So, I am fairly new to the chicken-raising thing as an adult (had them when I was a kid), the DH an I decided to try this because we wanted to be a little more self-sufficient and organic.
Well, we're still looking forward to all those eggs and fertilizer, but we've now discovered a new use for our chickens that wasn't even on the list: zen therapy.
My husband works as a software developer with a boss who has zero respect for his employees having time outside of work, so he is often tired and stressed after being stuck in a windowless office all day.
As for me, well, I work for the American Cancer Society as a cancer info specialist. I LOVE my job and feel really good about what I do, but honestly it is the most stressful job I have ever worked. I answer the phone all day and try to help people who are going through probably the worst time in their lives, and the whole time I have to walk a thin line between being caring and compassionate and wanting to help versus not getting too emotionally involved and having a nervous breakdown.
Most days I leave with a good feeling in my heart, but a pounding feeling in my head and a really sore jaw because I unconsciously clench my jaw all the time. Also, I had to go on anti-anxiety meds last fall because all of the stress caused me to start waking up in the middle of the night with panic attacks.
I started gardening in my back yard as a soothing hobby to take my mind off daily stress, and the chicken thing was an extension of that.
Well, now I am amazed at how nice and peaceful it is to just sit and watch them. Both my DH and I like to take chairs into their run in the evening and then just sit and watch them run around looking for bugs and stretching their wings. I can (and have) do that for hours without getting bored.
Often, I find that when I get home from work I am in too big of a hurry to get out and watch the chickens to stop to take something for my headache or go lay down and be miserable...and after watching them for a while the headache is gone anyway! Such wonderful, wonderful critters!
Well, we're still looking forward to all those eggs and fertilizer, but we've now discovered a new use for our chickens that wasn't even on the list: zen therapy.
My husband works as a software developer with a boss who has zero respect for his employees having time outside of work, so he is often tired and stressed after being stuck in a windowless office all day.
As for me, well, I work for the American Cancer Society as a cancer info specialist. I LOVE my job and feel really good about what I do, but honestly it is the most stressful job I have ever worked. I answer the phone all day and try to help people who are going through probably the worst time in their lives, and the whole time I have to walk a thin line between being caring and compassionate and wanting to help versus not getting too emotionally involved and having a nervous breakdown.
Most days I leave with a good feeling in my heart, but a pounding feeling in my head and a really sore jaw because I unconsciously clench my jaw all the time. Also, I had to go on anti-anxiety meds last fall because all of the stress caused me to start waking up in the middle of the night with panic attacks.
I started gardening in my back yard as a soothing hobby to take my mind off daily stress, and the chicken thing was an extension of that.
Well, now I am amazed at how nice and peaceful it is to just sit and watch them. Both my DH and I like to take chairs into their run in the evening and then just sit and watch them run around looking for bugs and stretching their wings. I can (and have) do that for hours without getting bored.
Often, I find that when I get home from work I am in too big of a hurry to get out and watch the chickens to stop to take something for my headache or go lay down and be miserable...and after watching them for a while the headache is gone anyway! Such wonderful, wonderful critters!
