Bross Street Assisted Living

At Bross Street Assisted Living, we believe healing, growth, and joy can come from unexpected places—even a chicken coop.

Our resident flock of therapy chickens provides far more than fresh eggs. They create meaningful opportunities for connection, purpose, and engagement. Residents enjoy feeding, observing, collecting eggs, helping with daily care, and simply spending time with these friendly birds. Research has shown that interactions with animals can reduce stress, decrease feelings of loneliness, encourage physical activity, and improve overall emotional well-being. Animal-assisted programs have also been associated with increased social interaction, a greater sense of purpose, and improved quality of life for older adults and individuals receiving long-term care.
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Chickens are uniquely suited to a residential setting. They are gentle, entertaining, and highly social animals with distinct personalities. Watching them explore the yard, interact with one another, and respond to familiar people often brings smiles, laughter, and conversation among residents. Programs involving chickens in senior living communities have been shown to reduce isolation while encouraging residents to spend more time outdoors and engage with others.

For many residents, the chickens provide:

• A calming and relaxing outdoor activity
• Opportunities for nurturing and caregiving
• Increased social interaction with peers and staff
• Gentle physical activity and time in nature
• Meaningful daily routines and responsibilities
• Moments of joy, curiosity, and connection