Visit the Hatchery
Come and meet our newest little learners!
Our chicks are finally arriving! Classes are welcome to book a short visit to the Hatchery to observe the chicks, learn about their development and, when appropriate, have an opportunity for some gentle interaction.
To pop in for a visit, please choose a time using the booking button below.
Chick wellbeing comes first.
Visits and handling opportunities may change depending on the age, behaviour and needs of the chicks on the day.
Use the links below to jump to the information you need.
Please prepare your students before coming to the Hatchery.
Our chicks are very young and can become frightened or tired when there are lots of people around them. Before your visit, please talk through the Hatchery Rules with your class and remind students that visiting the chicks does not necessarily mean holding a chick.
Please go through these rules with your class before arriving.
Chicks can carry germs even when they look clean and healthy, so good hygiene is an important part of every Hatchery visit.
All students and adults will need to wash their hands after interacting with the chicks or their environment.
Some visits may include an opportunity to hold a chick.
Holding will only happen when the chicks are old enough, settled and coping well with visitors. Students will not collect chicks from the brooder themselves. An adult will give the chick to the student and return it to the brooder afterwards.
Students must be sitting down to hold a chick.
Remember: Holding a chick is a privilege, not a guaranteed part of a Hatchery visit. We will always follow what the chicks are telling us.
Our chicks are doing a very big job: growing!
Being watched, touched and held can be tiring for a tiny chick. Throughout the day, the Hatchery may have rest periods where students can look at the chicks but cannot touch or hold them.
We may stop handling if the chicks are:
moving away or trying to escape
cheeping persistently
becoming restless
huddling together
trying to return to their heat source
simply ready for a rest
If the chicks need a break, they get a break.
During your visit, please help us by:
supervising your students throughout the visit
reinforcing quiet voices and walking feet
keeping students behind the designated viewing boundary
ensuring students do not reach into the brooder
supporting students to follow adult directions during handling
ensuring everyone washes their hands afterwards
helping students understand if the chicks need a break
If you have students who may need additional preparation or support to safely access the Hatchery, please speak to Miss Reisima before your visit so we can plan for them.
