Introduction
Before you register, please keep in mind...
- TIME COMMITMENT
- TRAINING - NEW Teachers must attend a 3 hour training in Joliet on Wednesday, April 1 from 5-8pm. The training is $25 and includes a folder with all the handouts and 2 dozen eggs (to be picked up at a later date).
- SETUP - You will have to setup and test your incubator prior to picking up the eggs.
- EGG PICKUP - During program registration, you will select the date and time of egg pickup.
- EGG TURNING - From the time you pickup the eggs to the time they hatch, it's 3 weeks (give or take a day or two). During the incubation period (3 weeks), the eggs will need to be turned 2-3 times (3 is best) each day to include weekends. Do NOT turn eggs the last 3 days before hatching. If the eggs are not turned, the yolk may stick to the shell and the embryo will die. You can also purchase an automatic egg turner.
- LONG-TERM CARE PROVIDER - Teachers are responsible for transporting their chicks to a long-term care provider.
- COST
- We will provide you with:
- Fertilized eggs (number according to what you order during registration) from the University of Illinois for $10/dozen. Each teacher typically gets two dozen eggs.
- Starter food that should last a couple days
- List of long-term chick care providers. Teachers arrange for delivery to the care providers.
- A folder with handouts to include the Power Points used during training
- Teachers must provide their own:
- Incubator with the following:
- Thermometers (more than one – prefer analog AND digital to make reading easier for youth)
- Hydrometer to measure humidity
- Handi wipes to place under the eggs once they start hatching (see example)
- Optional egg turner
- Optional mini-LED flash light for candling (viewing the chick in the egg) purposes (bright but no heat)
- Brooder box (as simple as a storage bin or commercial one) for keeping baby chicks with the following:
- Light with incandescent bulb (NOT LED due to heat)
- Bedding (ensure plenty of bedding)
- Chick feeder
- Chick waterer
- Incubator with the following:
- We will provide you with: