, they’ll remember. Their sharp eyes notice when you carry containers that might contain food. This explains why they often follow more closely when you’re holding something.
2. Flock Mentality
Chickens are social animals with strong flock instincts. In the wild, sticking together means safety. Your chickens may view you as part of their flock. When you move, their instinct says “follow the leader.” This is especially true if you’re their primary caretaker.
3. Curiosity and Exploration
Chickens are naturally curious. Your movements might signal something interesting – maybe you’re digging (worms!), carrying something new, or going to a place they find exciting. Their following could simply be investigation.
Behavioral Differences Between Hens and Roosters
Hens Following Behavior
Hens often follow in hopes of treats or because they’ve bonded with you. Some breeds are more prone to this than others. For example, Silkies and Orpingtons are known for their friendly, follow-the-human tendencies.
Roosters Following Behavior
Roosters may follow for different reasons. A young rooster might be establishing dominance or checking you out as potential competition. Mature roosters often follow to protect their flock. If you notice foot pecking or aggressive behavior, it might be time to establish boundaries.
How to Manage Following Behavior
If You Enjoy Being Followed
- Reward with occasional treats to reinforce the behavior
- Talk to them as you move around – they recognize voices
- Move slowly to avoid accidental stepping
If You Want to Discourage It
- Avoid carrying food when you don’t want attention
- Walk through them (not around) to establish space
- Redirect their attention with chicken toys or activities
Special Cases and Concerns
When Following Becomes a Problem
Excessive following can indicate boredom or lack of enrichment. Ensure your chickens have enough space, activities, and proper run size for their numbers.
Safety Considerations
Chickens underfoot can be dangerous for both you and them. Teach them to keep a safe distance by consistently reinforcing boundaries. For free-ranging chickens, establish a recall command using treats.
Understanding Chicken Body Language
Watch for these signs to better understand why your chickens follow:
| Behavior | Likely Meaning |
|---|---|
| Soft clucking while following | Content, curious, or expecting food |
| Loud, persistent vocalizations | Demanding food or attention |
| Sideways dancing (roosters) | Dominance display or mating behavior |
Expert Insights
According to poultry behaviorists, chickens can distinguish between individual humans. Research from the University of Bristol shows chickens prefer beautiful humans, suggesting they make aesthetic judgments. Their following behavior might mean they find you attractive!
For more on chicken behavior, check out this study on chicken cognition or this research on chicken-human interactions.
Breed-Specific Tendencies
Some breeds are more likely to follow humans:
- Buff Orpingtons – exceptionally friendly and people-oriented
- Easter Eggers – curious and interactive
- Silkies – bond strongly with their humans
- Rhode Island Reds – intelligent and attentive to human activity
Age Factors in Following Behavior
Chickens’ following habits often change with age:
- Chicks (0-8 weeks): Will follow anything that moves, imprinting strongly
- Pullets/Cockerels (8-20 weeks): More independent but still food-motivated
- Adults (20+ weeks): Established patterns – either strongly bonded or more aloof
Creating Healthy Boundaries
While following is generally harmless, you might want to set limits:
- Establish specific feeding times rather than free-feeding
- Create a “no follow” zone (like your porch) using gentle deterrents
- Teach them to come when called, then disperse with a “done” signal