A care home in Pudsey welcomed two new bright eyed and bushy tailed additions to the family recently when Gladys and Barry hatched into the world.
Residents and staff at Acacia Court witnessed the birth of the bountiful chicks following a special delivery of 'living eggs' just in time for Easter.
The little bundles of joy are expecting to be joined by brothers and sisters in the coming weeks as other chicks begin to hatch in their specially designed incubators before being moved on to live with loving families.
The Living Eggs Ready Hatch is a comprehensive programme aimed at giving care residents and school children the opportunity to see all stages of the hatching process.
Helen Fowler, care centre manager at Acacia Court, says: “We were thrilled to see the chicks enter the world, they’re a real talking point at the home and both the residents and staff are always wanting a cuddle with their new housemates.
“The chicks give the residents a real purpose. They have watched over and cared for them ever since they were eggs and so to have the opportunity to see them grow over the next few months will be a real honour.”
Animals in care homes have been proven to have a positive effect on the mental wellbeing of residents, helping them to relax, reduce stress and blood pressure levels, as well as giving them an opportunity for interaction.
