Hen therapy

[jastevens]

I want to take my little ladies to a nursing home for some hen therapy and wondering what I do when they poo. Is there some type of diaper or covering I can use
Thank you

 

[Mahlzeit]

I have seen diapers on chickens and ducks before. Not sure where you would get them though.

 

[Beadie eye]

Hi, I know of one website called Hensavers, they have diapers. I think they are in the US. Hope this helps and Good Luck with the Chicken Therapy. Lifes too short not to hug a warm friendly chicken.

 

[Happy Chooks]

Also, make sure you clip and file off nails. Chicken nails can easily tear through our skin, let alone elderly skin.

 

[azygous]

My Pet Chicken sells the diapers, i believe.

 

[aart]

I want to take my little ladies to a nursing home for some hen therapy and wondering what I do when they poo. Is there some type of diaper or covering I can use
Thank you

Do you have permission to do this yet?
I'd think they wouldn't allow it.....huge chance of bringing in organisms that those folks might not have immunity against.

If it is allowed, I do some trial runs with the diapers at home to make sure your birds will tolerate them before visiting.

 

[TalkALittle]

If you are planning to visit residents that are not your family members, you will probably need (as required by many facilities) insurance. Even if you don't need it, you might want it. Imagine getting sued because your bird pecked someone' grandma in the eye.

Insurance is available through just about every therapy animal organization. You'll need to research to see which ones will let you register birds and if chickens are excluded.

Pet Partners is an excellent organization that supports its members well with guidance and education. They allow birds to be registered with them. They require the bird wear a leash, harness, and feces containment device during visits. Additionally, the bird must be docile and easily handled. They may have requirements regarding how the bird is housed and what its diet is to prevent the spread of certain pathogens to the people you visit.

Visits from therapy animals can be wonderful for patients and elderly residents but it isn't as simple as bringing an animal to visit. As a handler you'll have a huge responsibility to the physical and emotional well-being of your animal, the patient, and even that patient's family. As a handler you'll need to learn how to conduct safe visits that are respectful of the patients' rights.