3 Jun 2007 - Classic Chicks
Classic Chicks
On 2nd May, 2007, fifty-eight Bantam hen eggs were set in two incubators, kindly donated by an expert on these birds, Mr. John Pummell. Years 4 and 5 were excited at the prospect of following incubation studies under his guidance.
On the tenth day of incubation, Mr. Pummell showed the children how to 'candle' the eggs to ascertain whether they were fertile. Nineteen were infertile or dead (at an early stage in the shell). The children were amazed that they could see blood vessels and tiny hearts beating inside the shells.
The children 'candled' the eggs the following week unaided to assess development. Internet searching was in full swing look at hen sites. Hatching began during the afternoon of 21st May. By the evening, three had emerged from their shells. Eight more chicks hatched throughout the night and early morning. Excitement reigned during the day as more hatched. The last bird was born, with Mr. Pummell's help, at 1.45 p.m. on May 23rd. Mr. Pummell also spent time the following week working with groups, answering children's questions and showing them how to handle the birds sensitively. He also identified them: the 24 birds are Silver Spangled Hamburghs, Hampshire Reds, Old English Game, Black Belgians, Silver, gold and Cream Seabrights, Quail Belgians and Gold Belgians. The children are now involved in observing the chicks' behaviour as well as spending time on the theoretical aspects of incubation and life cycles.
We owe a huge debt of thanks to Mr. Pummell for providing the eggs, and sharing his expertise and time so generously with the children. Also grateful thanks to Mr. Sadler without whose daily care (including weekends) brooder building skills and temperature setting checks, such an enterprise could never have been undertaken.
'Classic Chicks'? Well, when not visited by St. Mary's students, the chicks are kept company by the soothing tones of Classic F.M., 24/7. Doubtless, they will also become used to the strains of the children rehearsing for their summer production of Joseph and the amazing techni-coloured dreamcoat as the weeks progress. The birds will eventually be rehomed by Mr. Pummell from whence they originally came!
On the tenth day of incubation, Mr. Pummell showed the children how to 'candle' the eggs to ascertain whether they were fertile. Nineteen were infertile or dead (at an early stage in the shell). The children were amazed that they could see blood vessels and tiny hearts beating inside the shells.
The children 'candled' the eggs the following week unaided to assess development. Internet searching was in full swing look at hen sites. Hatching began during the afternoon of 21st May. By the evening, three had emerged from their shells. Eight more chicks hatched throughout the night and early morning. Excitement reigned during the day as more hatched. The last bird was born, with Mr. Pummell's help, at 1.45 p.m. on May 23rd. Mr. Pummell also spent time the following week working with groups, answering children's questions and showing them how to handle the birds sensitively. He also identified them: the 24 birds are Silver Spangled Hamburghs, Hampshire Reds, Old English Game, Black Belgians, Silver, gold and Cream Seabrights, Quail Belgians and Gold Belgians. The children are now involved in observing the chicks' behaviour as well as spending time on the theoretical aspects of incubation and life cycles.
We owe a huge debt of thanks to Mr. Pummell for providing the eggs, and sharing his expertise and time so generously with the children. Also grateful thanks to Mr. Sadler without whose daily care (including weekends) brooder building skills and temperature setting checks, such an enterprise could never have been undertaken.
'Classic Chicks'? Well, when not visited by St. Mary's students, the chicks are kept company by the soothing tones of Classic F.M., 24/7. Doubtless, they will also become used to the strains of the children rehearsing for their summer production of Joseph and the amazing techni-coloured dreamcoat as the weeks progress. The birds will eventually be rehomed by Mr. Pummell from whence they originally came!