Starting a flock at a nursing home - anyone done this?

[MontanaChickDoc]

So maybe I stick with birds that are "easily replaceable" in terms of coloring, like all black chickens or buff orps. Like what you do with your kid's goldfish, whisk the dead one away and replace it with a lookalike and hope no-one's the wiser? Take the sick one away "for treatment" and bring it back Viola! All better...

 

[SueT]

In the video, the chickens were there on a trial basis. This might be a good way to start. If you have connections with a boy scout troop, you may have eager helpers. And someone who would want them if it doesn't get to continue.
As for losing birds, these are senior citizens we are talking about, adults...they understand death maybe more than anyone else. I don't think you have to shield them from it, they've lost friends, spouses, they'll take losing chickens in stride. Having each bird identifiable is part of the charm.
They had bantam Brahmas and bantam Cochins in that video, am I correct? These breeds are so friendly and cuddle-able.
Good luck, please let us know if you go forward with this!
Sue

 

[Chickassan]

From experience on this, the very first thing get the center's mailing list.
You will need to type up a newsletter announcing your plans to the families of the residents and include either a number or a mailback form to address questions or concerns and deal with that before you even start.
It will save you so many headaches.

 

[centrarchid]

Why not get a selection of game hens they vary markedly in terms of coloration so easy to distinguish. They train extremely easy to the point individuals can be called out to visit with a person for a food reward. They live for a long time and are not prone to many of the health issues of breeds bred to a look or culinary purpose. Egg production you will need to fib about but a broody can be used to rear young making for yet more fun. The housing component could be kept a short distance of grass away to decrease nastiness on feet if they are to fly up and interact with folks living there.

If some young whipper snappers try to rehome me, then some of my chickens will be coming along as part of the deal.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I was thinking a Cochin, silkie, buff or lavender Orpington, maybe Welsummer and Easter egger? Also my white leghorn was extremely chatty and nosey...which unfortunately ended up for her in the same way as the proverbial curious cat. She would insist on flying over the electric fence

As for losing birds, these are senior citizens we are talking about, adults...they understand death maybe more than anyone else. I don't think you have to shield them from it, they've lost friends, spouses, they'll take losing chickens in stride. Having each bird identifiable is part of the charm.

Well said Sue!!

@MontanaChickDoc a nice variety of colors/shapes/sizes would be pleasing and fun. I don't think I would go with all the "same color". Your thoughts of Orpies, Cochins and the rest are a good idea - the choices are unlimited really.

Bird watching is a favorite thing to do for rest home residents - we had a family member in a home (unfortunately) for years. Think about being "stuck" unable to really do anything except mostly lay in the bed. The highlight of her day, even when she reached 100yrs of age was to see all the different colors of birds come to the feeder at her window. She would tell you about each one. How boring it would have been if say...all of them were Cardinals.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Well said Sue!!

@MontanaChickDoc ... How boring it would have been if say...all of them were Cardinals.

Better than all of them being starlings.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Better than all of them being starlings.

I agree

 

[MROO]

Hi there! I have been reading articles about the benefits of keeping chickens for seniors, and would really like to help a local senior home get a small flock of chickens (6-8 ladies). Has anyone out there done this? Do you have any advice? It's a rural area of VA so zoning is not a problem. I figured I can do some fundraising to help with the cost of the coop and yard (I will get a pre-made one to make my life easier, unless I can find a group that wants to build one for me at low cost) (raise money by selling eggs, baby chicks, baked goods???), and I can provide the hens myself, and pitch in for the food and bedding (I'm at TSC every week anyway, an extra bag of food and shavings a month won't ding the budget that much ) I'm really excited about this (and I can probably write some of it off on taxes as a charitable donation) but tend to leap into projects with a lot of enthusiasm and not a whole lot of planning

Talk to your local Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4H groups about getting a coop. Another option is a local Boy Scout Troop. A chicken coop and run for a Nursing or Senior Citizen's Home is a perfect Eagle Project, especially with the relatively new Disability Awareness badge/program launched back at the centennial in 2010. Since you will be dealing with people with limited mobility - wheelchairs, walkers and canes - might I suggest starting with a standard shed and outfitting it with a solid floor and accessible roosts, nest boxes and shelving? And please keep us posted. This is such a great idea!

 

[centrarchid]

Many kids in FFA are expected to do some sort of community service where they can construct something for public use. I will be working with a kid constructing and aquaponics system coupled with a small scale trout hatchery so it can be used to teach 4-H youth.

 

[lcwmt]

Hi there! I have been reading articles about the benefits of keeping chickens for seniors, and would really like to help a local senior home get a small flock of chickens (6-8 ladies). Has anyone out there done this? Do you have any advice? It's a rural area of VA so zoning is not a problem.-snip-

You have been given a lot of excellent advice! Here's where I would start, before enlisting community help or getting a mailing list etc...
Is there an Activities Director at the facility you want to work with???
Start right there. If there is such a staff member, they will know if it's a good idea at their facility. If they are responsive in a positive way the path forward will be much easier.

I generally advocate for working within systems instead of trying to invent new things <G>>