A new wellness trend combining yoga with chickens has arrived in the UK, promising enhanced relaxation through interaction with the feathered birds. Known as 'hen yoga' or 'Clucksana', the practice originated in the US after the pandemic and is now being offered in Malton, North Yorkshire, by former farmer Thalia Rochelle Counsell through her company Zen Hens.
During a typical class, participants spend the first 15 minutes playing with the hens before a 40-minute yoga session, during which the birds roam freely in the same room. The hens, which wear nappies to avoid mess, are silkie bantams known for their calm nature. Attendees can use chicken feed to attract the birds to their mats, and the gentle clucking is said to have a soothing effect.
Counsell reports that the classes have been extremely popular since launching three months ago, with particular benefits for those with mental health issues or special needs. 'They feel special when the hens choose them to sit with,' she said. 'People with special needs also respond well, as they have to remain calm for the birds, and this helps them to manage their emotions.'
However, Clare Thomas-Pino, a lecturer in human-animal interaction at Hartpury University, expressed reservations about potential disease transmission. 'It is true that being around animals, including chickens, has the potential to bring benefits,' she said, but added that chickens 'can carry diseases which humans can pick up.' Nonetheless, she acknowledged that the novelty might encourage people to stick with yoga beyond an initial burst of enthusiasm.
