Team members at Colten Care’s Avon Reach in Mudeford put a heated incubator with embryo eggs centre stage in the home’s lounge.

Residents waited eagerly for the new arrivals and were transfixed as the eggs hatched. Over the course of several days eight chicks were welcomed into the world.

Megan Castell, companionship team leader, said: “It was the most magical time and our residents were totally fascinated.

“It was so interactive when the chicks arrived as residents could get up close and hold them.”

Among those enjoying the births was June Chandler who grew up on a farm in Wiltshire.

June said she knew exactly what to expect when the chicks were born, recalling happy girlhood memories of looking after poultry, lambs and piglets.

“The chickens were no trouble,” remembered June. “The ones we owned had a little run but had to be wired in because of the jackdaws.

“We also had a little lamb named Larry and when the piglets were born we used to bring them home and warm them up by the fire. They were little devils really, very wriggly.”

All eight chicks born at Avon Reach have now left to go to good homes, either free range farms locally or to people with existing hen flocks.

Two other Colten Care homes – Belmore Lodge and Linden House also hosted the births of chicks this spring, delighting their residents as well.