The Many Benefits of Chick Hatching in the Classroom 

Chick hatching is a unique, hands-on learning experience that is engaging and impactful for students of all ages. Chick hatching programs are particularly popular in schools, libraries and community centers, and with homeschool coops and families. Beyond the miraculous experience of witnessing life develop before your eyes, chick hatching programs have numerous benefits for your students across educational, emotional, and environmental domains.  

1. Educational Benefits 

A chick hatching program is a powerful educational tool, particularly for young learners.  

• Experiential Learning: Students and adult participants alike will gain a direct understanding of biology, embryology, and life sciences. Observing the incubation process, turning and candling eggs, and finally seeing the chicks pip and hatch is an impactful, hands-on learning experience.  
• Understanding Life Cycles: Chick hatching programs make abstract concepts like reproduction and life cycles tangible, helping participants understand and appreciate the delicate balance of nature.  
• Cross-curricular Opportunities: Chick hatching programs are easily integrated into the curriculum for various age groups and across subject areas. Students can practice math (tracking incubation days), science (temperature and humidity management), art (drawing the stages of development), and more, all related to the chick hatching experience.  

2. Emotional and Social Development

Hatching and raising chicks from eggs fosters important emotional and social skills for students of all ages, as well as adult participants.  

• Empathy and Responsibility: Caring for eggs and newly hatched chicks encourages students to nurture, protect, and respect nature and living beings. Students will learn to be cautious and deliberate when handling the eggs and chicks, cultivating empathy and responsibility.  
• Teamwork and Collaboration: In the classroom, students can share the responsibility of managing the program and caring for the chicks. This encourages communication, problem-solving, and team work. 
• Patience and Perseverance: The 21 day incubation process requires patience and continuous effort, as students observe and wait for the eggs to hatch.  

3. Environmental Awareness

Chick hatching programs provide an opportunity to discuss broader topics such as sustainability and the environment.  

• Connection to Agriculture: Opportunities to experience farm life are often not easily accessible to children who live and attend school in cities. Chick hatching programs create a tangible connection to animals and agricultural practices. 
• Conservation and Sustainability: Chick hatching programs can highlight the importance of ethical animal husbandry and sustainable farming practices, planting the seeds for environmentally conscious behaviors.  

4. Therapeutic Benefits 

The simple act of observing and caring for chicks has therapeutic effects for children and participants of all ages.  

• Stress Reduction: Spending time with animals is known to lower stress levels, and baby chicks are no exception. Watching, cuddling, and caring for the chicks is a peaceful and calming experience.  
• Encouraging Mindfulness: It's important to use quiet voices, and move carefully around baby chicks. Students are encouraged to be present and observe the chicks' behavior and be attentive to their needs. These practices foster mindfulness that can be applied to other lessons in the classroom, such as the social emotional learning curriculum.    

5. Community Engagement 

In schools, libraries, or community centers, chick hatching programs can serve as a focal point for bringing people together.  

• Family and Community Involvement: Many programs invite families and community members to observe or participate, creating a shared experience and fostering a sense of community.  
• Cultural Appreciation: Chick hatching often intersects with discussions about food systems, agriculture, and cultural traditions, enriching participants’ understanding of their community’s heritage.   

To maximize the benefits of a chick hatching program, careful planning and ethical considerations are essential.  

• Ensure Proper Equipment: Use a high-quality incubator and follow instructions to ensure optimal conditions for the eggs during incubation and hatch.  
• Partner with Experts: Connect with local farms, agricultural programs, or 4-H extension offices for guidance and support.  
• Plan for Aftercare: Have a plan for the chicks once the program is complete. Ensure they are rehomed in appropriate environments where they will be cared for responsibly.  
• Focus on Ethics: Teach participants the importance of respecting animals and emphasize humane treatment throughout the process.  

Ready to Bring Chick Hatching to Your Classroom? 

We know the process can feel intimidating. And that's why RentACoop is here to guide you, every step of the way!   

We are chick hatching EGGsperts!  

RentACoop was founded in 2012 by Diana and Tyler Phillips as a chicken coop rental business. Operating from our small family farm in Maryland and our partner farm in New Jersey, for more than 10 years we delivered complete hatching programs and rental coops to our customers. We are proud to have served thousands of local families and schoolchildren, introducing them to the incredibly rewarding experience of hatching chicks and raising backyard chickens.   

In 2025, we're returning to our roots with the introduction of our Chick Hatching Kit. Yours to keep and use year after year, our new Chick Hatching Kit includes everything you need for a successful hatch, and to raise your new chicks right.   

• Egg Hatching & Chick Care Equipment: Our Chick Hatching Kit includes an app-enabled incubator with built in egg candling light, and a Big or Little Red Barn Brooder Set complete with chick feeder, chick waterer, and heating plate.  
• Fertilized Hatching Eggs: RentACoop is thrilled to partner with the renowned Meyer Hatchery to supply Hatching Eggs in a variety of heritage breeds and egg colors.  
• Step-by-Step Success Guides and EGGspert Support: Our Chick Hatching Kit includes detailed incubator and chick care guides, as well as support from our US-based team of Chick Hatching EGGsperts every step of the way.  
• Educational Materials and Enrichment Activities: Our Chick Hatching Kit includes curriculum aligned activities for students of all ages to help create a seamless classroom experience.  

Your Questions Answered

What happens to the chicks after the chicks hatch/ where should we take them? 

Once they hatch, most educators and program coordinators opt to keep the chicks in the Red Barn Brooder for at least 1-2 weeks, to give students a chance to feed and play with the chicks, and observe their rapid growth, emerging feathers, and the loss of their egg tooth.  

Once the chicks are ready to leave the classroom, there are several options in your community to help find them forever homes!  

• Friends and Family: Reach out to families at your school, neighbors, or other local backyard chicken keepers, and ask if they're interested in expanding their flock.  
• Local Organizations: Contact your local 4-H or Future Farmer's of America programs for assistance. 
• Online Resources: Visit www.localharvest.org to search for farms in your area by zip code and find their contact information. 
• Social Media: Join a backyard chicken keeping group on a social platform like Facebook. There are usually lots of experienced chicken owners ready to offer advice or a home for your chicks. You can also tag friends, family, and neighbors on socials —someone may want the chicks or know someone who does. 

How can I afford the Chick Hatching Kit for my classroom? 

Previous Chick Hatching customers have shared some great ideas for funding a Chick Hatching program in their classrooms: 

• Fundraise with parent/guardian and community support.  
  • Use an online fundraising platform, such as donorschoose 
  • Host a fundraising event  
  • Hold a product sales or dining fundraiser  
  • Collect spare change  
• Include the cost in next year's budget! Educators and/or PTA groups can advocate for the allocation of funds for Chick Hatching programs in the next budget cycle.  

Want to know more? Find answers to all your frequently asked Chick Hatching Kit questions on our FAQ page here.   

A chick hatching program is more than just an engaging activity; it is an enriching experience that fosters learning, empathy, and connection to the natural world. Whether in a classroom, community center, or home setting, these programs leave a lasting impact on participants, cultivating a sense of wonder and responsibility that stays with them long after the chicks have hatched.  

Chick Love & Learning,  

~ The RentACoop Team