FEATHERS have been ruffled at a Latchford care home after two chickens were welcomed to the fold.

Belong Warrington Care Village on Loushers Lane has welcomed two hens in order to provide therapeutic benefits for elderly residents.

Studies have shown that nurturing animals helps to reduce agitation, loneliness and depression that can be suffered by people living with dementia.

Activity coordinator Lisa McLaughlin said: “The hens bring both interactive and therapy value to the residents and are very much a reminiscence tool – particularly for those who have kept hens in years gone by or have been involved with farms growing up.

“The word is spreading and the other Belong villages are now keen to adopt hens of their own too as they are so beneficial for the residents.”

People living in the home be encouraged to take an active part in the upkeep of the chickens, helping staff with the feeding and cleaning of the hens.

A special ceremony was held to unveil the names of the feathered friends, who were rescued from a battery farm in June, with residents of the care home opting to call the pair Pepsi and Shirley.

The competition also helped to raised funds for an automatic door for the chicken coop.

Resident Marion Roberts said: “It’s wonderful having the hens here – we really enjoy having a cuddle and all helping to look after them.

“They’ve got a lovely little house in the garden and lots of space to run about in.”