Is it weird?!?!?

[Big Red Kris]

So I suffer from PTSD from my time in the military. Anyways, whenever I go out and check on my birds to feed, water, gather, etc... it does something to me that helps me cope with my everyday problems and makes me feel happy. They say dog is a mans best friend but my birds brighten my day everyday... Is this weird?!?!?!

Kris

 

[MyISAbrownhens]

I don’t think that’s weird at all! I’ve heard of all sorts of animals who have helped people cope with their past traumas why can’t chickens help too!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi, welcome to BYC!

Sounds normal to me.

But I will even go a step further with an explanation as to PART of the reason this is true...

Well, this isn't the actual reason I'm thinking of... but they always greet us, happily running to meet wherever we enter from. They don't talk back, disagree, try to prove us wrong, and only have ONE ulterior motive... food! Aside from that there are some who genuinely come over and hang out having random conversations and picking stuff off my shirt. Grooming, one way birds do connect with each other! Just like dogs, they don't care if we had a bad day or if we wanna cry in front of them. They don't judge us or care if I brushed my hair. They won't talk behind my back or plot against me. Never mind the occasional poo, it happens! There is just something about nature that brings us back to the basics of feeling like things will be OK. Definitely (usually) a calming effect.

But the reality.. Many of us need a routine (my actual reason). Something to keep us calm and focus on other than the horrors of the world. Doing things like feeding and even poop scooping or mundanely washing dishes can fall into this category. Things that you don't have to over think too much.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catharsis

I can't go as far as to say I enjoy scooping poop... but I can say that I feel perfectly content when I grab the scooper and walk around with the shooks following me. I don't at all think about the poo. I enjoy the fresh air and the trees. The other birds singing. And of course chicken TV! Talk about soap opera and antics. It's just so amusing.

By the way... Thanks for your service! Many will NEVER know the sacrifice made not only by the military personnel but by their families as well.

I hope our vets can get to the point where they are treated better than our inmates someday. Or at LEAST as well.

Hope the wonderful BYC community will be as wonderful to you as has to me and that we may be a nice part of your long road to recovery. Many of us are honored to offer more than just chicken support. So I hope you will make yourself at home and settle in nicely!