Just a few weeks ago, White Oak Villages Assisted Living Facility Located in Howard County, MD,  welcomed a group of fuzzy, chirping baby chicks into our assisted living homes in Ellicott City—and what a joy they’ve been! Our residents have taken great pleasure in watching them grow, holding them gently, and checking in on them daily like proud grandparents.

Now, our little chicks are not so little anymore! They’re sprouting feathers, stretching their wings, and growing more curious by the day. With their increasing size and energy, it was time for a little upgrade, so we’ve expanded their brooder to give them more space to roam and explore.

The process of growth has been just as rewarding for our residents as it is for the chicks. Every phase brings new excitement: “Look how big they’ve gotten!” and “They’re really starting to act like chickens!” are phrases we now hear regularly.

Providing residents with the opportunity to engage with animals has been shown to boost mood, stimulate memory, and reduce feelings of isolation. Watching these chicks grow—and knowing they’ll one day provide fresh eggs for our kitchen—adds a beautiful layer of purpose and connection to daily life.

As always, our goal is to offer more than just care. We create a nurturing environment where every day offers something to look forward to—even if it’s just a chicken doing something new and silly.

Stay tuned as our feathered friends continue to grow into their next stage!