The eggs for Education program brings an unforgettable, hands-on expierence to classrooms, allowing students to witness the wonder of the chicks hatching. Over the course of 21 days, students observe the development of the eggs in an incubator and learn about the process of hatching in an engaging way.

How does it work? At the end of the school day or after hours, Farmer Kathryn will bring in the incubator to set it up and allow it to stabilize at the proper temperature. The following day, she will return to place the eggs in the incubator, officially starting an 18-22 day egg-hatching experience in your classroom. A chicken art activity will be emailed to the teacher for optional use. Throughout the program, Farmer Kathryn will visit twice to candle the eggs with your students, providing an engaging opportunity to observe and discuss chick development. On day 16, she will return to prepare the incubator for hatching. Three days after the first egg hatches, Farmer Kathryn will transport the chicks back to the farm. If fewer classroom visits are preferred, Farmer Kathryn can check on the eggs after school hours to minimize classroom interruptions, tailoring the experience to your needs.

2025 Program

This program includes 5 visits from Farmer Kathryn, the cost for spring of 2025 is $75 per incubator for schools located within 10 miles of Hastings, Michigan. For schools outside of this radius, additional travel fees will apply at 70¢ per mile.

Two incubators are available for use. If a school opts to use both incubators simultaneously, a discounted rate will be provided.

For an additional fee, you can enhance the experience— a few weeks after the chicks leave, Farmer Kathryn will bring the chicks back, along with a hen, offering students an opportunity to see additional stages of life. She will also read an engaging, chicken-themed book to the class, tying everything together in a fun and educational way.

Important notices-

Placement and Handling: Incubators should be kept out of direct sunlight. Once set up, please avoid moving, lifting or opening the incubator. A label with the setup date will be placed on the seam ofthe lid as a reminder to ensure the lid remains closed.

Hatching Timeline: It typically takes three days from the first egg hatching to the time the incubatior has to be turned off and the chicks are removed. While there is a strong chance students will witness chicks hatching, this is cannot be guranteed.

Hatching Process: The hatching process can take up to 24 hours per egg. Educational materials will be provided to help students understand what they observe. Please refain from intervening during hatching. If concerns arise, contact Farmer Kathryn directly.

Hatch Rate: Approximately 75% of the eggs are expected to hatch. It is common for eggs to be infertile, stop developing, or fail to hatch. When booking the program, Farmer Kathryn will discuss with the teacher the preferred approach to explaining this natural process to students.

Hatching eggs and chicks may pose health and safety risks. Proper hygiene procedures must be followed when handling eggs and chicks. This includes washing hands thoroughly before and after contact with eggs, and chicks.

2025 will serve as the pilot year for this program, and rates may be adjusted in subsequent years.