My roommate just brought home a single chicken home as a pet. The chicken roams freely in our backyard. Problem is I have extreme fear and anxiety of chickens so now I can't hang my clothes to dry ( saving money on electricity ). I know I cannot be comfortable with chicken around. Why? Who cares that's just what happens when I get around chickens. Ideas?
Ah, now I get your user name. What is the origin of that phobia for you? There are BYC threads that address that as well if interested???
Welcome to Backyard chickens!! I hope you enjoy it and the camaraderie here. I am sorry you seem to be suffering a case of Alektorophobia! I might just try exploring the forum, perhaps looking at the ''Pictures and stories of my chickens'' page see peoples stories about their chickens, looking at pictures of them. I also found this link, you may find it helpful. http://modernfarmer.com/2016/03/alektorophobia-fear-of-chickens/
@Yorkshire Coop used to have a phobia but now she is a chicken addict and breeder. Hopefully she may be able to give you some tips or at least relay her story of phobia to fanatic! I hope this chicken is able to win your heart and cure your fear. Sad that your flat mate has just one. Chickens are social flock creatures and usually prefer to have feathered companions. Good luck making friends with your new neighbour. They really do make great pets with benefits.
I totally understand--phobias, especially "different" ones, can be awkward. I have many of them. I would maybe talk to your roommate and explain your phobia (called Alektorophobia, I believe). If your roommate insists on keeping the chicken, then I would try to find ways to calm yourself down around the chicken.
Welcome to BYC! It's great to have you. Never encountered someone with a phobia like that, so I can't help you, sorry. But good luck in finding a solution to your problem!
I also deal with various phobias. If you want to get over this particular phobia - you could start by being around baby chicks - maybe at a feed store, or if someone has them. They are tiny and adorable - something you can get used to, as they grow you grow along with them. Since your room mate's chicken upsets you so much, I think you need to talk to her. Explain your feelings and situation - she could help a lot by confining her bird to an escape proof run with a top. Over time you may be able to sit in a chair and observe the bird through the fence. Bit by bit, you could get closer when you feel more comfortable. If that's as far as you go, that is still a big victory. Everyone is not cut out to have chickens, or dogs, or cats, whatever. If your roommate won't make some changes to accommodate you - you need to rethink suitability . If necessary, getting a different room mate.
Hi @Phobia Glad you could join us here! I really do know how you feel I was petrified of birds, any birds! Chickens were not my idea at all, my son and his Dad started out with them. The thought of chickens being in my garden filled me with dread and fear. But as time went on they grew on me. My top tip is to take your time and don't rush to do anything. For me it was a case just sitting and watching them at first. Then I moved on to putting some food through their run. Eventually I managed to stroke one through the wire. From then on things became easier. Good luck and remember to take your time.
