Community Springs residents incubate duck eggs, hatch ducklings
Residents at Community Springs Healthcare Facility enjoyed a new activity this spring: incubating duck eggs. Kathy Crusha, the activities director, set up an incubator in the activities room, and residents watched over eight speckled eggs each day.
After weeks of careful watching, three eggs began to hatch May 26. The residents were fascinated by the tiny ducklings emerging from their shells and enjoyed feeding and caring for them.
Crusha explained that some residents had expressed interest in incubating duck eggs after successfully hatching baby chicks last year. "It takes 28 days for duck eggs to hatch and 21 days for chickens," she said. The activity brought joy to all the residents.
The ducklings moved to Crusha's farm on May 30, where they joined other ducks. The residents said their goodbyes, having enjoyed a memorable experience.
Community Springs is a 105-bed skilled nursing center, including a 15-bed high-functioning memory care unit. The facility offers inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services and operates nearby independent living apartments. Community Springs is owned and operated by the Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation of Bolivar.
For more information about Community Springs Healthcare Facility, call 417-876-2531.
Photo 1: Lois Lowrey.
Photo 2: Eniqu Hablutzel.
Photo 3: Ann Langston.