Frequently Asked Questions

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What is a Hatchery Rental Kit?

Our Hatchery Rental Kits bring the wonder of hatching chicks into your home or classroom! Each kit includes 7 hatching eggs, equipment and supplies, and a photo-filled handbook to guide families and educators through the experience.

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Who is this program for?

Our program is designed for local families and school classrooms with children ages 2 and up. Whether you’re a parent sharing a new experience with your children or a teacher bringing hands-on discovery into the classroom, the kit offers an opportunity to observe, ask questions, and learn together.

Parents, caregivers, and educators lead the experience, with children participating alongside them.

What comes with my kit?

Each Hatchery Rental Kit includes:

• 7 hatching eggs

• Incubator with an automatic turner and temperature settings

• Brooder

• Waterer and feeder

• Heat pad/lamp

• Bedding

• Feed

• Candling light

• Hatchery Handbook with photos and instructions

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How much does a kit cost?

Each Hatchery Rental Kit costs $200. A $100 deposit is due when you reserve your kit, and the remaining $100 is due two weeks before pickup.

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How long does it take chicken eggs to hatch?

Chicken egg incubation takes 21 days. Families and classrooms can follow the experience together using the instructions in the Hatchery Handbook.

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Do I need previous hatching experience?

No. You don’t have to navigate the experience alone! Your kit includes a Hatchery Handbook with photos and instructions, and Shelley is available to answer questions throughout the incubation period.

 

How can children participate?

With guidance from a parent, caregiver, or teacher, children can share observations, ask questions, draw what they notice, and make predictions as they await hatch day. Families can keep a shared journal, and classrooms can create an observation chart to document the experience.

 

Can Shelley answer questions from families and classrooms?

Yes! Shelley is available by phone or email throughout the incubation period if parents, teachers, or children have questions or concerns.

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Does the incubator turn the eggs automatically?

Yes! The included incubator has an automatic turner and temperature settings. Follow the instructions in your Hatchery Handbook, and contact Shelley if you need help.

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What should teachers consider before reserving a classroom kit?

Before reserving, confirm your school’s requirements for bringing eggs and chicks into the classroom. Plan who will oversee the kit, including weekends, holidays, and other times when school is closed. Discuss your classroom schedule and care arrangements with Shelley before booking.

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Where and when do I pick up my kit?

Contact Shelley to confirm availability and arrange pickup details. Your final payment is due two weeks before pickup.

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What happens after the chicks hatch?

Families and classrooms may keep the chicks for one week after hatching.

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Will all seven eggs hatch?

Probably not. Most fertilized eggs have a hatching rate of 60-80%. That means, with 7 hatching eggs, you can expect 4-6 eggs to actually hatch. This is normal (though disappointing). It's not anyone's fault.

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What if our family plans or school schedule change?

We don't offer refunds once you have made a deposit or your final payment. We do offer Hatchery Kit Rental Credits if schedules change.

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How do I reserve a kit or ask a question?

Click the reservation form link below to reserve your date. If you have other questions before registering, you can email Shelley at shelley@belleviefarm.org.

 

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Thank you for your interest in Belle Vie Farm’s Hatchery Kits. We look forward to sharing the wonder of hatching with your family or classroom!