Classroom Hatch

[ThaJuicyJuice]

After hatching a couple times, I think I am ready to bring the incubator to class for the kids to experience the incubation and hatch process. I work in a Title I urban school, and these kids don't get to see this kind of stuff, ever. I am confident that it will be an eye-opening experience. Any teacher out there, or individuals have any advice before I truck it all down to the school? Oh, I do have the auto turner, so turning on the weekend shouldn't be an issue.

 

[debilorrah]

I think it is a fantastic idea, and I hope you plan on a start to finish hatch. I recently read about a teacher that got some eggs already incubated (someone close obviously) and she set them and they hatched in a few days. That doesn't really give them the anticipation factor or learn through candling the development stages.

OOOO let me go get a link for you to use too!!!

 

[debilorrah]

My favorite helping thread ever for hatchers.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=261876

 

[tia]

Good luck to you. The students will love it. I've been hatching in the classroom for the last 5 years. I've learned a lot, but still have lots to learn. Make sure you get your incubator set up and temp and humidity regulated. Our school has fluctuating temperatures. When I had a Little Giant I ended up taking it down to the maintenance shop because the humidity was too high in my room. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. There is so many people on here with so much information I couldn't have done anything without these people answering my questions. Have fun!!!

 

[wsdareme]

Ditto what tia said.

A lot of schools turn down the heat when the buildings aren't occupied, so make sure you have an incubator that can adjust to temperature swings. I'm guessing the still-air incubators wouldn't be a good choice for those situations.

 

[WriterofWords]

Don't forget your humidity over the weekend too, I use sponges to add a little extra humidity. It may get a little high the first day but it lasts through the weekend without drying out. I have eggs due the 28th, several teachers joined this hatch I think. This is my 7th or 8th classroom hatch.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=480361&p=1

 

[fatbassetvineyards]

I just set some for open house. I teach middle school math so we do alot of average temperature, percent hatch rate, ect. They are also making a display to put into the library showing the process. When they found out we are hatching again they were so excited. I also allowed my students to take home two+ chicks. I had a parent information sheet, instructions and had to have it signed by both student and parent. Wonderful experience!

 

[ecse129]

I hatch them in my third grade classroom and the kids LOVE it. I would recommend setting on a Tuesday or Wednesday to try and get the hatch day on a school day. If you have a webcam, I suggest setting up a Ustream for the kids to watch when they aren't at school. We are currently waiting for ducks and chicks to hatch in our incubators and I have two ustreams set up for after school hours:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/huntseggs
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/huntseggs2
The kids love going home, checking it out, and sharing them with their parents. It is SUCH a great experience! Make sure you have a plan for the hatched chicks too beforehand. Since you said you have hatched at home, I am guessing you do, but I wanted to bring it up!

Good luck!