There’s been an increased awareness of mental wellbeing and depression over the past year or so. Having had personal experiences with depression, it’s a massive area that people need to talk about more openly and to recognise the signs and symptoms to be able to offer help to someone you know might need it. One relatively new practice is therapy chickens.
Depression is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide and a major contributor to suicide and coronary heart disease. Therapy chickens, although are not an official service animal, have a huge impression on those who are suffering. Many people find therapy in adopting and saving battery hens, and giving them a happier, healthier life. ‘Paul’ is a keen advocate of therapy chickens, he suffered abuse as a child and it has affected him later in life, he had a breakdown and had to retire from work. A friend then recommended he rescued some battery hens to keep him busy and give him a new purpose. Paul adopted 4 battery hens that changed his life.
The birds came from the Animal Welfare Trust, they were featherless and terrified from their previous existence But as he watched them grow into beautiful confident chickens, he found it immensely rewarding and the experience gave him the strength to fight his own demons. “The hens accept me. They calm me down and I feel that through the horrors in both their lives and mine we connect”. Animals offer a non-judgmental companionship, which is perfect for those who are suffering.
Keeping chickens is now also being praised as therapeutic for people on the autism spectrum. People who keep chickens are getting those with autism involved in feeding and caring for the chickens which promote self-help and independent living skills. The chickens serve as a conversation starter for people who are shy and limited socially, thereby helping to improve their social skills with peers. It has been proven that people feel safe and open around chickens. If you’ve got an autistic child or know anyone that suffers with mental health problems, then let them know about therapy chickens, you never know, you might just change their life!
