txswanie Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 My dog trainer volunteers at a retirement home, taking therapy dogs in to visit the residents. She found out that I had chickens and asked if I could bring one of the girls to the home for a therapy visit. She seems to think they will love it. I have a particularly tame Gingernut called Ginger Rogers who I think would do fine. My one concern is the mess. How do you stop a chicken pooping everwhere?? The plan is for me to hold her and just let the residents stroke her head but I have a horrible feeling she will get away from me and then who knows...Should I wrap her bottom half in a towel?. Im also doing it with my rabbit and Guinea Pigs (not all at the same time) Is this a bad idea? Colette. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 Could the visit be based outdoors? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 I think if you take some old sheets/duvet covers and drape them anywhere she'll be standing, you'll be fine . You'd just have to hope that if she does poop, it's one of the solid kind . What a lovely idea . I hope the old folks enjoy the visit . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickybaby Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 What a lovely idea....I think you should definately do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 I would raise this concern with the home, they may well have some 'incontinence pads' which are essentially paper with a plastic backing. You could use some of those which are very lightweight and would be perfect. She might be happier visiting in a large cat basket or small dog crate though if you could borrow one. Then she could be stroked through an open top and got out occasionally. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 I used to take my girls into school/Brownies/guides and just took some old towels with me for laps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bramble Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 That's a lovely idea. I used to visit a nursing home which had regular visits from a donkey (yes, he was allowed inside, a helper just followed him around with a bucket, just in case!), the residents loved these visits and it really brightened the day for them. I would just take lots of towels to put on laps. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 Brilliant idea, so many people kept chooks in their back gardens 'back in the day' it will really get the memories going If you hold her with her legs between your fingers and her body resting on your arm it just needs an old tea towel or puppy pad draped over your arm to catch the poop, just fold it over if she does one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
txswanie Posted March 29, 2011 Author Share Posted March 29, 2011 Thanks guys, the visit is scheduled for around Easter (Ginger's not quite a chick anymore but its the closest we could get and my bunny is far too grumpy to be let loose near people) The visit is in the centre's day room, I really hope they don't have carpets. I really like the idea of puppy or incontinence pads and I think I will take a load of old towels and hold her bottom half while they can stroke her head. It shouldn't be for long, perhaps 30 minutes. This is so funny, one of the dogs is training to be a therapy dog but I never imagined I would have a therapy chicken. Whats next...the movies??? Pictures to follow. Colette. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortle Chook Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 I think it is a brilliant idea. I've read, somewhere, of an old people's home that does have chickens and apparently everyone just loves them. I'll really look forward to seeing the pictures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimnpaula Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 do a google image search for "chicken nappies/diapers" P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThinkingChickens Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 The folks who come to our local farmers market have their chickens in diapers (specially made) and a harness. You can check out MyPetChicken.com where they sell them. Also, Etsy.com should have chicken diapers as well. This is also what people use when they allow their chickens to sleep inside. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 Similar sort of story *here*. It all happens in Sheffield! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slim Posted March 31, 2011 Share Posted March 31, 2011 I volenteer at beavers and take two chooks in about twice a year they love it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goodinparts Posted March 31, 2011 Share Posted March 31, 2011 I'm planning to take my pekins in to school to do Assembly very soon...It was the kitten last time But I LOVE the idea of chooks in an old people's home - am sure they will work their magic there too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fur 'n' Feathers Posted March 31, 2011 Share Posted March 31, 2011 We think this is a great idea! sure the home would be helpful in facilitating your visit(s). The key in anything like this is communication & planning. Let us know how it goes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lolimac Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 I think it's a great idea...I work in a residential home and i'm sure the residents will love it...i't will bring back fond memories for some and even those with memory problems..Don't worry about a bit of mess ,i know if the chook brings somes entertainment to the residents no one will mind and it will soon clean up...Go for it ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beach chick Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 I think that's a truly lovely thing to do, please let us know how it goes down with the residents. even if they've never been close to a chook in their life it will give them something to talk about, and can you imagine how soft a chicken's feathers feel if you've never touched one? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
