Didn't know where to place this, so I've put it here. I just want to know if there is anyone else who has this type of fear? I wouldn't want to insult anyone by calling it a phobia because it doesn't rule my life. It's something that's been a problem all my life, and I've no idea why. I would hate seeing individual feathers on the ground, etc. The idea of a feather touching me was unbearable. If I was at a zoo, say, and there was an emu or rhea in a pen I either wouldn't walk past it or, if I had no choice, I would run. I don't know what it is about a feather but I think it's something to do with the structure. Then, recently, I learnt about the Southern Cassowary. A creature of my nightmares and did I come across one in a past life, which has led up to the feather fear?
The funny thing is I have a real fondness for pigeons, they're such dumb idiots. It infuriates my when I see parents encouraging their children to ill-treat pigeons because they're considered 'vermin'. I have loads of regular families of birds in my garden: pigeons, sparrows, magpies, blackbirds, rooks, etc. It's not a problem because they tend to keep their feathers to themselves. I've had my regulars who will come over and take something from my friend. But if I see a feather sticking out of place that really bothers me. Does anyone else have this type of aversion?
But the Southern Cassowary? What the actual f---?