ornithophobia anyone?

[TwistOfFate]

I am in my 30s and have never touched a bird.

When I was a child I was chased by a nasty rooster, or so I'm told, as I have no specific memory of the event. All I know is that certain types of birds trigger a physical response (fight or flight response perhaps?). About 7 years ago I was chased by a group of full-grown turkeys. I'm sure they just wanted food, but I ran for dear life and by the time I got to my husband I was in tears and shaking all over.

I now live on a farm with sheep, rabbits, alpacas, dogs and cats. I would like to add guineas and chickens to our family.

I just placed an order for guineas. My hope is that by getting babies, I can slowly get used to the idea of handling them and get this phobia under control. If the guineas and I do well, I'd like to get some cochins and silkies as well. After looking at pictures and videos of different types of chickens, these two breeds seem not to bother me at all. I also went to visit a friend with cochins and I didn't get the urge to run the other way, so I think that's a good sign.

Has anyone else dealt with this type of phobia? If so, how? Any advice would be appreciated!

I look forward to having a bunch of free-ranging cuties running around, getting rid of ticks and giving me fresh eggs to enjoy.

Stella

 

[debilorrah]

I would encourage touch therapy. When they come, hold them - YES DO IT!!! stroke the down, and notice as they age day by day, how their down becomes feathers. I have always loved the feel of feathers because they go in one direction; if you go backwards they are ugly. I have been fascinated by birds since I was a child, and only touched them once we got chickens. their feel is nice and soft and special, no other feel is like a bird.

No I did NOT just show my OCD at all.....

 

[punk-a-doodle]

I have the opposite problem. I have a phobia of ticks and crave a pack of guineas leashed to me at all times! I hope you find something that works for you.

 

[SuperChickenDude327]

I am in my 30s and have never touched a bird.

When I was a child I was chased by a nasty rooster, or so I'm told, as I have no specific memory of the event. All I know is that certain types of birds trigger a physical response (fight or flight response perhaps?). About 7 years ago I was chased by a group of full-grown turkeys. I'm sure they just wanted food, but I ran for dear life and by the time I got to my husband I was in tears and shaking all over.

I now live on a farm with sheep, rabbits, alpacas, dogs and cats. I would like to add guineas and chickens to our family.

I just placed an order for guineas. My hope is that by getting babies, I can slowly get used to the idea of handling them and get this phobia under control. If the guineas and I do well, I'd like to get some cochins and silkies as well. After looking at pictures and videos of different types of chickens, these two breeds seem not to bother me at all. I also went to visit a friend with cochins and I didn't get the urge to run the other way, so I think that's a good sign.

Has anyone else dealt with this type of phobia? If so, how? Any advice would be appreciated!

I look forward to having a bunch of free-ranging cuties running around, getting rid of ticks and giving me fresh eggs to enjoy.

Stella

Whatever you do, don't try to get larger breeds such as Jersey Giants before you get this phobia of yours under control. Roosters can get taller and heavier than turkeys.

Silkies are very nice birds, and have a gentle personality. My silkie Dusty is bumped around by the bigger chicks, but that's because she's gentle and sweet. So are the rest of my chickens, such as Barred Plymouth Rocks. They're loud, but have a very interesting personality.

Although I'm sure you're aware of this. Guineas are usually very wild, and noisy.

 

[sumi]

I suffer from a phobia too, but mine is fire, or more specifically burning. What helped me deal with it is "flooding" i.e. deliberately facing it, and not run away. At first I used to stay in the house when we had a BBQ, but I started to hang out around the fire for a few minutes and occasionally even put a log or 2 on it. By now I watch fires etc. on TV without running out the room or getting a panic attack, which I used to do. It was hard for me and it took time, courage and a few nightmares, but I got this far already and I may not completely get over it, but I'm dealing with it better.
So take baby steps and stay strong. You can do it!

Good luck!

 

[punk-a-doodle]

Quote:
A great achievement!

 

[Fierlin1182]

I suffer from a phobia too, but mine is fire, or more specifically burning. What helped me deal with it is "flooding" i.e. deliberately facing it, and not run away. At first I used to stay in the house when we had a BBQ, but I started to hang out around the fire for a few minutes and occasionally even put a log or 2 on it. By now I watch fires etc. on TV without running out the room or getting a panic attack, which I used to do. It was hard for me and it took time, courage and a few nightmares, but I got this far already and I may not completely get over it, but I'm dealing with it better.
So take baby steps and stay strong. You can do it!

Good luck! 

That's awesome sumi.

I agree with this advice, by the way. I'm not sure about everyone else, but I feel somewhat better after having been brave enough to confront something I'm terrified out of my wits about.

Good luck with your guineas. I hope it goes well for you.

 

[drumstick diva]

flooding or immersion therapy isn't for everyone but, glad it worked for you. Sometimes a controlled situation works also. You do something while your "Safe person," is with you, and gradually you are able to approach the phobia alone.

I once told my doctor ":I think if you were holding a snake securely, I might be able to touch his tail or back." He got this incredulous expression on his face and said "It would NEVER happen!" I'm afraid of snakes." That lightened the mood , realizing other people are afraid of things also. I'm still afraid of them but, I've gotten over some other phobias - thank goodness.

 

[TwistOfFate]

I did it! I touched my first chick!!!!!!!!!!!

Yesterday I picked up a blue bantam cochin, a barred cochin, a blue silkie and a blue polish, and I was able to touch them! They are just a couple of days old, but I'm happy.

I picked up two 9 week old hens for a friend and I couldn't bring myself to handle them, but I'm hoping that will come with time!

 

[sumi]

Well done

I know how hard this is for you. Remember: baby steps. One day at a time. You can do it!!