Ambassadors for the farm

[centrarchid]

Modified approach of using rooster in the class room. Group yesterday of preschool age (4 - 5 years old) so on average younger than audiences I typically work with. Kids (about 20) were seated on floor in a semi-circle. I sat in a regular chair and instructor sat with kids displaying fear. Kids were given a meal worm and brought one at a time to allow Rollo to eat meal worm from their hand. Each was encouraged to touch Rollo's flank. When kids re-seated, Rollo was released where flew to ground in circle. He swept floor with wind generated. I then tossed meal worms in front of kids where Rollo would pick them up. Then I told kids to pick up subsequent meal worms and have them so Rollo could get the morsel. Before done Rollo was systematically checking all the kids for worms and they were touching him. Rollo as OK with contact so long as they did not touch him from above. By end of the event even the apprehensive kids where touching Rollo. My son of same class helped with event which was first for me. He did well. Rollo as able to ply hallway later as I participated in a phone conference.

 

[scottcaddy]

Good to see that your son was in class group. Was that planed or a happenstance?
Thanks for the update.
Scott

 

[centrarchid]

This round at his school.


Will go back with hen and chicks.

 

[drumstick diva]

never would have worked with me - mealworms or any worms, or slugs, etc. NO WAY!! would I ever touch them.

 

[centrarchid]

Some kids said same. They came around.

 

[centrarchid]

Another effort involving a high school in Kansas City has three coops used as tractors like shown above. Divided between the three coops are 6 Barred Plymouth Rocks, 3 Delawares, and 3 Wheaton Marans. Only the Delawares in are in lay. Barred Rocks are > 3 years old and Marans are underweight. Students and structure are going to be doing some culling soon. I also introduced an American Dominique cock that had to work hard to get his position in the flock. He had to fight and beat each female in turn. Very educational process for students and processor. Culled hens will be replaced with additional Delawares. Will also try to get a Delaware cockerel.

 

[centrarchid]

My son and I are keeping track of hen that will be incubating Little Roger and Cuzco the Dragon, named by son and daughter respectively. This naming stuff may drive me insane. Little Roger and Cuzco the Dragon are Missouri Dominique eggs the kids found in a barrel used to protect feed from mice. Eggs were placed in nest of a game hen that will be used for outreach events this season. My son has been reported to his classmates the deposition of eggs and will go in Monday to indicate the clutch is set at 10 game eggs plus Little Roger and Cuzco the Dragon. Incubation started 3/17/17 so estimated hatch date is April 6, 2017. Fun being had is kids ask every day if the eggs have hatched yet. Preschoolers have some trouble with concept of time when it goes beyond tomorrow.


Shortly after hatch, hen with chicks will be taken to son's class where the kids can see how mother cares for and communicates with chicks. Some have limited experience with chicks purchased from feed store but have not had opportunity to see natural behaviors. They will be able to see interactions up really close like in following video except hen and chicks will be walking among seated kids on floor in a classroom setting. Chicks will be younger that shown below but kids will be older.

[VIDEO]

 

[scottcaddy]

Will you be able to share video of this experience with us?
It sounds like it will be a most interesting event.
Scott

 

[centrarchid]

The immediate event, probably not, as not sanctioned by my university. Future events more university related may not be realized. My ag college may be largely terminated by end of June owing to state budgeting and likely federal investment later. Education and agriculture are going to be taking a big hit unless you reside in zip codes associated with higher tax brackets.

 

[centrarchid]

First clutch proved to be a bust with no hatch. Hatch date was to be April 7. Eggs likely exposed to temperatures that caused internal damage even though I removed all obvious cracked eggs. Kids where not happy as I tried to explain not all efforts to have kids are successful. That being said, a new Little Roger has been selected by son while daughter has shifted her interest to snakes. Kids wanted to see snakes so we found five within 30 minutes by looking in the usual places. They were two Bull Snakes mating (kids still not getting that concept down), one Garter Snake, one Speckled King Snake, and one RIbbon Snake that was under rock heavier that I should have lifted.


Hen has now been named Cimba by my daughter. Normally hen is called Browny. Cimba is getting close to resuming lay as weight rapidly coming back up although she still clucks. Still in "mourning" phase. Approaching 3 years of age, she still reconditions rapidly. Free-range American Dominique stags are stacking up outside her pen trying to get her into their respective harems. Bullstag game (Stanley) used for field day events was put into pen with Cimba so we can get chicks of useful genetics.