classroom incubating

[CedarWaxwing]

I'm going to hatch some eggs in my kids' classrooms this spring. The chickens will live at my parents' farm. (They're just starting a flock and we thought this would be a fun way to do it.)

We're hoping to have chickens that are pretty docile since they're be around kids a lot, pretty decent layers and also cold weather hardy (we're in MI)

Like maybe some of these: http://www.mypetchicken.com/chicken...r=0,1&b=0,1&c=2,3,4,5,6,8,9,12&d=1&l=2&page=1

Anyway, we'd like about 40 eggs. Does anyone have any recommendations on where I can buy a "variety pack" with some of these? We'd especially like to have some barred rock, but other than that . ... just a variety?

 

[HardisonHens]

I would look for a local farmer (NPIP/AI clean) to buy eggs from. Buying from an online retailer could get quite expensive for that many eggs. But if you did decide to go with an online retailer I would recommend MyPetChicken.com they have a tool that you can use to see which birds are especially cold hardy, good layers, gentle etc. http://www.mypetchicken.com/chicken-breeds/which-breed-is-right-for-me.aspx
They also let you pick an assortment of which ever breeds you like to make up your order.
Worth checking them out! Good Luck!

 

[coorusu]

mypetchicken has a 'classroom pack' of eggs that include larger, run of the mill breeds such as rhode island reds and barred rocks, but it's fairly pricey. a cheaper option is their other assortment (http://www.mypetchicken.com/catalog...atching-Eggs-Assortment-Best-Value-p1004.aspx), but it includes bantams, which lay tiny eggs. your students might get a kick out of it, though!

 

[Egghead_Jr]

There is a selling section here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/36/chicken-hatching-eggs

Shipped eggs are a gamble though and I recommend finding some locally for a much better hatching rate. Craigslist is always a good place to look. Here is a person selling mixed breed hatching eggs in Grand Rapids area for example: http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/grd/4297947926.html

 

[CedarWaxwing]

Thanks everyone! I contacted the craigslist people . . .I hope I hear back!

I don't have enough posts to post a wanted ad in the buying/selling area, but I'll keep checking it.

Does anyone have any experience hatching eggs from my pet chicken?