Grimsby's Booth House egg-cited by cute new arrivals

A Salvation Army Lifehouse is egg-cited to announce it has some new arrivals after the hatching of five chicks. 

Booth Lifehouse in Grimsby, which provides supported accommodation for up to 35 people who have experienced homelessness, introduced five chickens, named Sporty, Ginger, Scary, Posh and Baby, last summer to help boost residents and staffs’ wellbeing and provide fresh eggs. 

They have now incubated a clutch of eggs and have five egg-cellent chicks to add to the family. 

Booth Lifehouse Chaplain Lt.Diane Taylor said: “We’re all delighted with our new arrivals. The staff and residents have been incubating eggs with the hope of hatching chicks so to see more arriving each day is lovely. We’ve called the black one Pingu because he looks like a penguin! And we’re deciding on names for the others. 

“The chickens provide our residents with a boost to their wellbeing and mental health as well as a routine. Staff and residents have been mucking in with keeping the chicken coop clean and tidy and bringing the chickens in at night. We hope that the new chicks will enhance this experience and their understanding of husbandry. 

“We’ve also used the births as an opportunity to talk about new life, transformation and hope with our residents. 

“Salvation Army Lifehouses don’t just provide a room for somebody to sleep in, it’s about engaging people in different activities and support services to help them move on from homelessness. This is providing them with a positive experience while they get back on their feet. Having the chicks has brought a real sense of hope and optimism to the place.

After one of the chicks hatched in her hands, Support Worker Jodie said: “It was one of the most uplifting and magical experiences I’ve ever had.” 

Residents have been following the progress of the eggs in person or via a webcam set up by Assistant Support Worker Wayne, who is also known as the ‘Chicken Whisperer’ after training the chickens to come in at night. 

Each Salvation Army Lifehouse has their own policy on allowing animals. 

Booth Lifehouse provides accommodation as well as support and signposting to services helping with addictions, mental health, benefits, debt and employment advice, and housing.