Well, they're all hanging in.

Volunteer hen is doing her best to pretend that she's a strong, independent chicken, while still getting treats and food and water and attention without touch! No touch, only eats.

She'll stand there, listening attentively while I'm sweet talking her, and come almost in reach when getting treats. But as soon as attention or food stops being given, she waddles off and is done with monkeys.

Baby bird, my little feathered french wench, has been on a tear. Just extra. Taking a treat? She takes it with vigor. You may lose a finger if you aren't careful. She's hopping on your lap for attention? It would be wise to drop everything else and sing her praises like a good worshipper, because to do otherwise is to suffer her ~~wrath~~ incessant pecking until you're paying attention to her.

Earlier in the week, she was riding my teenager and pecking them until the kid went the direction the chicken wanted.

The problem with that is that the kid was supposed to magically know which direction that was by being pecked on the cheek or neck.

What's worse is that it was hilarious, so the kid is laughing rather than moving, resulting in more pecks and scolding, which caused more laughter. I'm surprised they aren't still at it, stuck in an infinite loop.

Big boy, well, he's about as sharp as a box of rubber balls. But damn if he isn't affectionate lately. Within a given range of affection. The most endearing facet of it is how damn excited he gets. Most times, my kid is his chauffeur in the house because slick floors aren't his thing; he's big enough that, unlike the hens, he slides when he tries to move fast or turn.

But the kid will pick him up when he enters the back door and carry him around for visits. I come around the corner and he goes from just having a ride, to running in mid air while screaming until we're close enough I can pet him. Whereupon he devolves into a puddle while being petted.

Just a half hour ago, I went outside and he comes ruuuuuunnnning towards me, wings out and flapping, screaming like a demon that's been doused in holy water. Then he jerks to a stop, grabs my shoe and tries to mate with it. Then he wants some pets and some biscuits. He'll gobble the treats up while gobbling and accepting pets. But try to leave, and he gets verklempt; pecking at my shoes, grabbing my pants legs and wanting to follow me indoors.

Which, bless his little heart, if he didn't poop everywhere at random and try to hump all the things, I'd let him stay in the house.

After almost two years with these critters, I can't say they have the same emotional depth as dogs or cats. They're certainly not what you'd call complex thinkers either. But within their limitations, they are capable of being very loving. It takes time to figure out how they show it, and there's always the caveat that we can't know their inner workings. But anything that can want to run to you for your company, and be content with you when they get there, that's a pretty damm awesome experience.

Great!! Whiskey went to the woods and dog park every day for the past week - except today because we ran into a boar in the woods and had to run back lol so no dog park either (as it's on the other side of the woods). He's also been sleeping on my mum's bed every night lately which is very cute! She doesn't live here but has to stay an extra few weeks due to an injury that needs healing - and Whiskey is very happy about it because he loves his grandma (｡･ω･｡)ﾉ♡

It's been raining here. Our boy gets bored goes out for a gander in the yard. He doesn't mind the rain, but hates being wet, so he then comes back in and yaps at me to dry him off. Rinse and repeat many times a day. He is a nut case! But we love him

She saw a bug. Her little kitten dander has been raised and she's running around trying to find more insects. She's also using my body as a springboard and is now currently crying because I shouted owch when she did that.