Hatching in the Classroom

A Teacher's Guide to Classroom Hatching

Embarking on a classroom embryology project is an exciting educational experience. To ensure its success, proper planning is essential. This guide answers the most frequently asked questions by organizing them into a project timeline to help you prepare.

• Phase 1: Planning & Preparation

  What do I do with the chicks once they have hatched?

  A specific plan for the chicks must be worked out before undertaking the project. You should find them homes within a few days of hatching with someone who has proper brooding facilities and experience.

  Crucial Rule: Do Not Give Chicks to Students

  Under no circumstances should chicks be given to children to take home as pets. This is unsafe for the chicks and places an unfair burden on families.

  How to Find a Responsible Home:

  1. Arrange a Take-Back with Your Egg Supplier: The best option is to source eggs from a local breeder or farm that agrees to take the chicks back.
  2. Contact University Extension Services: Your nearest University Animal or Poultry Science department often has contacts with experienced local farmers.
  3. Contact the SPCA: As a final option, the local SPCA might help locate a home or humanely handle the chicks.

  Where can I obtain fertile eggs?

  Remember, eggs purchased from your local grocery store are not fertile and will not hatch. Fertile eggs can be ordered from a hatchery or breeding farm. If possible, go to a local farm to get the eggs yourself rather than having them shipped. Feed & Seed stores or University Extension services can also provide contacts. If you live in an urban area, please contact one of the reputable sources listed on the form supplied with Brinsea® Classroom Packs.

  How long can eggs be stored before incubation?

  Eggs can be safely stored for up to 10 days, but it's best to set them within 24-48 hours. Store them in cool, damp conditions (around 55°F / 12°C with 75% humidity). The vegetable drawer of a refrigerator can work if the temperature stays above 40°F (5°C). Turn stored eggs daily.

  How long will the project take?

  Typically 25 days for chicken eggs (21 days incubation + a few days with chicks). To avoid weekend hatches, set eggs on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Plan several months in advance to arrange for eggs and equipment. Remember to run the incubator for 24 hours before setting the eggs.

• Phase 2: Incubation & Hatching

  Should I help chicks hatch?

  No. There is usually a good reason if a chick doesn’t hatch, and intervening can cripple or infect it. After making the first hole, a chick rests for several hours while its lungs adjust. Humidity is critical at this stage, so don’t open the incubator until most chicks have hatched. Don’t allow your curiosity to damage your hatch.

  How long can the chicks stay in the incubator?

  Chicks are fine in the incubator for a few hours until they are dry and fluffy. Keep the incubator closed until most have hatched to maintain humidity for the others. Once hatched, transfer them to a brooder with textured, absorbent litter on the floor (paper towels work well and should be replaced daily) to prevent leg injuries.

• Phase 3: Post-Hatch Care & Safety

  How soon will the chicks need feeding?

  Chicks absorb the yolk sac just before hatching, which provides nutrition for the first couple of days. However, they need water straight away. Fill the drinker with fresh water as soon as you transfer them to the brooder. Provide chick starter feed (from any feed store) within a couple of days, and ensure fresh food and water are available twice daily.

  Is there a risk of Salmonella or E. coli infections?

  The risks are minimal. Transmission can be essentially eliminated through careful hand washing with soap and water after any contact with eggs, chicks, or litter. For more information, consult the guide on “Classroom embryology projects: Health risk myths and facts” from Pennsylvania State University: http://pa4h.cas.psu.edu/embryology.htm

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