Update on the School Chickens (2023)
We are incredibly fortunate to have science teacher, Mr. Rouleau, oversee the whole chicken operation. Not only has he supervised many groups of 7th and 8th graders who care for the chickens when school is in session, he also cares for the chickens over all the school breaks. The chickens have gone home with him on occasion to be kept safe from brutal winter temperatures or predators. Currently he managing a young flock of replacement chickens for the School's coop. The last ones had become geriatric and were no longer laying. Some had passed away and others were picked off by predators during free range time periods.
One adjustment to the chicken program should be mentioned. The school had a day-time free range policy in the early phase of the operation. Wandering wherever they wanted worked out well most of the time but the chickens also ranged into the neighboring graveyard. As there are frequent funeral activities there, the chicken's presence became unwelcome. Mr. Rouleau learned that chickens can be leashed and the School purchased a set. Students ended up enjoying taking chickens for leashed walks around the property. Otherwise, the chickens are now kept caged and waiting for visits and pets by students.
In summary, the chicken program remains strong and deeply valued by our school community.
Our Chicken Story
One of St. Albans City School's suburban neighbors owned chickens and ducks that they let free range throughout the neighborhood. The birds loved coming over to the school with it large lawns, and our students enjoyed having them feeding outside of their classrooms. Their presence served as a test drive of sorts for the school eventually getting its' own chickens. Now, two years later in 2019, that vision has come to fruition. Six chicks, from the many dozens that were incubated and hatched by kindergartners in their embryology science unit, were kept as permanent residents.
Grant money was obtained to install a secure chicken house and a cage that would keep predators out during nights. The Team USA learning community took on the task of nurturing the kindergarten hatchlings until the chicken housing operation was completed. Two firmly committed teachers from that 7th and 8th grade community, Mr. Kitell and Mr. Cioffi, completed the chicken house installation after the 2018/2019 year came to an end. Now the birds are happily installed near our community garden and fruit trees. |
Kindergarten teams supplied the chicks
Team USA agreed to raise the chicks to adulthood
The chicks were housed, kept warm and fed in one of the 7th and 8th grade classrooms. Younger students from around the school were invited to come by and visit with the young chickens while construction took place.
The chicken shelter assembly and installation was overseen by key teachers and students
A major concern for the project in safety of the birds. A special cage was purchased to keep the hawks, possums and racoons out. The base of the chicken coop was dug down a foot and large boards were added to prevent critters from digging under the cage. The base of the pen was filled with sharp sand to ensure proper drainage. The chickens are now settling into their new space.
Goals for our chicken program
To have chickens free range around the school during the daytime and returned to their house in the evenings
To have children witness and experience raising chickens. We want them to be able to touch or hold a chicken if they wish to.
To help children understand where food comes from and what it takes to produce and process the food we eat
To have children witness and experience raising chickens. We want them to be able to touch or hold a chicken if they wish to.
To help children understand where food comes from and what it takes to produce and process the food we eat