Chicken Petting Vanquishes Stress

[N F C]

Oooo this makes my heart happy. Here’s my Brahma girl, Burrito, who is almost always down for some “snuggies.” She’s so sweet and calm. I love my girls ❤

What a pretty girl!

 

[kcan2]

Chicken therapy is real. https://blog.mypetchicken.com/2013/05/31/the-art-of-chicken-watching/

Thought this was an interesting fact in the above-quoted article: "Chicken watching can lower your blood pressure, your cholesterol and your triglyceride levels, as well as reducing feelings of loneliness."

Now - can't we all rest easier having scientific justification for what is likely one of our most time-consuming hobbies?

 

[Buckeye Amy]

I can definitely relate to the arthritis. I'm 51 and it's been developing in my thumbs and my knee for a few years now. I don't cuddle my chickens, but do thoroughly enjoy chicken TV which completely relaxes me. I enjoy handling the youngsters when they fit just right in my hand, right around a month old. I also find that the daily activity that is required for chicken keeping helps keep my knee feeling better.

@humblehillsfarm Burrito is adorable and I love her color!

 

[HomesteaderWife]

Animals can be great company and really work wonders on the mind. Thank you for sharing with us! I’ve very much found peace of mind lately being able to finally pet our rescue hen. She’s been here almost a month and finally sociable- it’s rewarding and makes me happy to know she’s happy finally! When you realize you have a bond with an animal friend, it’s something special.

 

[kcan2]

Animals can be great company and really work wonders on the mind. Thank you for sharing with us! I’ve very much found peace of mind lately being able to finally pet our rescue hen. She’s been here almost a month and finally sociable- it’s rewarding and makes me happy to know she’s happy finally! When you realize you have a bond with an animal friend, it’s something special.

Glad to hear about your happy girl. There is definitely something extra rewarding in winning an animal's trust over fear! Last summer, I got a formally feral rooster to the point where he would eat from my hand. For some reason, that was like getting a trophy!

 

[humblehillsfarm]

I can definitely relate to the arthritis. I'm 51 and it's been developing in my thumbs and my knee for a few years now. I don't cuddle my chickens, but do thoroughly enjoy chicken TV which completely relaxes me. I enjoy handling the youngsters when they fit just right in my hand, right around a month old. I also find that the daily activity that is required for chicken keeping helps keep my knee feeling better.

@humblehillsfarm Burrito is adorable and I love her color!

I thoroughly enjoy chicken TV too. Even my boyfriend who was originally indifferent about chickens greatly enjoys them.

Thank you about Burrito. I didn’t realize when I got her that buff brahmas are considered uncommon. They have wonderful personalities!

 

[RebelEgger]

I've been in a lot of pain with my arthritis flaring on a particularly busy day at work and then had to run errands, make dinner, and cope with some family issues.

When I put the girls to bed I was able to pick Popcorn up (she and one of the Brahmas sleep on the floor while the other girls roost), and found that petting a warm, soft, feathery chicken was the perfect de-stressing activity. Every bit as good as petting a cat.

Completely agree!!! I find it so relaxing to just spend time with them, but chicken cuddles are extra special

 

[Aapomp831]

This is my newest cuddler... a 6 week old white leghorn that went from being skittish to a mamas girl overnight.

Have you tried tart cherry juice for arthritis pain? Look it up... it’s amazing. I’m a bodybuilder and my muscles are always sore and I swear by the stuff. I do a shot of it every night before bed bc it also contains natural melatonin.

 

[HomesteaderWife]

@kcan2 - Definitely! Rescues and former feral animals especially are so rewarding when you can finally make friends with them! I had a feral TNR cat that had to be moved and I adopted him, and that ended up being the biggest love bug and he even loved baths. It’s always cool with chickens because so many people don’t expect them to be friendly or enjoy pets but are pleasantly surprised by how awesome they are!