Rent-A-Chick Program

After months of creating the rent-a-chick program the big day was finally here! Couldn't belive how much fun Chris and I had creating the Rent-A-Chick Program for our farm - and the satisfaction of finally seeing the idea come to fruition. We even got to collaborate and write our first kids book together (illustrated by dumpling, written-in-rhyme by me :)
We had quickly sold out of all 11 spots availble and Chris delivered our how-to-book to families about 2 weeks before the big arrival day. This worked out great since it gave everyone time to read up on how to take care of the chickies during the countdown. We found out that most kids already had their chicks named and everyone had read up on how to take care of their peeps - right down to how to care for a pasty-bottom!
All supplies were lined up so everyone got their 2-week ration of shavings, chick crumbles, feeders and watering jars as well as thermometer for the play pen. Spent a few late nights putting the final touches on the kits to make sure it would be a turn-key operation during the chaos of pickup day. Finally the big day was upon us and we got the call from the post-office that the chicks had been shipped from the hatchery and we had a peeping box ready for pickup!

Box of sleeping chicks - just delivered from the hatchery. Chris picked them up early that morning and settled them into their chick habitat before the families arrived. They got to take the first sips of water and stretch their little legs and wings from the overnight delivery box. Sooooo adorable! The soft fluff of day-old chicks is the best! We called everyone to let them know "The delivery room" would be opening up right after we got home from work that day so kids could come to pick up their bundles of joy -

The buzz of the big day was here and filled with the pitter patter of little feet around the farm. It was priceless to watch all the expressions and reaction to the chicks. Some kids were happy to just watch them running around and alittle reluctant to pick them up. Others were tickled-pink to hold a baby peep and couldn't be separated. I gave alittle demo of how to hold a baby chick while Chris gave a run-down of all the equipment needed for their care during the next two weeks. The the room was filled with lots of giggles! Alot of good chick moms and dads in the crowd.

Each family got to pick 3 chicks to take home. Ones thing for sure - Kids couldn't take their eyes off the little ones! We got small boxes so they could keep them safe for the drive home.

It was clear this was for kids of all ages, and I got the impression some of the parents were more excited than the kids!

All ready for the ride home!

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It has only a few days into the program and have already received feedback from alot of parents about how their little ones are so entertained - they can sit and watch the chicks for hours at a time. (and some parents confess - it hard not to stop to watch them too!)

We've gotten emails from a few teachers and other familes - wanting to get their own batch as well. Will report back with some testimonials and experiences later in the month! I am sure this will be an annual event, and hoping we can do another batch alittle later in the summmer.

What a fun way to to learn where our eggs come from. Yeah for Farms - yeah for rent-a-chick!