Now that your hatch is complete and you have had your chicks in the classroom for a couple of very distracting days (2nd graders LOVE chicks), it is time to wrap up your 4-H Embryology project.
Where do the chicks go?
If you have chickens or know someone at your school who has chickens, feel free to give them the chicks. If you need somewhere for the chicks to go, bring them by the extension office when you drop off the rest of your embryology supplies and we'll find somewhere for them to go. Disclaimer: our chicks are not vaccinated and do not come with any guarantees!
Cleaning a Brooder
The plastic tub and feeder/waterer set-ups can all be hand-washed and fully immersed in water. The heat plate CAN NOT be immersed in water, it has electric components built-in. Use a damp cloth with the cleaner to wipe it down and clean the top of it. Any extra bedding or feed is fine to be thrown away with the regular trash.
Cleaning the Incubator
Incubators have electric components and SHOULD NOT be immersed in water. Use a damp cloth with cleaner to clean the incubator. You may need to use the included toothbrush to scrub the water wells after the hatch. It is very helpful if you clean the incubator right after moving the chicks to the brooder; everything is still wet and easier to get cleaned out. Once the residue from the hatch dries up, it takes some scrubbing to get clean.
