RESIDENTS at an Isle of Wight care home were thrilled to welcome their newest residents, cockatiels Phillip and Lillibet.
The birds, who are part of the parrot family, hatched on August 10 and were donated to Blackwater Mill Care Home by Keely Woodberry at Key’s Little Birds.
Cockatiels can sense emotions based on people's behavioural patterns and facial expressions.
They do not mimic words as well as other parrot species, however, they do love to sing and are already mimicking the whistles and sounds they hear from the residents.
Phillip and Lillibet live in a large cage in the resident’s lobby and, like all children, enjoy playing with their toys and are very curious about the residents and staff who come to their cage to see them.
Studies have shown that interacting with birds can help reduce anxiety, depression, loneliness and aids sufferers of illnesses.
Seeing or hearing birds is associated with an improvement in mental well-being that can last up to eight hours.
The new residents join two cats, two cockerels, a chicken and a duck who also live at the home.
The home was recently visited by Smudgie from the Donkey Sanctuary, as well as visits from therapy dogs and therapy car Baldrick.
Penny T’yau, general manager, said: “Animals are so important for the wellbeing of our residents.
“Most of them had pets in their own home, and it is something that we know they miss when moving into a care home.
“By having these animals in our home, we are able to offer the residents fulfilling interactions. We are a very pet-friendly home.”
Staff are currently setting up a fish tank to house some tropical fish for the residents to watch and are also preparing part of the grounds to welcome 20 ex-battery hens.
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