THE chickens have come home to roost in Berwick.
A total of 14 chicks have now hatched in their temporary home at the Villa Maria aged care residence, as part of the Henny Penny Hatching program introduced to the Avebury Drive facility last year.
“The residents have loved to sit and watch the chicks as they’ve hatched from their shells,” Villa Maria Berwick Lifestyle co-ordinator Carolyn Buckley said.
“Interacting with and holding the chicks has provided a great sensory experience, particularly for residents living with dementia.
“And many of the residents have been reminiscing about their childhoods when they collected eggs from chickens at home, bringing back happy memories.”
Ms Buckley said some of the new chicks would find permanent homes with staff members, while others would be distributed via the hatching program.
Established in 1907 as the Catholic Braille Writers Association, Villa Maria has grown to become one of Victoria’s largest not-for-profit providers of disability, education and senior services with more than 60 programs supporting 5000 people across the state and southern New South Wales.
