The farmer introduced us to the rooster and the hen, and gave instructions for taking care of the eggs in the incubator: turn them three times daily and keep the water level inside just right for humidity.

First we saw a little pip hole, then more “cracks.” We heard soft cheeping from within the shells, and within the same hour, the first two chicks hatched into the world! Once they were fully dry, with feathers floofed, they could eat, drink, and rest in the brooder box.

More chicks soon joined, for a grand total of 11.

The sleepy chicks sometimes fell asleep right in our warm hands!

After several days of soft feathers and winsome cheeping, the farmer picked up the sweet, hatchlings who had already grown so much!. We will never forget the delight and peace they brought to our classroom!