Monday 20 January 2014

Richard the Friendly.



It seems that any animals can become attached to humans.

I was recently listening to a couple of Australian guys, on the radio, who (rather stupidly) bought a Lion cub from Harrods pet department and kept it in their Chelsea furniture shop. When the Lion became too big to handle it was shipped to Africa where, after acclimatising, it was released into its more natural home environment. When the two guys went back several years later, the Lion rushed up to them and demonstrated obvious pleasure at meeting up with them again, which I believed was filmed and has become something of a classic.

Dogs, of course, are well known for their loyalty and devotion to humans; Bok being a case in point. But I've not previously experienced a hen with such an attachment.

One of the Richards has started to follow me around. Whenever she sees me she runs up and almost dances on my shoes. She also comes to the house; presumably wanting to be allowed in (above she is outside our sitting room door).

I can't say that I feel any 'emotional' connection to dear Richard, but I do like that she thinks of me as a good friend.

Her side-kick, Asthmatic Richard, shows no such affection.


13 comments:

  1. I remember watching the programme on the Aussie's and the Lion - don't know about emotionally connected hens though.

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  2. I believe you can become attached to any living thing if it shows some attachment to you - it's human nature.

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  3. If I make 'honking' noises, Goosie will rush to me and then follow me everywhere. I think his affection is more food related though.

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    1. I used to think that Richard's attachment was food related, but her ravenous twin just ignores me, so I think there's more to it than just food. Maybe she's in love!!!

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  4. And you thought your days of pulling chicks were over.

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  5. Maybe she can read minds and realizes how close she was to the chopping block. She's hoping to build a relatdionship that can survive the odd egg lay off.

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  6. We had a hen, Marjorie, who was very attached to us and she would often leave food to sit with us. I like to think that our conversations were more to her taste than those silly chickens she was forced to live with.
    Gill

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  7. Well all my hens appear to love me Cro but then when I go anywhere near their patch I am usually carrying left overs - II think you would call that cupboard love.

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  8. Hi Cro,
    I know the story of the lion cub well and watched the documentary. I worked in London and often visited the pet department in Harrods ….. it was an experience in itself. It covered pretty much the whole of the top floor and there were indeed, lion and tiger cubs, in fact, name an animal and, if it wasn' there they would get one !!
    You obviously have that special aura about you that animals {and humans} love ….. well, that's what I've heard !!!! XXXX

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    Replies
    1. In the 60's I would go to Harrods for my school uniform, and we would always visit the pet dep't; more out of pity than anything. I'm quite pleased it's now closed.

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