Four chickens have made a Helensburgh care facility their new home – much to the delight of the residents.
Thelma, Louise, Tina and Wilma are some of the newest residents at Morar Lodge Care Home - but have quickly become part of the community.
They have been welcomed with open arms by all the residents since they hatched eight months ago.
One who is particularly pleased to see the new flock is Morar Lodge resident Maureen - who kept chickens in the past.
“It’s really lovely to watch them hatch," she said.
"We couldn’t believe when they actually hatched – they’re all so different.
“I see them every day and the residents love them.
“I had chickens before I came into the home and it’s just like being back at home.
“For people in bed who can’t get out, it’s ideal for them to have the chickens to fuss over.”
The chickens have attracted new residents to the home, too, with one lady choosing to live in Morar Lodge specifically because of them.
The home originally only intended to watch the chickens hatch but decided to keep them as permanent residents with their own hutch.
Maintenance supervisor Joe oversees the flock, and brings them to see residents around the home one or two times a week.
He said: “There’s obviously all different characters, but people enjoy just getting a wee pat and watching them looking on the floor for crumbs.
“We get loads of smiles and loads of interaction - even if it’s just a wee hold.
“In the spring, when it’s a bit nicer, they can feed them and watch them, and I want to build a bench area – it’s really relaxing watching chickens.”
While the chickens have a hutch of their own, Joe hopes to create an even bigger outdoor space for them to use when the weather improves n the spring.
The playful chickens have brought companionship and laughs to the Morar Lodge residents and Joe hopes that by building a bigger area to give them and the residents more space to enjoy each other’s company this will continue.
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