Cloud9 Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 Hi all, not sure if I'm posting in the right bit but I am sooooooo proud of myself. I have had a bird phobia for many years where my skin crawls and I feel sick if I get near a bird. However, since having the chickens I've stroked them but tonight I picked one up!!!! My heart was pounding away and I still can't believe I did it - just hope I can be brave again tomorrow or at least soon. Hubby is also absolutely gobsmacked. I now think that my phobia must be of the flapping rather than the bird itself. Ali Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 Well done . You're not the first person to post about having a bird phobia. It must be possible now because you "know" these "birds" . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 Congratulations Ali!! Well done you! I had a lady at one of my courses who had a bird phobia. She actually held Winifred in her arms and was ordering a eglu as she walked down the drive! A massive thing for you to overcome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cluckbok Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 I know what you mean, when we first got ours I was a bit apprehensive about touching, picking them up. I not keen when they flap. I don't like it when pigeons fly up in your face either. If you just make sure you got your hands on each wing when you pick them up they not able to flap and stay pretty calm. We really used to them now. It's great having cuddles eh! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 Well done! I have never picked up a chicken and am not keen on pigeons flapping around but hopefully will be ok with my chickens when they arrive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 Congratulations. It is a big achievement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchHazel Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Well done! You'll be amazed at how you can overcome your fears. I have/had a bit of a bird phobia. I didn't/don't mind birds per se, but I don't like them flying around near me or flapping their wings. Now I don't even flinch when my Girls flap their (huge!) wings. I;m not sure that its cured my phobia around other birds though, I haven't been in a situation to find out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jomaxsmith Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Bird phobia is amazingly common, added to that the fact that hens are a lot bigger than you expect it's no wonder people are apprehensive. I'd never handled a chook before I got mine and didn't know if I'd 'like' it but as long as you hold them calmly and confidently they are fine Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 I read your post as , added to that the fact that hens are a lot bigger than you . They would indeed be scary if they were bigger than us . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jomaxsmith Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 They would indeed be scary if they were bigger than us Perhaps I'm accidentally keeping ostriches! Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MedusA Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Brilliant Ali. Well done! It must have been difficult for you, but now you've done it once...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunshine Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Well done. Im still scared of our chickens and cannot go into the walk in run with them. I don't mind them when someone is holding them and i stroke them though.Hopefully after time i will be able to go and check for eggs rather than waiting outside the run for someone else to get them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Perhaps I'm accidentally keeping ostriches! Jo That was so funny made me laugh out loud!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 My niece is not keen on pigeons (flying rats) etc..... With her it's the way they fly up in front of you and flap like crazy - not to mention pooing everywhere ! Chickens are so much calmer once they get used to being picked up! Louise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
esta Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 well done you!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fur 'n' Feathers Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Absolutely brilliant!! Well done you. Remember, youll never be in that same place again....because....you've DONE IT!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ms Tilytinkle Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 (edited) Well done you, tomorrow you'll be wanting to do it again, its just so irresistible - picking them all up for little tickles & strokes . .it's taken me 6 weeks to pick up mine as i had an inherent dislike of flapping wings although i do like birds just not them flying too close but each day now one of them if not more .. come over first crouching & then waiting to be picked up for cuddle .. .its incredible & they feel so different to how you'd imagine they would feel. Bless them they make such funny noises too - Enjoy sharing your kindness , i'm sure then can sense the warmth & affection. Ms Tillyevenmorebonkersthanbefore Edited April 25, 2008 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abbey Road Girl Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 I stroked mine for the first time tonight as they were dozing off. What a lovely experience and they didn't seem to mind a bit. There should be an emoticon for besotted! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cloud9 Posted April 25, 2008 Author Share Posted April 25, 2008 Well done Abbeyroadgirl and thanks to everyone else for your kind comments. I managed to pick the other chicken up yesterday but today hasn't been so successful. I think they still aren't that used to being picked up and try to run off rather than crouch obligingly but hopefully in time we'll all be as happy to have a cuddle Ali Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...