Free range chickens have more severe behavioral problems than birds that are subject to strict rules and guidelines, says acclaimed poultry therapist and chicken hypnotist Topaz Corpel-Klotz.
"What I'm saying might surprise people, but I see the problems affecting these free range chickens every day in my practice." And the cause, Corpel-Klotz says, is a lack of structure. "Free range chickens have no one telling them, 'No, it's not okay to stay out with the rooster all night," she said.
A lack of discipline and boundaries, says Corpel-Klotz, who works primarily with White Leghorn and Golden Comet chickens, results in angry, rebellious poultry.
"Last week, I had an agitated Leghorn free-ranger stomp out of my office during a session, light a cigarette and then peck a hole in my car tire. He calmed down after I threatened to call Foster Farms," said Corpel-Klotz. "Too many owners are trying too hard to be their chicken's best friend."