Starting Friday, March 21
Join us for a special educational experience in agriculture as we hatch baby chicks in the Library this spring! The eggs are coming straight from the Children’s Farm in Palos Park, and you’ll get an up-close look at the life cycle from egg to chick.
The chicken eggs will be on display at the Youth and Teen Services Desk during their incubation period.
Our Youth and Teen Services team will keep a close eye on the incubator for a successful hatch. Visit us from April 10 to April 14 to watch the eggs begin to hatch!
The Hatching Journey
From farm to library and back again, follow the journey of our chicks:
The Beginning
We'll visit the Children's Farm in Palos Park to collect the fertilized eggs that will become our library chicks.
Incubation Period
The eggs will be carefully placed in our incubator at the Youth and Teen Services desk, where they'll remain at the perfect temperature and humidity.
Development
Over 21 days, the embryos will develop inside the eggs, growing from a few cells to fully formed chicks ready to hatch.
Hatching
During the week of April 10-15, the chicks will begin hatching! This process can take 24-48 hours from the first crack to fully emerging.
Growing
The newly hatched chicks will stay at the library for a short time, where community members can visit them before they return to the farm.
New Home
The chicks will return to the Children's Farm, where they'll join the flock and continue to grow in their forever home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I touch or hold the chicks?
For the safety and wellbeing of the chicks, only trained library staff will handle them. However, you'll have plenty of opportunities to observe them up close!
What happens to the chicks after they leave the library?
All chicks will return to the Children's Farm in Palos Park, where they will join the existing flock and be cared for properly in a farm environment.
How long will the chicks be at the library?
The chicks will remain at the library for approximately one week after hatching, giving everyone a chance to visit them before they return to the farm.
Do I need to register to see the chicks?
No registration is required! Simply visit the Youth and Teen Services desk during regular library hours to observe the eggs and chicks.
How can I learn more about chicken development?
We'll have a special display of books and resources about chickens, eggs, and farm animals available near the incubator. Our librarians can also recommend resources for all age levels.