Chick Hatching Project for 7th and 8th Grade:

We have some EGGciting News!

This year marks the 17th year our school has been doing our Annual Chick Hatching Project!

Just like past years, we invite you to watch in all the excitement! There will be a live webcam over the incubator during the hatching process! They are scheduled to hatch on May 14-16th.

The student were learning about genetic in Miss Mancini’s science class this quarter so why not add some chick fun into it for a more hands-on teaching approach for the students! Over the past three weeks, Mrs. Soroka visited the students during their science class. They had the opportunity to learn about desirable genetic markers in different chicken breeds that are focused on within the chicken industry. During these lessons, they also learned about the quick 21 day development of the chicks and how to candle each egg to see the chicks growing inside the egg. After the chicks are born, they will be moved into their nursery brooder container. Then, Ms. Kresge will have the students complete STEM projects testing their claims they make about the chicks behaviors.

This year we have a variety of chicken breeds with a special focus on egg color and genetic characteristics.

Breeder A lives about 2 hours below Pittsburgh. (20 eggs) She gave us combinations the following parent pairs: Roosters- Polish, Black Copper Marans, Olive Eggers, Plymoth Blue, Brahma Mix. Hens- Wyandotte, Barred Rock, Orpington, Cinnamon Queen, Rhode Island red, Marans, Legbars.

Breeder B lives about 30 minutes south of Harrisburgh. This is the shipment that got hung up in shipping a couple extra days. (24 eggs) Her breed combinations are: Roosters- Silverudd Blue, Black Copper Marans, Easter Eggers, Olive Eggers, Blue Ameraucana, Welsummers. Hens- Prarie Bluebell, Black Australourp, Black Ameraucana, Buff Orpington, Buff Brahma, Saphire Gem, Minorca, Ayam Cemani, Easter Eggers, Black Copper Marans, Starlight Green Eggers, Saphire Splash Olive Eggers, Wellsummers, Cream Legbars.

So as you can see, the students will have a field day looking at the different genetic traits to see who the parents are.

After the chicks hatch, we give the 8th graders the opportunity to adopt them. If there are more left over, the 7th graders will also get the opportunity. There is a vetting process required to adopt the chicks.

If you have any questions about this project, reach out to Mrs. Soroka!