Henny Penny brings joy at Resthaven Mitcham
The ‘Henny Penny’ Hatching Program is once again bringing much joy to the residents, staff and families of Resthaven Mitcham, as they delight in watching the baby chicks hatch.
‘The response to the Henny Penny Hatching Program has far exceeded our expectations,’ says Lifestyle Coordinator, Sylvia Ortiz.
‘The hatching of the eggs causes so much excitement, and hours of entertainment.’
‘This is the third year we’ve hosted a “Henny Penny” incubator, and it has become a highlight of the Lifestyle calendar.’
‘We look after the eggs in their incubator for several weeks before they finally hatch.’
‘Hatching day is always amazing – everyone lines up in front of the incubator to watch the chicks enter the world.’
‘The little “peck hole” which appears, followed by a beak, always creates much excitement.’
‘The observers watch with fascination and awe as a tiny chick gradually emerges and kicks itself free of the shell.’
‘Part of the reason that residents love this program so much is that it calls up fond childhood memories of collecting eggs and running around with their backyard chickens.’
‘Grandparents also love to show their grandchildren the newly hatched chicks, with one resident commenting on what a lovely experience it was to be able to share with her family.’
‘There is always much commentary about the chick’s personalities, with naming the chicks a popular pastime for residents and staff alike.’
‘It brings so much joy to all to see new life, especially at Easter.’
The Henny Penny Hatching Program runs annually at several Resthaven residential homes. Chickens are re-homed by the Henny Penny organisation once they have outgrown their indoor pen.
Resthaven Mitcham is just one of Resthaven’s eleven residential care homes across metropolitan Adelaide, Murray Bridge, Port Elliot and Mount Gambier. A twelfth home at Aberfoyle Park will open in mid-2018.
Resthaven also supports older people living independently in their own homes through our community services sites, located throughout metropolitan Adelaide, Murraylands, Fleurieu, Riverland and Limestone Coast.
