Scottish Care Home Plans Heartwarming Silkie Chicken Project for Dementia Residents

A touching community initiative from a care home in Scotland is gaining attention online after staff shared plans to introduce a small flock of Silkie chickens to support residents living with dementia and improve wellbeing.

The project, proposed by Elderslie Care Home in Paisley, aims to create a calm and engaging outdoor experience where residents can interact with friendly chickens, help care for them, and enjoy meaningful daily routines.

A Small Flock With a Big Purpose

According to the post shared online by Richard from the care home team, the project would begin with four female Silkie hens or pullets. Silkies are known for their soft fluffy feathers, gentle personalities, and calm temperament, making them a popular choice for therapeutic and family-friendly environments.

The goal is not simply to keep chickens as pets, but to create an activity that encourages:

routine and responsibility,

outdoor engagement,

social interaction,

conversation and reminiscence,

emotional comfort for elderly residents.

Residents would be able to help feed the hens, collect eggs, and spend quiet time observing the birds in a safe environment.

Supporting Residents Living With Dementia

Animal-assisted activities are increasingly being recognized for their positive effects on older adults, especially individuals living with dementia.

Friendly animals can help stimulate memories, reduce loneliness, encourage communication, and create calming experiences. For many elderly residents, caring for animals may also reconnect them with memories from childhood or earlier life experiences.

The care home believes the chickens could become a valuable part of daily life and emotional wellbeing for residents.

An Intergenerational Community Project

One of the most heartwarming parts of the plan is the involvement of a local nursery.

The care home explained that children and elderly residents may be able to enjoy the chickens together, creating meaningful intergenerational experiences. Activities like feeding the hens, naming them, and learning about their care could help bring together two generations in a natural and joyful way.

Projects that connect children with older adults are often praised for reducing isolation while building stronger community bonds.

Meet Dolly, Cher, Tina and Shirley

The team is also planning to give the chickens memorable names inspired by famous female singers.

Possible names include:

Dolly

Cher

Tina

Shirley

The idea behind using different-colored Silkies and recognizable names is to make it easier for residents to identify each hen and encourage conversation, storytelling, and emotional connection.

For residents living with dementia, familiar names and visual differences can make interactions more engaging and easier to remember.

Searching for Calm and Friendly Silkies

Richard asked the online poultry community for recommendations for reputable breeders in Scotland who may have non-bearded female Silkies available.

Because the birds would live in a care-home environment, the staff emphasized that temperament is extremely important. They are specifically looking for:

calm and friendly hens,

birds comfortable being handled,

confirmed females only,

suitable small-flock behavior.

The care team also welcomed advice from experienced poultry keepers to ensure the chickens receive proper long-term care.