Southgate care home residents feeling chirpy thanks to budgies’ visit

Six chirpy budgerigars visited Minchenden Lodge care home recently, taking residents on a trip down memory lane.

Budgerigars were often kept as pets in years gone by, and many of the residents remembered having one of these colourful birds as part of the family when they were younger.

Tame and cheeky, these beautiful birds were brought to Minchenden Lodge by Kelly from Performing Pets, who specialise in supplying pets and other animals for film, theatre, media, therapy, education and special events.

Manager of Minchenden Lodge, Kemisha Morris, said: “Performing Pets have been visiting us for a few years now, bringing different animals every month for animal-assisted therapy sessions. Our residents and staff loved meeting these budgies and I think the birds enjoyed the visit too!”

Owner of Performing Pets, Des Jordan, said: “Multiple studies have proven that animal-assisted therapy used in the correct way, with happy, healthy confident animals, improves mood, reduces developing depression and can support in decreasing feelings of anxiety and sadness, as well as increasing physical activity.

“We are very passionate about working with our residents at Minchenden Lodge, building bonds that create comfort and familiarity, and they look forward to our visits every month.”