The poultry farm at the University of Delaware raises the chickens that lay the eggs for the 4-H Embryology Program. These eggs, unlike the eggs from a grocery store, are fertile. This means a baby chick can start to grow inside. The poultry farm at the University of Delaware raises the chickens that lay the eggs for the 4-H Embryology Program. These eggs, unlike the eggs from a grocery store, are fertile. This means a baby chick can start to grow inside.
The poultry manager removes the eggs from the hens’ laying pens each day. The eggs stay in cool storage until it’s time to use them for a classroom hatching project.
When a teacher schedules a program for the classroom, 4-H delivers the eggs and incubators. The incubator warms the eggs, helping the baby chick inside to grow.
Students in the classroom help care for the eggs until the chicks are ready to hatch.
The students also watch for signs that the eggs will be hatching soon.
Baby chicks are very weak, tired, and wet when they have just hatched.
The chicks rest while their feathers dry and become fluffy and soft. Then they can stay in a box with a heat lamp, food and water. They cheep and run around with their friends!
The chicks are strong enough for students to handle gently 1 or 2 days after hatching. Students can care for the chicks for up to 10 days in the classroom.
Pam Stegall-Roberts teaches students how chicks grow inside the egg and out!
For more information or to schedule a program, e-mail Pam Stegall-Roberts or call her at 302-831-8866 to leave a voice-mail message. Be prepared to leave your name, daytime and evening phone numbers, school name, and desired date for program.
Embryology | 4-H & Youth | Programs | NCC Home
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