“They will come running when they think you might have a treat, learn to eat out of your hand and some may even allow you to stroke them. If you talk to them, treat them well and handle them gently you’ll have faithful followers. However, for a truly bonded pet that will seek out your company, follow you around the yard and nestle in your lap for a nap you may want to hand-raise a baby…” Sounds like a cat or any other normal domestic pet doesn’t it?  Guess what? The excerpt above (from this article) is actually talking about chickens.  Yes, I wrote that right–chickens.  According to more sources than I could list here, chickens do have emotional capacity.  In this article from Psychology Today, hens showed signs of distress and fear when a mere puff of air was blown on them.  When this same activity was performed on their chicks, their heart rate went up and they became more vocal.  They are intelligent, empathetic, and according to my own father (who spent lots of time …