Chicken Hugs are the best!

Whenever I'm stressed or just tired I love to go out to the coop and get the best medicine, a great big chicken hug.

I love it when the flock sees me and comes running, the sound of 30 some pairs of feet pounding the ground at full speed always makes me giggle. Usually I pick a spot in the grass, preferably free of poo, but whatever, sit down and instantly have 4 or 5 hens climb onto my lap while the rest of the flock settles in around me like I'm going to tell them a bedtime story.

There are those who just like to sit on my jeans and don't care if I touch them or not, but most want the contact and will snuggle up around me or try to roost on my shoulders. Hazel and Lucy especially demand attention and will peck me in the sides if I'm not paying attention to them, so they get first hugs. Once they're satisfied they're still loved they'll settle in and watch the goings on in the yard.

But Ella is my snuggliest hen by far. She wants to be right up next to me snuggling up under my arms or against my shoulder. She loves it when I tuck her head under my chin and give her a little squeeze. Her happy mumblings always make me smile.