Every year thousands of fertilized chicken eggs are purchased from farm suppliers and biological supply companies to be used in incubation projects in the United States and Canada. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) there have been disease outbreaks from hatching eggs and chicks in the classroom.   

 Chicks raised in incubators do not provide the educational opportunity to observe normal development, including the rich communication between chicks and their mothers. Instead, children observe the chicks in an environment that ignores their needs, sending a message that it is acceptable to treat animals as disposable objects.   

By depriving chicks of a mother hen, many grow sick and are born with deformities because their exact needs are not met during incubation and after hatching. They are also deprived of key imprinting and communication that occurs after birth. 

After hatching, teachers must find homes for surviving chicks, resulting in sanctuaries or rescues that may be at capacity having to turn them away. If no home is found baby chicks are often killed.  

Hatching live chicks in schools is an outdated practice that is unethical and cruel.