Good show: Kris Stanley (left) with Dr Harry and former television star Joyce Jacobs. PictureL Lisa McMahon
AT AGE 13, Ruby is not a particularly old chook but she looks spectacular with her painted feathers and nails.
She is part of a trio of chickens that have become the livelihood of Kris Stanley, and, as a member of the Indian longneck chicken species, is expected to live up to 30 years.
The chickens are part of her floor show called Kris's Feathered Friends which she takes to aged-care centres.
There is such demand for them that she is booked out until next February, and there is a waiting list.
"People with dementia often sit and cuddle a doll all day, and I go in with these chooks and they can feel the heartbeat," Ms Stanley said.
Her most recent media exposure has been as a guest on Channel Seven's Better Homes and Gardens, where she met the resident vet Dr Harry while they taped the show at Goodhew Gardens in Woolooware Shores.
In her seven years she has done about 1500 in-person shows, and is sponsored by Olsen's Funerals.
In addition to the three chooks, Ms Stanley has 23 parrots which often also get the "colour treatment".
"I have 28 animals — 29 if I count my husband John, who's a photographer," Ms Stanley joked.
"I also have two bunnies."
The first time she met Dr Harry he tried to cure a parrot with behavioural problems.
"The parrot kept chasing my husband around the house and in the end I gave the parrot away; he's met a lady friend and is very, very happy."
During the taping the latest program, Ms Stanley also met Joyce Jacobs, who played the busybody Esme Watson in the television series A Country Practice.