Seattle, WA: Questions about hatching chicks in the classroom?

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madamlibrarian

madamlibrarian

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Hello!

I am excited that this year I am planning to hatch chicks in my classroom with my elementary students. I have raised chickens before but have never hatched them, so this will be a new experience for me as well.

Does anyone know of additional Seattle resources that I should look to? I have heard that sometimes there are farms that volunteer the incubator/eggs for educational purposes, and sometimes will take the chicks back when we are done. If that's not possible, I have a backup plan for getting the eggs, but I'm just trying to see what's available! I'm also nervous about hatching a male- I have friends who will take the hens but what to do with roosters?

Thanks!

Merion
Seattle, WA
 
For unwanted roosters:

There is a poultry auction in Chehalis. I don't know if there is one up your way or not though. That would be something to search for. I have never been to the one in Chehalis and so cannot say if it is good or not.
http://coalcreekpoultryauction.yolasite.com/

Sometimes people put them up on Craigslist too.

Just be aware that when you go these two routes it is likely to mean the rooster will be dinner.
 
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Hello :frow and Welcome To BYC! Also check with your county extension office if they know of anyone, some of them do have incubators etc you can borrow. You might also post on your state thread for a better chance of reaching local people who might have suggestions https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/717207/washingtonians-come-together-washington-peeps/22660_20
Unfortunately, most extra roosters do wind up as dinner. You might consider hatching a breed that is popular or a wanted fancy breed in your area, for a better chance of finding the roosters a home.
 
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Welcome! Just some random thoughts I had reading your post. Of all the clutches I and friends have hatched in the last year, counting them up I come to ten. Only one was an all girl hatch. Two were all roosters and 7 were both sexes but of those only three had more than 50% pullets. The other 4 were more than 50% boys.
With that in mind you may want to get your eggs from someone who will take the chicks back.
Someone mentioned auctions which are a possibility.
Someone also mentioned getting an in demand breed and you could sell the chicks straight run (sex unknown)
Most peeps take at least a month or so to figure out the sex, some longer.
Or you could try an autosexing breed so you would know from the beginning what you have, welsumer or cream legbars come to mind you could try raising sex links where the pullets are colored or marked different during hatching.
Another idea would be if you hatched ducklings. They would take a few days longer to hatch, but most ducks, are sold straight run and of course the drakes don't crow. But not sure if the municipalities that allow chickens would allow ducks.
 
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