Oh yeah, I was trying to talk a chicken in Cyseal and I literally chased it for like forever. Eventually gave up. :P Rats are annoying too because of their size. I wish they were easier to click on.
I've taken to avoiding talking to most rats and things, cause chances are they don't have much unique dialogue if there is multiple in an area. Same goes for chickens so far.
But you'd think your character friendly enough to be able to talk to animals they wouldn't normally be so skittish. But I guess they just want to avoid getting slaughtered or stepped on. :P
