A new feathery friend, lovingly known as Big Bertha the Chicken, has proven to be a welcome addition to the enrollments at Kaniva Uniting Early Learning Centre.
The Isa Brown hen, hailing from a local family farm in Wimmera, has become a beloved member of the day care community – her photos now decorating many household fridges in the area.
“She is the most loved chicken ever,” says Service Leader, Kelly. “She’s very spoilt. Every morning the children are excited to check on her.
“They ask a lot of questions. They’re very curious about Bertha. At the moment we’re learning what food she likes. We have discovered that she loves bananas and has an addiction to meal worms.”
Milestone moments
As the children learn and grow, so does Bertha, hitting her own developmental milestones.
“She recently laid her first egg,” says Kelly. “The children were so encouraging, standing on the outside of the henhouse cheering her on.
They were so excited and proud of her.
“The whole service has been very excited about the first egg and what to do with it. We have decided that it will be blown, cleaned and decorated, and put on display for everyone.”
Teaching kindness
Kelly says Bertha has taught the children kindness, respect and curiosity. “The children always say very kind and supportive things to her. Being kind to her, that helps them understand how we are kind to each other.
Kelly says Bertha has taught the children kindness, respect and curiosity. “The children always say very kind and supportive things to her. Being kind to her, that helps them understand how we are kind to each other.
“She has taught the children to have respect for all animals and the land. There are lots of conversations about how we interact with Bertha to keep her safe.”
The children have noticed many of Bertha’s striking qualities. Oliver*, aged 2, remarked on her beautiful orange eyes.
And Theo*, aged 3, said, “She is a sand flicking chicken,” after Bertha sprayed the class during her sand bath.
Isaac*, aged 4, expressed his love for Bertha, “We care for Bertha, she is so cute.”
*Children’s names have been changed
