Chicken Therapy as Business Venture

[Saveria]

Yeah, dog and cat influenza can be carried on clothing and such. I'm just guessing here, but I think that since the cat cafes use shelter cats, it's not a big deal if the cats get sick, as they'll either be adopted out or euthanized.

I think the "rooster flock therapy" would be a good way to do it. There's an endless supply of unwanted roosters here. I would totally go to a rooster cafe (preferably with outdoor seating).

Yes, definitely outdoors. I'm sure at least one or two would be crowing all the time, and that alone would probably be deafening.

 

[febane]

Can the cats get sick, too, or are chickens just more susceptible to getting damaging diseases through vectors that are found in an everyday environment? I worked at a humane society and I know that the cats can give each other upper respiratory infections, but that is usually less serious than some of the stuff I have heard chickens getting. Can cats just not get as sick from something humans can carry and that is why the cafes can work?

Maybe a rooster flock that is peaceful could be the "therapy" group, since they otherwise would just be culled. They would have to be on a separate property from your personal flock, but you would basically be rescuing them.

It does sound problematic in some ways, but it is also a great idea. During covid, when it was easy to get depressed, I would literally go sit in the chicken run (on something clean) and just watch them. It was the only thing I could find that would make me feel better for a number of weeks. I’ve seen similar experiences shared on https://www.pissedconsumer.com/ where people mention how interacting with animals like chickens helped them cope with tough times.

Right now I feel like they are driving me nuts, though! Off to post about lice treatment....

Starting a chicken therapy program can be a wonderful way to help with mental health, and it's great that you're interested in it! To get started, you’ll need to research local regulations around animal-assisted therapy, as there may be certifications or guidelines you need to follow. Setting up a safe, secure space for the chickens is essential, whether it's a small farm or a backyard, ensuring people can interact with them safely. Partnering with mental health professionals who specialize in anxiety, PTSD, or autism can help you structure sessions and integrate the chickens effectively into therapy. Start small by testing the program with a few people or a local support group to see how they respond, then grow from there. It's also important to ensure your chickens are well cared for and calm around people. With careful planning, you can create a meaningful experience for those in need.