beginning of life - · pdf filemale hackle and saddle feathers come to a distinctly pointed...

Beginning of Life4-H School Enrichment Project

About the Project Science Based, Hands-on Extension provides educational resources for the project

Leaders Manual Suggested Activities Youth Activity sheets

Project Expectations Teach responsibility and caring for a living thing Emphasize a “hands-on” experience with living

things Introduce and explain the topic of reproduction

to youth Help youth grasp developmental processes and

stages of growth

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Presentation Notes

Usually conducted around 4th grade. This supplies SOLs in science (plant and animal life cycles), math (measurements-thermometers) and english (reference materials).

Which came first? The chicken or

The egg?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1a8pI65emDE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1a8pI65emDE

Five to six months

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.

The Fertilization Process

A rooster is placed in an enclosed area with about 10 hens

Rooster will deposit sperm on the vent of the hen. The sperm then travels through the oviduct

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After fertilization occurs the egg albumen, shell membranes, and shell are added to complete the egg formation process.

Hen Reproductive Anatomy

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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.

Egg Anatomy

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Presentation Notes

Chalaza suspends the yolk in the albumen. Chalaza becomes the umbilical cord in humans.

Function of Embryonic Membranes

Yolk Sac Food

Amnion Protection

Chorion / Allantois Respiration

Waste

Minerals from shell

Absorption of albumen

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Presentation Notes

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 embryo

Hens will lay about one egg every other day until they have enough in their clutch to start brooding.

The hen’s body temperature is 106 degrees and when she sits on the clutch, she brings the temperature of the eggs up to 100 degrees.

How do Chickens hatch eggs on their own?

Fertile vs. Not fertile

Fertile Non-Fertile

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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.

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

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Araucanas lay green and blue eggs

What breed do we use?

White Leghorns

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Made famous by foghorn leghorn Pronounced leggern Famous for egg production – practically an egg everyday

External Chicken Anatomy

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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.

Embryonic Development

Embryonic Development Day 1

Beginning of formation of brain and nervous system, head and eyes

Appearance of vertebral column and blood island

Day 2 Blood vessels appear in yolk

sac

Heart begins to beat

First sign of amnion

Formation of throat

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Presentation Notes

Blood islands are structures in the developing embryo which lead to many different parts of the circulatory system.


Beginning of formation of nose, wings, legs, allantois

Amnion completely surrounds embryo

Day 4 Beginning of formation of

tongue

Embryo separate from yolk sac


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

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Presentation Notes

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.

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


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


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!

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Presentation Notes

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.

Beginning of Life: Hatching

How do I SuccessfullyHatch Eggs?

Proper Preparation and Planning

Preparation and Planning Equipment Needs

Calendar/record sheets Incubator Thermometers Candler Pencils Cheesecloth Brooder Box Jar lid, tuna can, etc.

Lesson 1

Lessons 2 and 3

Lesson 4

Lessons 5 and 6

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

Preparation and Planning What happens to the chicks after the project?

Chick pick up will be on April 22 or you can find your own home for the chicks.

This means you should have three days with the chicks to discuss the brooding process

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Presentation Notes

Chicks hatch on Tuesday, May 1.

Equipment: Incubator Types

Forced Air – air is circulated by a fan or fans Still Air – air is not circulated manually

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Presentation Notes

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.

Equipment: Incubator Make sure has stabilized for at least 24 hours at the

desired temperature before setting eggs

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

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Avoid laminate countertops – because incubator will melt plastic

Equipment: Candler See Teacher’s Packet for information on constructing your own

candler.

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Why candle? You can dispose of any unfertilized or cracked eggs. Or fix cracks with clear nail polish. 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.

http://www.strombergschickens.com/images/egg/CLT_L.jpg



Start Up Day

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The eggs that will fill this order are coming from our Brickland Two flocks, currently hatching at fertility rates of 90.9% and 88.4%. This is based on candling done after the eggs are in the hatchers for 10 days, and actual results from these eggs. While we aren’t able to tell you exactly what fertility rate your eggs will have, it will probably be at about the same rates.

When Will Eggs Arrive?

Delivery to Fauquier County Public Schools between 9 AM and 1 PM on March 29th

Non-Fauquier County school participants can pickup from the Extension Office from 4:30 – 5:30 on March 28th or 2 – 5 on March 29th

Route for March 29th

Grace Miller Pearson Brumfield PB Smith Ritchie Greenville

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

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Presentation Notes

Start running incubator 48 hours before eggs are to arrive/be set. Can try to repair cracked eggs with clear nail polish

Candling eggs prior to incubation

Good qualityhatching egg

Poor qualitylarge air cell

dark yolk

Cracked

Two Yolks

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Presentation Notes

You can try mending cracks with nail polish

Start Up Day Prepare eggs for incubating (cont.)

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

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Presentation Notes

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.



Start Up Day Good Incubation

Management

Incubation Management

4 Important Factors Temperature Humidity Ventilation Turning

Pay Attention to Temperature and Humidity!

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

http://www.strombergschickens.com/images/incubation/EST_L.jpg

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

Humidity Proper humidity is important for chick

health Prevents sticking to shell Maintains 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

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Presentation Notes

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.

Relative Humidity

Incubator Temperature (°F) Wet Bulb Readings (°F)

100 81.3 83.3 85.3 87.3 89.0 90.7

101 82.2 84.2 86.2 88.2 90.0 91.7

102 83.0 85.0 87.0 89.0 91.0 92.7

Percent Relative Humidity 45% 50% 55% 60% 65% 70%

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

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Presentation Notes

Water temp when adding should be warm to touch. ALWAYS make sure water trays are full. Sponges can increase the evaporating surface.

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)

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Presentation Notes

Best hatching results are obtained with normal atmospheric air.

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

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Presentation Notes

Turning prevents the blastoderm from migrating through the albumen and adhering to the shell membrane.

http://www.meyerhatchery.com/get_item_1610_automatic-turner-quail-eggs.htm

Candling Candle eggs as often as every three days to check

progress

Day 7

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Presentation Notes

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.

http://lancaster.unl.edu/4h/Images/Embryology/Photos/CandlingPhotos/CandlingDay7.jpg

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

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

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

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Presentation Notes

Make sure waterer is not too deep so chicks don’t drown. A tuna can works well.

Avoiding Disease

Emphasize the importance of sanitation and good hygiene before and after handling any animal reduces risk associated with project to almost zero

Troubles Arise ...

The most common problems are associated with improper incubator management...

Low Humidity can cause . . .

Chicks fully formed, but dead without pipping. Eggs pipped, but chicks dead in shell. Dry sticks – shell sticking to chicks. Short down on chicks or eyelids stuck closed with

down. Chicks with splayed legs or curled toes.

High Humidity can cause . . .

Sticky chicks – chicks smeared with egg contents Large, soft-bodied chicks with bad odor.

Low Temperature can cause:

Eggs pipped, but chicks dead in shell. Sticky chicks – chicks smeared with egg contents Large, soft-bodied chicks with bad odor. Delayed hatch – eggs not starting to pip until 21st

day or later.

High Temperature can cause:

Embryos that stop developing after a certain point.

Chicks fully formed, but dead without pipping. Chicks hatching too early with bloody navels. Short down on chicks or eyelids stuck closed with

down.

Trouble Shooting

Causes Insufficient moisture

Problem: Chicks with splayed legs or curled toes.

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

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) Follow school dissection projects policies for

biohazard waste

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Presentation Notes

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.

Please don’t forget to consult these resources...

http://offices.ext.vt.edu/fauquier/programs/4h/school-enrichment/embryology.html

Chick Calendar Embryology Record Tip Sheet Teacher’s Packet Beginning of Life Curriculum Embryology Record Book

http://offices.ext.vt.edu/fauquier/programs/4h/school-enrichment/embryology.html

Questions?

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