CLUCKY care home residents are feeling egg-stra special after being cheered up ... by chickens.

Bosses at Quenby residential home in Thorrington say they have had "astounding" results after drafting in a clutch of hens as therapy.

They claim the birds' antics ease stress and loneliness, and can even cut down the need for medication.

Deputy manager and chicken owner Peter Ronan hatched the poultry plan.

"Chickens have a naturally calming presence, which is ideal for our residents, which help to ease any feelings of isolation and for people with dementia, chickens are highly stimulating and brings residents together," he said.

"We found that when residents were either given the chickens to hold, or one of the hens walked in and jumped on their laps, it greatly reduced depression or anxieties and generally improved their well-being."

The home specialises in caring for people with dementia.

The hens help bring back memories for some residents.

They have watched the bantams hatch from eggs and grow up.

The hens now have luxury accommodation called Cluckingham Palace and roam around free range in the grounds of the home.

Ruffles the cockerel rules the roost – but often suffers from explosive wind from eating residents' food at lunch times.

Staff say the hen therapy project has been a huge success.

The birds are often found sitting on the laps of bedbound residents, who enjoy stroking their feathered friends.

Ninety-year-old resident Mary Thomson used to have oxygen daily but no longer needs it after making friends with the chickens, who visit her in bed every day.

And Joan Smith, 82, said: "I spend hours looking out the window at the chickens now.

"They are so much fun to watch and when they walk inside and jump on your lap it's tremendous.”

Mr Ronan added: "The chickens come in and jump on their beds - they absolutely love it.

"For some residents, it’s been years since they’ve touched a hen. And for those who used to keep chickens during the war, having a chicken in their lap can be very evocative."