Birches residents egg-cited as new ducklings hatch
In the middle of April, The Birches, our Learning disabilities home in Brigg, received some Duck eggs to hatch in an incubator. Residents have been excited to have the opportunity to watch them hatch… meet Daisy Duck, Jemima Puddle Duck, Sherbet, Little Dude and Quackers.
As the residents have been unable to go out and about this easter due to restrictions, the ducklings have been a wonderful diversion.
The inspiration to get the ducklings came from another of our homes, Sunningdale Court. Last year residents at Sunningdale Court in Scunthorpe, received some chicken eggs which they then hatched. The chickens have become permanent residents at Sunningdale delighting residents and having a positive impact on their wellbeing as they interact with them and help to look after them. Having seen this, staff at The Birches decided it would be a great idea to get some too. After discussing it the residents decided they would prefer ducks to chickens.
The Ducklings are Pekin ducks which will turn white as they grow. They are already getting quite big and will be moved outside in 2-4 weeks with all five ducklings becoming permanent residents at the home.
Manager Anita Gregory said ‘The residents and the staff watched excitedly every day waiting for them to hatch, the home has been full of excitement and happiness as each one has hatched, they really have lifted everyone’s spirits.’
The names were chosen by residents and staff from a big list of names which they then voted on.
Having animals for residents to interact with and care for is proving to be an egg-cellent idea!
