News

Tender moments with baby chicks

January 24th, 2022

Residents at Points West Living Heritage House in Vegreville had a special visit last month with a wee flock of hatchling chickens. The soft, downy little chicks tugged at heartstrings and evoked memories in residents of chickens from days gone by.

Little peeps and soft little bundles

“Our residents loved being able to see the baby chicks, to hear their little peeps, and to hold each soft little bundle,” says General Manager Alexis Bauer. “Many recalled years gone by where they themselves had raised wee chicks. One resident, Cliff told me of his family incubator that used a kerosene lamp to keep the eggs warm, and how they turned each egg by hand. Nowadays there are automatic electric heaters and egg turners.”

Cuteness overload

“I am amazed and blessed by all the beautiful stories each individual shares,” says Alexis. “Residents were buzzing about the chicks all day, and made me promise to bring in each new hatch for them to see. It’s hard to be unhappy when there is a cuteness overload happening!”

"These little chicks were an excellent antidote to boredom, by providing a bit of spontaneity to our community. We are hoping for many more visits and perhaps fresh eggs come summer!"

The chicks were brought in from the hobby farm of Wellness Supervisor Samantha Giese. She and her family raise dairy goats, bunnies and chickens. She hopes to bring in more animal babies soon for another cuddle-visit with residents.

Photo collage: (clockwise from lower left) Phyllis Rozka, Emily Sorochan, and Anna Kotyshyn delight in the wee chicks visiting Heritage House. Anna was surprised when the chick she was holding fell asleep in her cupped hands.