Chickens as therapy animals?

Sure dogs, ponies, and other animals have been used in therapy, but can chickens be used in such a way?

Well, chickens, just like most animals, can be tamed. The more docile temperament ones are for sure easier to tame, but almost all of them can be, even roosters. In addition, chicken’s somewhat goofy antics can help reduce depression, PTSD, and anxiety. Many people have caught on to this, and have started organizations, such as Coops for Troops, who’s goal is to help veterans re-adjust to normal life by giving them a coop, along with several hens and care supplies. In fact, quite a few people think that chickens are a good fit for the therapy animal role, including The Legal Help for Veterans PLLC, who believe that they would be a great fit for special needs children too.

But that’s not all these poultry might be able to do. Pigeons are now being used in the medical field to diagnose cancer cells in images because of their incredible vision. While there are no studies as of now, it’s possible that chickens could also perform a similar role. Chickens’ eyesight is much better than ours, with improved peripheral vision and the ability to see in the ultraviolet spectrum.

But there’s a catch to chickens being used as service animals. As The Legal Help for Veterans states: “The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) governs the use of service animals for disabled individuals. Under the ADA and its corresponding regulations, a “‘service animal”’ is defined as: “‘Any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.”’ The regulations specifically state that other species of animals are not service animals for purpose of the ADA. The only exception to the “‘dogs only”’ rule of the ADA is, surprisingly, miniature horses.” Now, horses are great for all sorts of therapeutic benefits, and it’s great that they’ve started implementing them. But we think chickens are a bit easier to get in and out of places, especially in a hurry.

So in conclusion, yes. Chickens, being comforting, amusing, and complex creatures, would be great service animals, even if they aren’t legally recognized…yet.