"It is the intuitive power of animals that can help is heal hurts, lessen stress, feel needed, and express our caring side." - Marty Becker MVD
Many different animals have provided this service and have benefited countless lives with the small acts they participate in. Guinea pigs, rabbits and rats have been used in classrooms to calm restless children and help them focus, having one hand on the animal and their eyes on the home work at hand. It is often proved that being in the company of a pet can lower blood pressure, and heart rates for the better.
Chickens have been used before in small therapy sessions, and I think bantam hens are calm, sweet and caring little birds, who would make excellent therapy candidates. Bantams are mini-chickens, weighing in at about one half the size of a regular hen or rooster.
Starting in May and throughout the summer, I am offering small volunteer animal therapy sessions in Guelph. I would like to visit community centres, assisted living centres, nursing homes and schools. Offering 1-2 hour visits with small chickens in toe. Clients would be able to hold and pet a bird, watch them explore there surroundings and scratch for some feed. Willing clients could sit on the ground and feed them by hand, and gently cuddle the hens or chicks. The chickens are very socialized with children and adults
"Animals are such agreeable friends, they ask no questions, they pass no criticism." - George Elliot
This therapy would be recommended to small, quite groups, children must understand that these birds are delicate and at times frightful of loud noises and movements and be supervised by an adult. As chickens are a quiet and delicate, clients will benefit from their natural calming nature and often seek out the creatures to protect them, and speak to them softly. Chickens have different personalities, and once observed can be admired for classy, yet spunky additudes. Chickens are uncommonly seen in therapy, and should bring some new excitement to the daily routine and spice up the usual group activities.
There would be no fees or charges for organized visits. Private sessions would cost a small donation towards the therapy hen's themselves to offset food and treats. Baby chicks are also available to small groups and to gentle children.
"Until one has loved an animal, part of one's soul remains unawakened." - Anatole France
My hens are treated as pets and as such are kept clean and extremely healthy, the session space will be cleaned and the hens are washed prior to each visit. Hand-washing is encouraged before and after visits with the hens.
To organize a session or visit please
send me a message on the Contact Page.
The chicks have been busy, visiting-up a storm at local public schools! We discovered that Cashew the silkie chick has an affinity for Hello Kitty sparkle sneakers, and all the chicks are very curious.
Meet the Therapy Chicks
(From left to right) Buckbeak, Willow, Penny, Peanut, Oddball & Cashew
Meet the Therapy Chicks
Classroom Incubator & Egg Rental Packages
Teachers looking for the Ultimate Classroom Egg to Chick experience? Have you tried incubating eggs in your classroom without success? Summer Girl Chicks can help! Now excepting requests to help with classroom incubation projects. We provide the incubator, the eggs, and guide you through the experience with resources, instructions and hands-on help. Once the chicks hatch, you can keep them in a brooder for up to one week, and Summer Girl Chicks will re-home them!
More information to come!