Trained Chickens

I've said many times that our hens are so incredibly friendly.  They are like little puppy dogs.  They follow us when we are in the yard, and like to be held and petted as well.  When I call them, they come.  Check out this video I shot this afternoon:

Madeline has been training them to jump for treats

If you have never owned chickens, let me tell you. . .they are such a source of entertainment.  We have so much fun with our girls Jasmine, Daisy and Dixie.

They love to perch in trees.

Don't they just look so happy and content?  Truly they are.  These hens are treated very well.  They get to forage and free range every day (almost all day).  They get lots of treats, and even dinner scraps from the table.

The only thing better than a good chicken shake. . .

. . .is catching it with my camera!

Sometimes they get so excited over table scraps that they lose all manners and just start flinging food everywhere.  Then they'll chase each other around trying to steal each others pieces thinking that it must be better than the identical stuff on the plate.

And what do you think has got them so excited this time?  It's leftover chicken and corn.  What!  It's a good source of protein.  Ask any chicken owner who gives their chickens table scraps for treats.  Almost all of them do it.  You know who you are!

Okay fine!  Let's change the subject.  This is Oreo our neighbors tail-less cat.  He comes over our house all the time to visit with Caspain & Faline, and to watch the chickens.  They are entertaining to him as well.

Tara and Madeline call this a "Kitty Kiss".