They are fluffy, they are cute, and they are part of the food system. 

If you have never hatched an egg, it is not a terribly difficult process if you have the right equipment.

One dozen fertilized eggs (not the eggs from the grocery store) are placed in a 100° incubator for 21 days. Around the 21^st day the small chicks make their first pip and find their way out of the shell.

After a few days in the school with their temporary parents, chicks are donated to 4-H families in the region.

By: Tony Staubach, Program Manger, 4-H Youth Development.