J.J. Hart's "Ducks" and the Obstinacy of Local Governments

Taken at face value, the story of J.J. Hart's "ducks' (which are really chickens) is just another feel-good story that media outlets trot out to offset the "We're all gonna die, tune in at 11:00 to find out why" stories that seem so common.

But subsequent analysis reveals this is a more complex tale that spotlights the dysfunction of local governments (as well as the inherent values of "ducks").

The Chickens Don't Think I'm Weird: The Therapeutic Value of Chickens

A Nanci L. Valke story visible online at insidebayarea covers the poignant story of a nine-year old boy in Clayton California who has Tourette's syndrome. His tics are repellent to potential neighborhood playmates, but his five hens, (Chickadee, Peach, Daisy, Brownie and Daphne) are a comfort. "The chickens, they don't think I'm weird." 

He's lucky because the town has allowed the family to keep the chickens, but only because the birds minimize the boy's symptoms. 

This is not an isolated instance. Many chicken owners find spending time with their birds to be calming and it is not uncommon to hear references to "chicken TV". Chickens seem to balance what is attractive about pets (tameness, come when called, eager to see you, antics) with wild behaviors (foraging, dustbathing, asserting dominance) that provide insight into avian behavior. So a late afternoon spent in their company is both entertaining and informative.


It is indeed unfortunate when children with special challenges and attachment to their chickens are denied the therapeutic value of their company. Hats off to Clayton California.