A visit to the “Chicken Therapy” cabin

In talking to a relative in California, I found out there is a new kind of therapy. It is called “Chicken Therapy.” It is a help in your all around health. I asked him if it is available in all 50 States as this is a new kind of therapy to Genie and me.

 

He goes on to explain you stay overnight in a good sized one level cabin with most of the modern conveniences (bath, shower, refrigerator, heat, air conditioning, running water, everything except tv). He explained “Chicken Therapy” means you are entertained by live chickens free to roam, and at dusk the chickens enter a chicken coop and the chickens are locked in for the night as protection for the chickens. All the chickens are female, so they don't crow early in the morning, plus only the females lay eggs for the cabin dwellers use.

 

Shortly after daylight, the chickens will fluff themselves in light dirt ready to be let out of the coop to entertain you 'til dusk on a daily basis.

 

He went on to explain he would find out through local health associates if there were any “Chicken Therapy” places in the Albert Lea - Austin area. He replied there was only one. (It was in Freeborn County and he gave us the contact phone number.)

 

I contacted the owner and there was a great timing surprise; the cabin was available Friday the 27th of September at 11 a.m. 'til Sunday the 29th of September at 11 a.m. Our 61st Wedding Anniversary was Saturday the 28th of September, so we said ok sight unseen.

 

We arrived shortly after 11 a.m. and were greeted by 14 female chickens on the deck as we moved in. (The owner left a few instructions, plus how to contact him if need be.)

 

We had a reservation at Applebee's in Albert Lea for lunch on our Anniversary the 28th of September at 1 p.m. There were six of us (cousin Cheryl from California, sister Barb from Owatonna, Doug and Sue Olson from Albert Lea and Genie and me). ( All of us enjoyed a free brownie bite dessert through going to Lutheran Night at the Twins Baseball game on August 12 - Genie's birthday.)

 

Genie mentioned she and I were staying last night and tonight at a “Chicken Therapy” cabin. After explaining the new “Chicken Therapy” help with your health, they all wanted to see the place.

 

Of course the chickens did a most enjoyable performance of clucking, strutting, displaying their feathers until just before dark and then returning to their chicken coop to be locked in for the night.

 

In discussing our two nights of “Chicken Therapy,” Genie and I both agree it is therapy. The going to bed shortly after the chickens and getting up shortly after the chickens is good therapy. The chickens with us as their audience are the frosting on the “Chicken Therapy.” We both enjoyed and highly recommend this as a great therapy for your mind and body!!

 

In checking as to how often we should do the chicken therapy, the answer was, “When you quit seeing the chickens in your dreams.” (Genie and I are seeing the chickens in our dreams every night so far.)

 

In checking with a local CPA who does both federal and state income tax: the cost of the chicken therapy is an eligible tax reduction under medical costs.

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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in New York. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.