When can I participate in a program?
You can participate in the program at any time between February to November, subject to availability. The earlier you book, the better your chances are of receiving the date you want.
How long is the program?
Hatching Chicks is a 12 day program unless there are any public holidays that interfere with the schedule. We usually deliver on Monday and collect on Friday of the second week. About a week before the delivery date, we will send you an email to confirm the booking and finalise your address and contact details. Please ensure that you give us the contact details of the person who will be meeting us in the morning, rather than a head office number.
How much does it cost?
It depends on your delivery zone. Please visit the booking page to find out.
When can I expect the delivery?
If you do give us a mobile number, then we will send an SMS to this device, which will provide the recipient with our planned arrival time, and they can track us to see how we are progressing, just like a courier tracking app. This way, you’ll never need to call us to find out where the driver is, as it will always be at your fingertips.
What should I do before the driver arrives?
Before the driver arrives, please provide them with a table that's at least one metre long by half a metre wide. The table will need to be located within a metre of a double power point, or please organise an extension cord and a power board if the powerpoint is not close by. It’s great to have it somewhere where you can supervise it easily and where there's a fair bit of room so that a small crowd of people can stand around and see what's happening.
Where can the equipment be placed?
There are three other points to consider (other than access to power) when finding a location for your program. Do not place it in a location that gets direct sunlight, you cannot place it near a heater, and you cannot place it under an air conditioning unit. Try to choose a spot that has a fairly stable temperature throughout the day.
What will I get?
We'll set up the incubator. You will receive between 8 and 10 fertilised eggs, depending on availability. We'll prepare the brooder box with a heat lamp, bedding, a drinker, a feeder, and food.
Can the residents handle the chicks and ducks?
Yes, the chicks are not timid, and they enjoy being handled gently once they have recovered from hatching. As they grow older, they love to be taken out of the box for a run around. You can ask the residents to sit in a chair and place the chicks in cupped hands. This is also a good opportunity to let the residents handle the chicks while they are sitting down. You can make a temporary inclosure out of large cardboard boxes with holes to put the chicks inside or outside in the warmer months. You will need to stay with them outside, as they are prey for crows and currawongs.
Do they require a lot of work to maintain?
No, during the first week, we will pick up the chicks will not need much attention as they are so small, they sleep a lot and do not eat or drink very much. During the second week, you will need to change the bedding at the bottom of the brooder box regularly, fill up the water, and top up the feed containers daily.
What happens at the end of the program?
On the second Friday, we will collect all of the equipment and hatchlings from your facility. To ensure the process runs smoothly, please follow the instructions listed below:
Key Deadlines and Requirements
- Adoption and Purchase Information Submission
The information must be received by 5 p.m. on the second Wednesday. This includes:
- Completed adoption paperwork
- Confirmation of hatchling purchase
- Confirmation of equipment purchase
This will allow us to prepare and pack your order for Friday's delivery.
Steps to Follow
- Fill out the adoption application form on our website by 5pm on the second Wednesday. (click for adoption application form)
- Go back to our shop website to purchase the hatchlings and hatchling equipment necessary for the first 6–8 weeks. (click for link to shop)
Additional Notes
- Allow the residents to have enough time to say goodbye to the chicks and ducklings on the second Thursday.
- If we have your number, you will receive an SMS from us detailing the exact time of collection on Friday.
Ethical Considerations
If any residents/family members are interested in adopting the hatchlings, please ensure the adoption form is completed in accordance with the Department of Education's requirements for ACT and NSW Schools Animal Ethics.
By following these steps, you help ensure a seamless collection process and compliance with ethical guidelines.
Need a copy of the Risk Assessment?
It is located at the bottom of the page.