FIVE hens and five cockerels have been welcomed to their new home – Cluckingham Palace.

Better known as Cleveland House Nursing Home in Edgerton, the residents welcomed their feathery friends into the world.

They watched them hatch and have lovingly cared for them since.

And thanks to a super team effort, the hens and cockerel have a super hen pen to live in too.

Margaret McCabe, activities co-ordinator, said the idea was part of their community crops project and the eggs were donated by the Living Eggs project.

“We received the eggs at 19 days and they hatched at 21,” Margaret said. “It was an amazing experience for both residents and staff.”

The chicks spent their first 10 days in a brooder box which they quickly outgrew. So quick-thinking Phil Armitage, the maintenance supervisor, converted an old chest of drawers for the growing chicks.

And carer Dale Crabtree, a joiner by trade, offered to build the new residents a hen house and chick run in his spare time.

And a new sign has even been put up to ‘rename’ the home Cluckingham Palace.

Margaret added: “The whole experience has been a wonderful success, both for residents and staff, and has prompted fantastic teamwork from everyone at Cleveland House.

“All that remains now is for us to name them, but we plan to do this by involving residents, their families and staff by holding a competition.”

They hope to have the chickens named by Easter.