Once a month, the Healing Hens nonprofit visits Signature Pointe Senior Living Home in Dallas, bringing joy to the residents with their unique approach to animal therapy.
“Healing Hens” President Kris Munster introduced the silky chickens to resident Glenda Egans. “These are silky chickens,” Munster explained, as Egans marveled at their fluffy appearance. “They are so neat,” Egans responded enthusiastically.
Silky chickens are a smaller breed known for their soft, poofy feathers, resembling poodles in their fluffiness. Munster highlighted one particular hen, Toby, as a standout. “They come in many beautiful colors and are just fascinating,” she said.
Egan, delighted by the chickens, expressed a desire to keep one. “She’s so cute. I would keep her!”
Following the summer, Signature Pointe will host four of these silky chickens in a permanent coop, marking the beginning of Healing Hens’ pilot program for senior homes. The chickens offer similar comfort and companionship as therapy dogs, but with feathers.
“First of all, it makes me smile,” resident Martha Horne shared. “And it just makes me feel good.”
Healing Hens was founded by Egan after she moved from the city to the country and sought solace and connection through keeping silky chickens. Inspired by their positive impact on her own well-being, she hoped they could provide the same joy to seniors.
Munster expressed her mission to support the often-overlooked senior population. “It breaks my heart to think they are forgotten, and I believe we can do more to help.”
Signature Pointe Executive Director Blaire Freshwater noted the therapeutic benefits of the chickens. “It’s heart medicine,” she said. “It eases anxiety and helps residents feel more at home.”
Egan, who had been feeling isolated, found the visit uplifting. “It really brightened up my day,” she said. “I wasn’t too interested in therapy, but when I heard the chickens were coming, I was excited because I love animals!”
Healing Hens will supply the chickens, coop, and feed for their new home at Signature Pointe. Munster hopes to expand the program to other senior living facilities, noting that for many, it’s the highlight of their day.
