Poultry Talk Ontario (pto.ca)

Great video about chicken therapy at a seniors home in Australia

http://www.sbs.com.au/news/thefeed/arti ... py-animals

That is so awesome! My mom and dad sure would have liked that when they lived in the home, as they had previously raised chickens and ducks and other animals. They loved the wild birds. They were so bored at the end of their lives. This would have really revitalized them. What a great idea. Thanks for sharing.

True. My Dad would have appreciated some chicken therapy in his last years in the senior's res. He grew up in a farm, so I imagine the sight and sounds of a chicken would have made him smile.

I saw that video a month or so ago and it made me smile and tear up all at the same time. My dad lived with Alzheimer's for 9 years before passing. He grew up on a farm and raised beef cattle when I was a kid. I used to take videos of cows in pasture, my chickens, random animals I would see on drives and play them for him when I visited. It never stopped getting a huge grin and excited response even long after his words were gone. I pray that this industry that cares for elders can recognize and implement these types of life enrichment programs. I made contact with a lady last summer that was looking for volunteers to bring baby animals in for visits to a local nursing home. I had no babies st the time but promised to arrange something with her next spring so hoping it works out.

I'd love to do this but am not sure how to go about starting? Anyone have any experience with this? We've got chickens, mini horses and a very tame pygmy goat who thinks she's a dog...it could be aweomse!

Check with a retirement / nursing homes in your area & find out what their regs are & what animals you can use under what circumstances. . Our new German Shepherd will be starting where my brotherinlaw is in new year . All they want is proof of up to date shots & to see dogs personality . Luck

Frances - Fairsing Farm, I think has therapy chickens? SHe might know.

awww this is such a wonderful thing. i would LOVE a therapy chicken i totally plan on using chicken therapy after my surgery too. let a few out on the lawn and watch them putter around....LOL.
they look so happy with the chickens.

Brilliant, Thanks for posting.
Plan to use this as an argument when DH complains about chickens

Some of the retirement spots in the UK have chickens too.