You might be able to find chick hatching kits for school, but first consider making your own! Hatching chicks in school requires preparation and supplies, but they are manageable to organize with a bit of time. There is really no need to purchase a kit when you can get the supplies and source what you need that fit your exact needs in your classroom. 

Two things to consider when looking into getting a kit for hatching chicks at school is the longevity of your project. Do you plan to hatch chicks on a yearly basis? If you have different students each year, this could be true. Would it be more financially savvy to purchase the items you will use and use them again each year? We understand that teachers don’t have unlimited funding! 

The second thing to consider is the ethical parts of this project. Is the kit going to provide eggs then take back the chicks? If so, do you know and feel comfortable with how the hens are being treated who lay the eggs? Do you know what will become of the chicks when you hand them back? Please do your research because these are living beings. 

If you determine that you are ready to prepare your own kit, first consider the supplies you will need. The supplies you need might vary depending on your situation. Here is a link to the supplies we use and love. I would suggest reviewing some other blog posts such as Safety & Permission Slips, When to Hatch Chicks in your Classroom, and Make your Own Brooder. These will give you great ideas and help you source the items that best meet your needs.

One of the most challenging and time-consuming things could be sourcing eggs and finding safe, happy homes for the chicks once they hatch. This blog post reviews some options of where to find eggs, and this post reviews what to do with hatched chicks. 

Also, remember that chicks do carry disease. Please talk with your administrator about what permission slips and other precautions should be taken before getting started with your project.

As always, please feel free to reach out with questions or reviews of how your hatching went!