Beginning of Life 4-H School Enrichment Project

1. Beginning of Life4-H School Enrichment Project

2. About the Project Science Based, Hands-on Extension provides educational resources for the project Leaders Manual Suggested Activities Youth Activity sheets

3. About the Project Helps teach SOL�s Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Biology

4. Project Expectations Teach responsibility and caring for a living thing Teach respect for life and the value of living things Emphasize a �hands-on� experience with living things Help youth grasp developmental processes and stages of growth Introduce and explain the topic of reproduction to youth Introduce youth to scientific process and other areas of science Usually conducted around 2nd grade. This supplies SOLs in science (plant and animal life cycles), math (measurements-thermometers) and english (reference materials).Usually conducted around 2nd grade. This supplies SOLs in science (plant and animal life cycles), math (measurements-thermometers) and english (reference materials).

5. Which came first? The chicken orThe egg?

7. Why can�t I incubate eggs from the Grocery Store? Most eggs from a grocery store come from hens that have never seen a rooster � they are unfertilized.

8. The Fertilization Process A rooster is placed in an enclosed area with no more than 6 hens Rooster will deposit sperm on the vent of the hen. The sperm then travels through the oviduct After fertilization occurs the egg albumen, shell membranes, and shell are added to complete the egg formation process. After fertilization occurs the egg albumen, shell membranes, and shell are added to complete the egg formation process.

9. Hen Reproductive Anatomy The oviduct lies along the backbone of the hen. It is about 25 to 27 inches long. The yolk is completely formed in the ovary. When a yolk is fully developed, its follicle ruptures, releasing it from the ovary. It enters the infundibulum. After fertilization occurs the egg albumen, shell membranes, and shell are added to complete the egg formation process. The oviduct lies along the backbone of the hen. It is about 25 to 27 inches long. The yolk is completely formed in the ovary. When a yolk is fully developed, its follicle ruptures, releasing it from the ovary. It enters the infundibulum. After fertilization occurs the egg albumen, shell membranes, and shell are added to complete the egg formation process.

10. Egg Anatomy Chalaza suspends the yolk in the albumen. Chalaza becomes the umbilical cord in humans. Chalaza suspends the yolk in the albumen. Chalaza becomes the umbilical cord in humans.

11. Function of Embryonic Membranes Yolk Sac Food Amnion Protection Chorion / Allantois Respiration Waste Minerals from shell Absorption of albumen The amnion, chorion, and allantois identify the group of vertebrate animals � amniotes. Mammals, birds, and reptiles are amniotes. Chorion lines the inner membrane of the shell. Albumen also provides food (protein). Yolk sac provides more fat. The allantois has four functions. (1) It serves as an embryonic respiratory organ. (2) It receives the excretions of the embryonic kidneys. (3) It absorbs albumen, which serves as a nutrient (protein) for the embryo. (4) It absorbs calcium from the shell for the structural needs of the embryoThe amnion, chorion, and allantois identify the group of vertebrate animals � amniotes. Mammals, birds, and reptiles are amniotes. Chorion lines the inner membrane of the shell. Albumen also provides food (protein). Yolk sac provides more fat. The allantois has four functions. (1) It serves as an embryonic respiratory organ. (2) It receives the excretions of the embryonic kidneys. (3) It absorbs albumen, which serves as a nutrient (protein) for the embryo. (4) It absorbs calcium from the shell for the structural needs of the embryo

12. Hens will lay about one egg a day until they have enough in their clutch to start brooding. The hen�s body temperature is 104 degrees and when she sits on the clutch, she brings the temperature of the eggs up to 100 degrees.

13. Fertile vs. Not fertile On the surface of every egg yolk there can be seen a tiny whitish spot called the blastodisc. This contains a single female cell. If sperm is present when a yolk enters the infundibulum, a single sperm penetrates the blastodics, fertilizing it and the blastodisc becomes a blastoderm. Shortly after fertilization the blastoderm begins to divide into 2, 4, 8, and more cells. The first stages on embryonic development have begun and continue until the egg is laid. Development then subsides until the egg is incubated. On the surface of every egg yolk there can be seen a tiny whitish spot called the blastodisc. This contains a single female cell. If sperm is present when a yolk enters the infundibulum, a single sperm penetrates the blastodics, fertilizing it and the blastodisc becomes a blastoderm. Shortly after fertilization the blastoderm begins to divide into 2, 4, 8, and more cells. The first stages on embryonic development have begun and continue until the egg is laid. Development then subsides until the egg is incubated.

14. What�s the Difference between White and Brown Eggs? Eggs come in all different sizes and colors Different colored eggs come from different breeds of chickens � the earlobe color will tell you the color of the egg Older chickens lay bigger eggs Araucanas lay green and blue eggsAraucanas lay green and blue eggs

15. What breeds do we use? Variety of brown egg laying breeds, selected for sturdiness, good health, docility, and maximum egg production Rhode Island Red, Barred Rock, White Rocks, Buff Orpingtons

16. External Chicken Anatomy Comb is the cooling system � chicken circulates blood throughout it�s comb and wattles. By observing the hackle and saddle feathers of an adult chicken you can determine its sex. Male hackle and saddle feathers come to a distinctly pointed tip and are more shinny. Female hackle and saddle feathers have rounded ends. takes four to six weeks for secondary sex characteristics such as the size and shape of the comb, to become visible enough to distinguish between the two sexes. However, sexing day-old chickens is not easy due to the location of the sex organs inside the body of the chicken. This method involves examining the baby chicken's vent, located under its tail, looking for a genital organ. If the genital organ is present in the vent, it will resemble a small pimple and the chicken is a rooster. Comb is the cooling system � chicken circulates blood throughout it�s comb and wattles. By observing the hackle and saddle feathers of an adult chicken you can determine its sex. Male hackle and saddle feathers come to a distinctly pointed tip and are more shinny. Female hackle and saddle feathers have rounded ends. takes four to six weeks for secondary sex characteristics such as the size and shape of the comb, to become visible enough to distinguish between the two sexes. However, sexing day-old chickens is not easy due to the location of the sex organs inside the body of the chicken. This method involves examining the baby chicken's vent, located under its tail, looking for a genital organ. If the genital organ is present in the vent, it will resemble a small pimple and the chicken is a rooster.

17. Embryonic Development Day 1 Beginning of formation of brain and nervous system, head and eyes Appearance of vertebral column and blood island Day 2 Embryo begins to turn to left side Blood vessels appear in yolk sac Heart begins to beat First sign of amnion Formation of throat Blood islands are structures in the developing embryo which lead to many different parts of the circulatory system. Blood islands are structures in the developing embryo which lead to many different parts of the circulatory system.

18. Embryonic Development Day 3 Beginning of formation of nose, wings, legs, allantois Amnion completely surrounds embryo Day 4 Beginning of formation of tongue Embryo separate from yolk sac Allantois breaks through amnion

19. Embryonic Development Day 5 Proventriculus and gizzard formed reproductive organs formed Day 6 Beak and egg-tooth begin formation Main division of legs and wings Voluntary movement begins Day 7 Digits in legs and wings Viscera development Day 8 Feather formation Day 9 Embryo begins to look like bird Mouth opening appears Proventriculus and gizzard are part of the chicken�s digestive system. The proventriculus is a glandular part of the stomach that stores and starts to digest food before it enters the gizzard. The gizzard is a specialized stomach constructed of thick, muscular walls is used for grinding up food; often rocks are also instrumental in this process. Something other than muscle power is needed. This "something else" is acquired when grain- eating birds pick up grit and small rocks as they peck seeds from the ground.Egg tooth develops in many birds and reptiles and is used to break through the shell and will fall off within a week of hatching.Proventriculus and gizzard are part of the chicken�s digestive system. The proventriculus is a glandular part of the stomach that stores and starts to digest food before it enters the gizzard. The gizzard is a specialized stomach constructed of thick, muscular walls is used for grinding up food; often rocks are also instrumental in this process. Something other than muscle power is needed. This "something else" is acquired when grain- eating birds pick up grit and small rocks as they peck seeds from the ground.Egg tooth develops in many birds and reptiles and is used to break through the shell and will fall off within a week of hatching.

20. Embryonic Development Day 10 Beak starts to harden Skin pores visible to naked eye Digits completely separated Day 12 Toes fully formed First visible feathers Day 13 Appearance of scales and claws Body covered in feathers Day 15 Intestines taken into body

21. Embryonic Development Day 16 Scales, claws and beak become firm Albumen gone and yolk increasingly important as nutrient Day 17 Beak turns toward air cell Amniotic fluid decreases Embryo begins preparation for hatching

22. Embryonic Development Day 19 Yolk sac draws into body cavity through umbilicus Embryo occupies most of space in egg except air cell Day 20 Embryo breaks amnion and starts breathing air in air cell (becomes chick) Day 21 CHICK HATCHES! The embryo knows to break the air cell when it is too big to absorb oxygen from the egg shell pores. The air in the air cell will give the chick enough air for the few hours necessary to break out of the egg. The embryo knows to break the air cell when it is too big to absorb oxygen from the egg shell pores. The air in the air cell will give the chick enough air for the few hours necessary to break out of the egg.

23. Beginning of Life: Hatching

24. How do I Successfully Hatch Eggs? Proper Preparation and Planning

25. Preparation and Planning Equipment Needs Calendar/record sheets Incubator Thermometers Candler Pencils Cheesecloth Brooder Box Jar lid, tuna can, etc.

26. Preparation and Planning Make a Calendar Include spaces to: Mark when eggs are turned Enter daily temperature Incubator (each time eggs are turned) Room Write down daily observations

28. Preparation and Planning Inform co-workers and custodial staff Power outages? Will you be notified? Who will take care of eggs/incubator in the case of power outages or school cancellations? Lower school temps on weekends? Tampering

29. Preparation and Planning What happens to the chicks after the project? Chicks must be returned to our office on May 20, 3 � 6 PM This means you should have three days with the chicks to discuss the brooding process Chicks hatch on Tuesday, May 17. Bantams may hatch as early as Monday, May 16. Chicks hatch on Tuesday, May 17. Bantams may hatch as early as Monday, May 16.

30. Equipment: Incubator Secure in advance Types Forced Air � air is circulated by a fan or fans Still Air � air is not circulated manually Secure incubator(s) at least a month before the start of the project and be sure it works. Still-air incubators rely on hot air rising and leaving through the holes in the top of the incubator, in turn drawing fresh cooler air in.Secure incubator(s) at least a month before the start of the project and be sure it works. Still-air incubators rely on hot air rising and leaving through the holes in the top of the incubator, in turn drawing fresh cooler air in.

31. Equipment: Incubator Cleaning One week before start of project Avoid strong contaminants 25% bleach solution DO NOT touch or get heating element wet, brush gently with soft brush to remove dust Test at least a week before project is to begin (24 hour period) Placement Avoid drafts, direct sunlight, heat & AC outlets Set in room that stays above 65�F (70-80�F) Make sure electrical outlet will be �on� 24 hours/day On sturdy, level surface 6 inches away from edge of surface

32. Equipment: Candler See Teacher�s Packet for information on constructing your own candler. Why candle? You can dispose of any unfertilized or cracked eggs. You can also observe the growth of the embryo without breaking the eggs open. When to candle? You can candle every day if you like. Some good days to candle are day 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18. Best not to candle after day 18, as the embryo needs to be in the right position to pop the air cell. Why candle? You can dispose of any unfertilized or cracked eggs. You can also observe the growth of the embryo without breaking the eggs open. When to candle? You can candle every day if you like. Some good days to candle are day 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18. Best not to candle after day 18, as the embryo needs to be in the right position to pop the air cell.

33. How do I Successfully Hatch Eggs? Proper Preparation and Planning Quality Fertile Eggs Start Up Day

34. Start Up Day Have the incubator ready to go Prepare eggs for incubating Allow a couple of hours for eggs to come to room temperature � approx. 2 hrs Candle eggs and discard any: Cracked eggs Double-yolked eggs Start running incubator 48 hours before eggs are to arrive/be set.Start running incubator 48 hours before eggs are to arrive/be set.

35. You can try mending cracks with nail polishYou can try mending cracks with nail polish

36. Start Up Day Prepare eggs for incubating (cont.) Wash excessively dirty eggs with warm water (not recommended) Identify eggs Put a number on large end of each egg Mark eggs with �X� and �O� on opposite sides Use a pencil or wax crayon Set eggs in incubator with �X� sides up Best to set fertile eggs in heated incubator within 24 hours of arrival Washing � NOT UNLESS NECESSARY. Only wash eggs visibly dirty. Wipe the egg clean with a wet cloth warmer (at least 10 degrees warmer) than the temperature on the eggs. DO NOT set excessively dirty eggs. Identifying � DO NOT use a permanent or toxic ink pen or marker.Washing � NOT UNLESS NECESSARY. Only wash eggs visibly dirty. Wipe the egg clean with a wet cloth warmer (at least 10 degrees warmer) than the temperature on the eggs. DO NOT set excessively dirty eggs. Identifying � DO NOT use a permanent or toxic ink pen or marker.

37. How do I Successfully Hatch Eggs? Proper Preparation and Planning Start Up Day Good Incubation Management

38. Incubation Management 4 Important Factors Temperature Humidity Ventilation Turning Pay Attention to Temperature and Humidity!

39. Temperature Thermometer Same height as top of eggs Keep away from the heat source Two makes for a more accurate reading Varies by incubator type and turning technique Forced Air Manual: 99.5 - 100.5�F Still Air Manual: 100.5 - 101.5�F

40. Temperature Temperatures BELOW 96�F or ABOVE 103�F result in high mortality DO NOT adjust incubator temp during first 48 hours Half way through incubation process may see an increase in temp

41. Humidity Proper humidity is important for chick health Prevents sticking to shell Keeps amnion fluid Provides for free embryo exercise Prevents crippled chicks Determine humidity using a wet-bulb thermometer Wet-bulb and dry-bulb thermometers at same temp = 100% humidity Wet-bulb temperature is measured using a thermometer that has its bulb wrapped in cloth�called a sock�that is kept wet with water via wicking action. Such an instrument is called, not surprisingly, a wet-bulb thermometer. At relative humidities below 100%, water evaporates from the bulb which cools the bulb below ambient temperature. To determine relative humidity, ambient temperature is measured using an ordinary thermometer, better known in this context as a dry-bulb thermometer. At any given ambient temperature, less relative humidity results in a greater difference between the dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures; the wet bulb is colder. If the wet and dry bulb read the same temperature, you would have 100 percent humidity. The more evaporation taking place, the lower the temperature reading on the wet-bulb thermometer and the larger the spread will be between the wet- and dry-bulb reading.Wet-bulb temperature is measured using a thermometer that has its bulb wrapped in cloth�called a sock�that is kept wet with water via wicking action. Such an instrument is called, not surprisingly, a wet-bulb thermometer. At relative humidities below 100%, water evaporates from the bulb which cools the bulb below ambient temperature. To determine relative humidity, ambient temperature is measured using an ordinary thermometer, better known in this context as a dry-bulb thermometer. At any given ambient temperature, less relative humidity results in a greater difference between the dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures; the wet bulb is colder. If the wet and dry bulb read the same temperature, you would have 100 percent humidity. The more evaporation taking place, the lower the temperature reading on the wet-bulb thermometer and the larger the spread will be between the wet- and dry-bulb reading.

43. Maintaining Humidity First 18 days 60% 19th � 21st days (hatching period) 65-70% Condensation indicates adequate moisture Adding water Should be about the same temperature as incubator Add when opening incubator to turn eggs (wet sponges may help) Make sure water is clean Water temp when adding should be warm to touch. ALWAYS make sure water trays are full. Sponges can increase the evaporating surface. Water temp when adding should be warm to touch. ALWAYS make sure water trays are full. Sponges can increase the evaporating surface.

44. Ventilation Normal atmospheric air Oxygen Concentration � 21% Carbon Dioxide Concentration � 0.5% Air movement past eggs Make sure ventilation holes are open Vent plugs Front plug is for regulating humidity (removed one week prior to hatch) Back vent for excessive humidity (should be removed the day chicks start to hatch) Best hatching results are obtained with normal atmospheric air. Best hatching results are obtained with normal atmospheric air.

45. Turning Why is turning necessary? How often should eggs be turned? 3-5x daily for 2nd-18th day of incubation DO NOT turn during last 3 days! What about weekends? Turn once daily on weekends It is okay to move incubator and eggs prior to 19th day of incubation Turning prevents the blastoderm from migrating through the albumen and adhering to the shell membrane.Turning prevents the blastoderm from migrating through the albumen and adhering to the shell membrane.

46. Candling Candle eggs every three days to check progress Will be difficult to see embryo development after 17 days. Eggs shouldn�t be out of incubator for more than 5-10 minutes for candling or any other purposes.Will be difficult to see embryo development after 17 days. Eggs shouldn�t be out of incubator for more than 5-10 minutes for candling or any other purposes.

47. Hatching Out Remove automatic turner (if used) and place eggs on cheese cloth over wire bottom on day 18 Never help the chicks from the shell Remove the chicks from the incubator and place them in a warm brooder within 2 to 6 hours after they hatch 6-12 hours will be okay if they hatch when nobody is around Remove and discard all remaining un-hatched eggs 60 hours after the first chick hatches

48. Clean Up Remove loose shells and dry matter Egg trays and water pans Soak in warm water and scrub off adhering dirt Wipe plastic clean with soft cloth and glass cleaner Bottom of incubator No chemical cleaners Soak in 25% bleach/water solution and wipe with cloth Heating elements and other electric units DO NOT touch or get element wet Brush gently with soft brush to remove dust

49. Brooding Make sure the brooder box is working 2-4 days prior to hatch Maintain 92 to 95�F for the first week Take temperature at one inch above the floor level Supply a textured, absorbent litter to provide traction and prevent leg damage Textured paper towels work well Chicken starter feed 18 to 22 % protein Will be provided with one pound Use a jar lid, egg carton, small tuna can, etc. as a feeder Water should be available at all times Clean waterer and brooder daily Make sure waterer is not too deep so chicks don�t drown. A tuna can works well. Make sure waterer is not too deep so chicks don�t drown. A tuna can works well.

51. Avoiding Disease Emphasizing the importance of sanitation and good hygiene before and after handling any animal reduces risk associated with project to almost zero

52. Troubles Arise ... The most common problems are associated with improper incubator management...

53. Trouble Shooting Causes Eggs infertile Eggs damaged by being either badly chilled or overheated Eggs held too long or held under improper conditions Corrections Keep eggs under proper temperature and humidity conditions and set within 7 days after date laid

54. Trouble Shooting Causes Incubator temperature too high Infected embryos Lack of ventilation Power failure Corrections Check accuracy of thermometer. Operate incubator at proper temperature. Provide adequate ventilation of the incubator room and proper openings of the incubator ventilators Always check for evidence of a power failure. A change of 1 degree above or below the recommended incubation temperature will cause problems.Always check for evidence of a power failure. A change of 1 degree above or below the recommended incubation temperature will cause problems.

55. Trouble Shooting Causes Low average humidity in incubator Chilled eggs Infected embryos Lack of ventilation Incubator temperature too high Corrections Maintain proper humidity throughout incubation cycle Gather eggs quickly and hold under proper conditions

56. Trouble Shooting Causes Low average humidity Inadequate ventilation Excessive high temperature for a short period Low average temperature Corrections Maintain proper humidity levels through incubator cycle Provide adequate ventilation of the incubator room and proper openings of the incubator ventilators Guard against temperature surge Maintain proper temperature throughout incubation cycle

57. Trouble Shooting Causes Low average temperature Average humidity too high Inadequate ventilation Corrections Maintain proper humidity levels throughout incubation cycle Provide adequate ventilation of the incubator room and proper openings of the incubator ventilators Maintain proper temperature throughout incubation cycle

58. Trouble Shooting Causes Eggs dried down too much Low humidity at hatching time Improper egg turning Corrections Maintain proper humidity levels during egg holding period and throughout incubation cycle. Do not over-ventilate Proper humidity levels throughout incubation cycle Turn eggs hourly or at least at regular intervals eight times daily

59. Trouble Shooting Causes Temperature too high Corrections Maintain proper temperature levels throughout incubation cycle

60. Trouble Shooting Causes Low average temperature Poor ventilation in incubator Humidity too high during incubation Old eggs Corrections Maintain proper temperature throughout incubation cycle Provide proper ventilation of the incubator room and proper opening of the incubator ventilators Maintain proper humidity levels throughout incubation cycle These chicks usually hatch late. 1F below ideal temperature will cause late hatch. Old eggs need extra time for hatching, set them earlier.These chicks usually hatch late. 1F below ideal temperature will cause late hatch. Old eggs need extra time for hatching, set them earlier.

61. Trouble Shooting Causes High temperature Low humidity Excessive ventilation in the incubator at hatching time Holding chicks in incubator too long after they hatch Corrections Maintain proper temperature levels throughout incubation cycle Maintain proper humidity levels throughout incubation cycle Reduce opening of incubator ventilators Remove chicks as soon as they are fluffed and ready

62. Trouble Shooting Causes Average temperature too low in the incubator Eggs held too long Corrections Maintain proper temperature throughout incubation cycle Before placing them in incubator, try not to hold eggs more than seven days and then only if holding conditions are ideal These chicks may sometimes be soft and lethargic.These chicks may sometimes be soft and lethargic.

63. Trouble Shooting Causes Insufficient moisture Corrections Maintain proper temperature and humidity levels

64. Other Problems that may Occur Sudden losses at any time Causes: Power or equipment failure or overheating Corrections: Check incubator temperature at least 2x daily

65. Even in the best of conditions . . . A hatch rate above 50% is considered a success. Separate unhealthy chicks from the healthy ones In cases of chick death VA DEQ has approved the following methods of poultry carcass disposal: Landfill off-site (this means that you could throw the carcass in a school dumpster) Rendering (i.e., processing of animal materials into other products), incineration, or composting off-site Burial on site under emergency permit � This is the least preferred method due to its adverse environmental impact. ? Potential contamination of groundwater/public health issue Follow school dissection projects policies for biohazard waste With life, comes death. You should not expect all of your eggs to hatch. In fact a hatch rate above 50% is considered a success. Unfortunately, not all chicks are born as healthy as we would like. It is not uncommon for chicks to be born deformed or close to death. If you have a chick born with some sort of weakness, the stronger chicks may peck at it and cause its ultimate demise. To avoid this, it is best to separate the weaker chicks into a separate box. I like to call this box the �hospital� and at chick drop-off day we will have accumulated about twenty of these chicks. They will be taken to the farm in hopes that they can nurse them back to health. In the cases in which a chick dies before chick drop off day, VA DEQ has approved the following methods of poultry carcass disposal: Landfill off-site (this means that you could throw the carcass in a school dumpster) Rendering (i.e., processing of animal materials into other products), incineration, or composting off-site Burial on site under emergency permit � This is the least preferred method due to its adverse environmental impact. ? Potential contamination of groundwater/public health issue If your school does any sort of dissection project, you may want to follow their same process for biohazard waste. Of course you will want to dispose of any deceased chicks in a tactful way that is most appropriate for your group dynamic. If you find it appropriate to use a chick death as a teachable moment, you may want to consult grieving counselor. With life, comes death. You should not expect all of your eggs to hatch. In fact a hatch rate above 50% is considered a success. Unfortunately, not all chicks are born as healthy as we would like. It is not uncommon for chicks to be born deformed or close to death. If you have a chick born with some sort of weakness, the stronger chicks may peck at it and cause its ultimate demise. To avoid this, it is best to separate the weaker chicks into a separate box. I like to call this box the �hospital� and at chick drop-off day we will have accumulated about twenty of these chicks. They will be taken to the farm in hopes that they can nurse them back to health. In the cases in which a chick dies before chick drop off day, VA DEQ has approved the following methods of poultry carcass disposal: Landfill off-site (this means that you could throw the carcass in a school dumpster) Rendering (i.e., processing of animal materials into other products), incineration, or composting off-site Burial on site under emergency permit � This is the least preferred method due to its adverse environmental impact. ? Potential contamination of groundwater/public health issue If your school does any sort of dissection project, you may want to follow their same process for biohazard waste. Of course you will want to dispose of any deceased chicks in a tactful way that is most appropriate for your group dynamic. If you find it appropriate to use a chick death as a teachable moment, you may want to consult grieving counselor.

66. Please don�t forget to consult these resources... http://offices.ext.vt.edu/fairfax/programs/4h/embryology.html Chick Calendar Embryology Record Tip Sheet Teacher�s Packet Beginning of Life Curriculum Embryology Record Book

67. Questions?