Chick Incubation for the Classroom

The Suffolk County Farm and Education Center is a supplier of fertile chicken eggs to hatch in the classroom and homeschool setting from the end of February through mid May. All eggs MUST be ordered in advance and are reserved on a “first come, first served” basis.

The important dates and information for the 2024-2025 Chick Incubation and Embryology program are as follows:

Egg Orders

• Reservations Open: October 1, 2024, at 9 am
• Distribution Period: February 25th, 2025, to May 20th, 2025 (Tuesdays between 9 am and 6 pm)
• Reservation Method: Email Kate Perz at kp99@cornell.edu with the number of egg sets required. Reservations are first come, first serve.
  • Order forms/POs sent without first reserving a date do not count as reservations.
  • No reservations will be made for a date until the amount of egg sets needed is known.
• Order Form Submission Deadline: At least 1 month prior to the egg pickup date.

Teacher Training

• Requirement: Mandatory for new hatchers to purchase fertilized eggs and embryology supplies.
• Location: Suffolk County Farm and Education Center, 350 Yaphank Avenue, Yaphank, NY 11980
• Cost: $50 per participant
• Dates: (subject to change)
  • January 28, 2025, from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm
  • February 6, 2025, from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Returning Chicks

• Requirement: All chicks must be returned to the farm
• Return Deadline: June 26th, 2025
• Return Process: By appointment only, scheduled at least two days in advance. Available return times are Monday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Tuesdays between 9 am and 6 pm, and Fridays between 8 am and 4 pm. Select few Saturdays available. Days/times subject to change.
  • If chicks are given away or kept without being sexed by a professional at the Suffolk County Farm, you may be subject to being refused fertile eggs in the future.
  • We do adopt out female chicks – anybody interested in adopting your chicks must contact the Animal Science Program Coordinator Kate Perz directly.

Additional Information

• Cancellation Policy: Egg and/or supply orders can be canceled in writing up to 30 days prior to the reserved pick-up date with a 70% refund. No refunds for cancellations less than 30 days prior.
• Multiple Set Orders: Contact information for each teacher hatching eggs must be provided at least 2 weeks prior to the egg pickup date.

We emphasize the importance of monitoring chicks for health issues in the classroom.

• Health Monitoring: It is imperative that chicks in the classroom are being monitored for health issues. If any health/mobility issues arise, they must be discussed with the Animal Science Program Coordinator, Kate Perz.
• Consequences: If chicks are returned in poor health/mobility and these issues were not discussed with the Animal Science Program Coordinator, you may be subject to being refused fertile eggs in the future.

This policy ensures that the chicks receive proper care and that any health concerns are addressed promptly.

If you have further questions or concerns, email Kate Perz (kp99@cornell.edu), as email is the preferred method of communication.

*Important information for hatchers who have previously purchased brooder/heat lamps: please note that LED light bulbs do not produce enough heat to be used in brooder lamps. If you do not have a working incandescent bulb, please contact Kate Perz at kp99@cornell.eduto discuss other options.

Last updated May 29, 2024