the bradley bunch Posted June 18, 2010 Share Posted June 18, 2010 hi, i joined this forum a couple of weeks ago after re-homing my first chickens - a trio of ex-bats i'm registered disabled with a chronic medical condition. i'm 24 years old and i had to give up my life long dream of being a teacher when my illness got progressively worse in 2008 and i almost died (well i actaully did but was brought back ). at the time i was into the second month of my PGCE (post graduate certificate in education) and getting so close to my achieving my goal (i should've been qualified 10 months later) and then having it taken away was devastating to cope with. since then i have had numerous major surgeries and life has been a constant trip back and forth to the hospital for stays, treatments and appointments with my many doctors and specialists. my life's pretty isolated, i had plans of travelling the world and making a difference, but now i'm lucky if i can get out of the house once a week. last year after doing an anxiety/depression test to assess how i was coping with my condition, my doctor actually recommended getting chickens. at the time i thought he must have no clue about what i was going through, i felt unsafe anywhere other than in the house, and i barely cared about my own life, so how could i possibly care about something elses? a year later, after moving to a sub-urban area with a nice sized garden, with my husband's promised support i took the plunge and re-homed my first chickens. and just 3 weeks in i understand why my doctor suggested it. re-homing my ex-bats has given my life meaning again. i've always been passionate about helping animals and those less fortunate, and now i get that feeling of making a difference that i'd worked so hard for. after i got really sick i never thought it possible to feel that again... now i know i my life can still have purpose, that feeling of helplessness is fading and that person who felt like she could conquer the world is coming back out of her shell (lol) i just need to work with my illness instead of against it. with the support of my social worker and my family i know that i can still be 'me' and that my values and passions still have reason. although i need alot of care throughout the day, the couple of good hours that i have i spend outside with my girls. i like to take responsibilty for their care myself, even if just 10minutes of poo-picking leaves me drained and exhausted for the rest of the day, it's worth it because i feel like i'm doing something that is my own. not many people can understand this... and i guess i'm kind of searching for people who can, who are maybe also looking for somebody to relate to. i do have days when i don't have any good hours, so my husband has to step in, but most days i'm able to plan spending time with them around my illness. if there are any other disabled or ill chicken/animal owners out there, who would like to share their experience and just chat in general then please do join this topic, and also anybody else whose heart this may have touched is welcomed and encouraged to post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Looney Posted June 18, 2010 Share Posted June 18, 2010 Hello! Thanks for sharing your story, chickens are just brilliant I don't suffer from a disability so can only imagine how hard things have been / are for you but I do know that having chickens in the garden mean I go outside more in the fresh air than I would do otherwise which is a definite positive. What a fab doctor suggesting chickens to you! x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted June 18, 2010 Share Posted June 18, 2010 I don't know any disabled chicken keepers but do know a wonderful lady who spent 20 years in hospital Then she was paired with a wonderful dog. She is now at home living with Sailor her hero (You can see them Animals really are a real lifeline for some people Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted June 18, 2010 Share Posted June 18, 2010 (edited) Bradley bunch, I'm so glad to hear that you are now able to enjoy more the few more able hours that you have I don't know any disabled chicken keepers but do know a wonderful lady who spent 20 years in hospital Then she was paired with a wonderful dog. She is now at home living with Sailor her hero (You can see them Animals really are a real lifeline for some people That brought tears to my eyes Rachel. Edited June 18, 2010 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted June 18, 2010 Share Posted June 18, 2010 That is really inspiring. I was talking to someone at Gardeners World who told me about a disabled boy whose life had been turned round since he had chickens and a cube. He was unable to relate to others but would sit with the chickens and read them stories. They had turned his life around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted June 18, 2010 Share Posted June 18, 2010 Wow, you are an inspiration . I really pleased that your girls are helping you cope with what must be such a difficult daily struggle - they really are a joy to have around, aren't they . You'll find this forum just as rewarding, you know . There's always someone available for a chat, a laugh or some support or advice . And not just about chickens either . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lydia Posted June 18, 2010 Share Posted June 18, 2010 Hello there A very inspiring story there! I think I can relate to a bit of what you're saying. I too have a long term medical condition (since birth) and, although I am still working part time at the moment, this will only be able to continue for a few more years and I'll be dead in about 10-15 years or so. I'm 36. Because of all the hospital visits and operations etc I never really got going on a career. I have a job rather than a career. I can't have children so I never had a much of a sense of purpose either. Then I got my husband an eglu and 2 hens for his birthday and that peaked my interest. When one died we got ex-batts and now are fully committed to rescuing hens. We've currently got 7 ex-batts, 3 ex-barnies and 1 rescued Pepperpot who was facing the chop. Like you I have days when I just have to rest but having the girls keeps me more active and gets me out in the fresh air far more than I used to in the years BC (Before Chickens). That is good for my condition. Also like you I have the support of a terrific husband who is often more dotty about the girls than me I must say your doctor is way more progressive than mine. Mine already objected to my 2 cats so when I told her I had hens she nearly fell off her chair in disgust! I then pointed out that I'd had hens for 3 years and simply hadn't mentioned it and in those 3 years nothing bad had happened. She calmed down a little but doesn't approve at all. She still thinks I've only got 3 hens You should send your story to the BHWT, they'd be thrilled that they helped. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiggy Posted June 18, 2010 Share Posted June 18, 2010 Im not really disabled but do a few problems that bug me from time to time, I do work full time but sat at a desk most of the day,. The chickens & my veg patch get me outside & keep me active, I love just watching them peck about in the evenings they are so funny you are more than welcome here, there is always someone to chat to, its amazing what you learn on here too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docsquid Posted June 18, 2010 Share Posted June 18, 2010 A really lovely story. I find chickens to be so therapeutic. I also have a long-term medical condition for which I had to take ill health retirement 4 years ago. I absolutely adore my little chickens - it isn't strenuous looking after them, and I think I'd recommend them to anybody who is looking for an easy-care pet with the added bonus of eggs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted June 18, 2010 Share Posted June 18, 2010 You have my deepest respect ladies. So sanguine. And I'm so glad to hear you are finding chooks are good for the health, they are great fun aren't they Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ISCA Posted June 18, 2010 Share Posted June 18, 2010 (edited) Thank you for sharing your story with us. I am delighted to hear that you have found something that has put some spark back into your life Chickens are most certainly animals with therapeutic qualities Edited to correct apalling spelling! Edited June 18, 2010 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the bradley bunch Posted June 18, 2010 Author Share Posted June 18, 2010 i must say i'm overwhelmed by all the responses so far! thank you everyone for your support i feel really lucky to have found this forum. thanks for the link rachel - it was a really lovely story and i think the work the charity (and sailor!) is doing is truly commendable. our house backs onto the canal so i loved the part when the swan hissed at the puppy, coz it reminded me of when our kitten first tried to make friends with our daily visiting swans! if it wasn't such demanding work i'd love to volunteer to train the puppies myself. we are going to make a donation to the charity tho Lydia said: A very inspiring story there! I think I can relate to a bit of what you're saying. I too have a long term medical condition (since birth) and, although I am still working part time at the moment, this will only be able to continue for a few more years and I'll be dead in about 10-15 years or so. I'm 36. Because of all the hospital visits and operations etc I never really got going on a career. I have a job rather than a career. I can't have children so I never had a much of a sense of purpose either. Then I got my husband an eglu and 2 hens for his birthday and that peaked my interest. When one died we got ex-batts and now are fully committed to rescuing hens. lydia, you're story has inspired mine also! you're circumstance sounds very similar to mine, so similar in fact that it set me off crying when i read it hubby rushed to comfort me, not knowing what was wrong (i don't cry very often, i'm more of a 'bottle it up' type of girl), then he looked at the thread and it made him sad too. it was upsetting to hear about your lifespan, i don't know how long i'll live for - as an indirect result of my condition my kidneys are now 'technically in failure' (doctors are frustratingly careful with their wording these days). "Ooops, word censored!"ody knows how long they'll last for... so as you will know it's pretty scary. i too cannot have children and i've had great difficulty in coming to terms with this. the most upsetting thing about my condition is that it is undiagnosed, my body kind of attacks itself (a bit like an allergic reaction), some of my organs and bodily tissue has been affected and i've had my bladder and part of my bowel removed. but after 10 years, 9 surgeries, and hundreds of medical professionals they still can't figure out the underlying cause... i've just got 5 specialists at present each dealing with different bodily parts! they really need to come together to bounce ideas off each other and figure out a diagnosis but the system just doesn't allow for it even if they agreed to it i often worry about a more vital organ like my heart becoming affected . i've been told more surgery alone could kill me so God help me if i need anymore i also suffer with severe pain, which stops me sleeping at night, eating, and even wearing clothes most of the time! the chickens are an amazing distraction from this - they've improved my life more than my morphine! Lydia, i understand if you don't want to post intimate details about your condition, but i'd love it if you could pm me to chat. the life you've made for yourself sounds like one you should be truly proud of please keep this thread going to help people isolated by disability or illness! and lets create awareness and support the lifeline animals can be Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foreveryoung Posted June 19, 2010 Share Posted June 19, 2010 Hi, I dont have a disability and as far as I know and im in good health but there are days when I feel my emotions get on top of me (joys to an imbalance in the old hormones........) anyway - although I head down to my chocks everyday, when i feel low I sit with them and the relaxed feeling instantly floods over my, just watching the girls scratch around without a care in the world (other when the next meal is, they usually seem to hope its within minutes if me entering their run lol) I used to do home care and during that time I met up with a single mum who had what sounds like a similar condition to how you describe yours, her body just turned against her, it was overwhelming to see life going on as normal, admittingly I haven't seen her in a few years since I nolonger work for the firm, I miss them and think about them, wondering how they are getting on. but I guess work had to be kept as work in that part of my life, if i see them in town I do pop over to say hi, just would like to wish you all the best Emma x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the bradley bunch Posted June 19, 2010 Author Share Posted June 19, 2010 A really lovely story. I find chickens to be so therapeutic. I also have a long-term medical condition for which I had to take ill health retirement 4 years ago. I absolutely adore my little chickens - it isn't strenuous looking after them, and I think I'd recommend them to anybody who is looking for an easy-care pet with the added bonus of eggs. i've just been checking out your website (Alvecote Wood)... amazing job you're doing i was raised in warwickshire until me & hubby moved up to stafford a year ago. the house we've recently bought backs onto the trent & mersey canal. both the garden & house were so neglected that we've spent the last few months ripping everything out & starting from scratch! i too am passionate about wildlife & conservation, and the garden design is planned around creating various wildlife habitats, including a meadow area, a wildlife pond and a butterfly & bee garden . there is a lovely area of woodland next door to the garden so we've got lots of birds & squirrels as neighbours! and we also have swans, ducks & geese visiting everyday for some food and a bit of sanctuary with their new babies i too am a keen photographer (following in my dad's footsteps), and funnily enough i am also a qualified fitness instructor (a job i did whilst at college)! it's amazing the people you meet on this forum! i think us chicken keepers are all pretty like minded people! i dream of owning a few acres one day and caring for rescue animals of all shapes and sizes i think how you've turned something negative (having to retire early due to ill-heath) into something so positive is truly inspiring Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodcat Posted June 19, 2010 Share Posted June 19, 2010 Hey I have a chronic illness and have had for many years now. For along time i was almost totally bed bound and so my mother use to try and find things for me to do with animals that gave me what i felt was a purpose. She once found a pair of kittens that had been mistreated and were very ill and brought them home for me to nurse back to health and things like that. As i slowly recovered somewhat i was able to get up and go out into the garden and tbh i spent most of my time out there as it was such a relief to not be stuck in my room or on the sofa all the time. My grandmother has always wanted chickens and i tenativly agreed thinking that might bring a bit of interest to the garden and help alleviate the boredom which was my pretty much total companion at that point. Everyone always talks about the difficulties and hardships of isolation, depression, pain but for me my main hardship (excluding all the physical problems of my condition) has been boredom.I didn't anticipate, that from the moment that the house arrived with these three little feathery hooligans, who looked like little angels and cooed so sweetly till you turned your back and they were eating the cherries off the tree or something equally naughty, would become an all consuming passion. Their first act was to peck the dog through the bars and from then on the garden has never been boring. Nowdays i'm alot more healthy than i was though i still can't go out to work or to uni and i still have to take it easy alot of the time. They all still provide so much comfort, support and entertainment on days when life is really hard or i can't really do too much. I'm having one of those days today and i've been sitting watching them out of my bedroom window and two are breaking into the shed one is trying to get cherries off the tree by launching herself from a log but keeps missing and flying straight into the fence, four are trying to get through the fence to the veg patch and one is standing on the table shouting at me to come and give her something nice to eat. Boredom is for the most part a long forgotten thing now. My next project is ducks though that needs to wait a while or until i can find a nice easy way to keep the pond clean (though i'm fairly sure that that doesn't exist lol) so we shall see. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted June 19, 2010 Share Posted June 19, 2010 animals are a lifeline - many of my elderly patients love their cats/dogs and its a reason to get up. Good luck to you - hens are funny, naughty and hilarious all rolled into one. You are right theres always someone on hear to "talk" to. i would love to have some ex bats but dont feel I have the time. Maybe when I retire. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenNutter Posted June 20, 2010 Share Posted June 20, 2010 Chickens on prescription! What a fantastic concept! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiggy Posted June 21, 2010 Share Posted June 21, 2010 Chickens on prescription! What a fantastic concept! oooh what a good idea, we should petition the DOH could save the country a fortune in prescriptions Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
