FEATHERED BEGINNINGS | 5 Stones Family Farm

Welcome to our chick hatching rental kit program: Feathered Beginnings. Our goal is to bring the wonder of chick hatching and an amazing farm experience directly to your home or classroom. Our all-inclusive chick hatching rental kit provides everything you need for a successful and educational farmschool experience.

Read on for more information about our kits or click here to be taken to our FAQ

OR, if you already know all about our program click here to start your order!

The Power of Hands-On Learning

As first-generation farmers AND homeschoolers, these kits marry two of our passions while reigniting the next generations interest in reconnecting with our roots. Say goodbye to boring textbooks and hello to an adventure that'll have your kids fully engaged in the learning process!

Dive into the world of science, biology, and responsibility with our all-inclusive rental kits, designed to make learning fun, engaging, and unforgettable.
Watch as your children witness the miracle of life firsthand, from egg to chicks, with our reliable top-of-the-line incubator, seven fertilized eggs and everything included.
With our digital guides and live support, you'll feel confident every step of the way, from setting up your brooding box to caring for your chicks like a pro. Mom, dad or teacher will learn so much in the process right alongside the kiddos!

"We have been so pleased with our experience! The curriculum and reminders have been thorough, useful and easy to navigate and we hatched 7 out of 7! Enjoyed as a family and school wide in our school library!"

- Angie R.

So what's included in the kit? Is it really EVERYTHING you need?

Our kit includes absolutely everything you need to hatch and care for the chicks for up to 1 week.

Top-Of-The-Line Incubator & 7 Eggs

We use the Brinsea brand, one of the most reliable incubators on the market. Using high-quality equipment offers precise temperature and humidity control which help ensure a successful hatch. Ours also features automatic egg turning and a convenient water well that can be filled from the outside to take the stress off of you.

Printable Unit Study and Guides

Detailed step-by-step guides for every part of the hatching process are included so you will know exactly what to do and when to do it. We also send you an elementary unit study guide that can be used from start to finish for the full 4 weeks OR can be picked apart to use just the activities you choose for your family or classroom. The unit study includes tons of information about chickens and their history, fun facts, vocabulary, observation worksheets, science experiments, book lists for younger and older kids, video recommendations, and much more!

Hatching & Brooder Supplies

For hatching we include a small flashlight in the kit so you can candle the eggs to see the baby chicks growing inside them. We also include a warming plate to keep the chicks warm once they hatch. Warming plates provide consistent gentle heat that mimics a mother hen, and are much safer than heat lamps, reducing the risk of overheating, accidental burns and/or fire hazards. Last but not least, we include a feeder and waterer.

Easy Clean-Up

Brooder Box with Lid

As part of the kit you will receive a clear bin with a ventilated lid. Ventilation is important for proper airflow maintaining a healthy atmosphere but also keeps the vulnerable chicks safe from any curious pets that may be in your home.

Live Text, Email or Call Support

We understand that this process can be intimidating but we want families and classrooms to be able to enjoy these kits even if they are completely inexperienced. This is why our step by step guides are so thorough! However, just in case you run into issues or questions during the hatching process and/or caring for your chicks, you can reach out! We are available via personal phone for text or calls or via email for support. You are not in this alone!

Consumable Items

We provide enough puppy pads (for absorbency of smell), bedding for the bottom of the brooder and chick food to last you 1 week. If you are interested in keeping the chicks for an additional week we do charge a small fee and will include enough consumables for up to 2 weeks. Make sure to mention this to us when reserving.

Once you're done spending 7 days cuddling the little balls of fluff you can send them back to us. Pack everything up, no need to worry about cleaning any of the equipment, and deliver back to our farm, including the chicks! Want to keep the chicks or gift them to a friend? You can do that too!

Total Price for 28 day experience is $225

When you consider the cost of purchasing all these items individually, along with the priceless educational benefits and unique hands-on experience it offers your children or classroom, $225 is truly a bargain. This kit not only saves you time and money but also provides unparalleled opportunity to nurture curiosity, responsibility, and a love for science and nature in your kids.

I Want to Reserve My Kit

Want more information before deciding? Read on....

The Impact of interactive, experiential learning.

Let's face it, watching kids slog through worksheets and get distracted during lectures can be a snooze-fest for everyone. But what if we told you that there's a way to make learning come alive? Enter hands-on experiential learning, the superhero of education. Think of it as trading in a black-and-white TV for a full-color, surround-sound experience. Let's explore why rolling up those sleeves and getting hands-on with a project like chick hatching can be a total game-changer for your little learners in Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln and beyond.

Engagement and Retention: Because Learning Should Be Fun

Imagine the excitement on a child's face as they watch a chick peck its way out of an egg. Way more thrilling than filling out yet another worksheet, right? When kids can touch, see, interact with their learning material, they become more engaged and invested. They don't just learn; they experience. And guess what? Studies show they remember more too. It's like learning on turbo mode.

Experiential learning bridges the gap between textbook theories and the real world. Kids see firsthand how their studies apply to everyday life, making learning more relevant and exciting. Through chick hatching, they explore biological concepts like life cycles and animal behavior in a way that's immediate and impactful. It's science class meets reality TV, minus the drama.

This past spring, school librarian, Mrs. Rathe in Rocklin, hosted a kit in her library. Kids watched in awe as 7 chicks hatched and over the next week the library was THE place to be as kids from K-6th grade popped their head in between classes and before and after school to check up on the chicks.

Encouraging Curiosity and Exploration: Sparking a Lifelong Love of Learning

Hands-on activities ignite curiosity and a desire to explore. Kids are naturally inquisitive, and projects like chick hatching provide the perfect platform for them to ask questions, seek answers, and dive deeper into subjects like science and nature. In our unit study we have a great list of optional books to gather from the library or purchase and have on hand so that kids can dig deeper wherever and whenever their interest ignites. This curiosity-driven approach transforms learning from a chore into an adventure.

In a world dominated by screens and gadgets, it's no secret that kids are growing up more attached to their devices than to nature itself. Our chick hatching rental kits are the ultimate 'unplug and play' solution. They're not just hatching chicks they're hatching a newfound love for the natural world.

Worried about the mess or the time commitment?

Don't be! Our kit takes care of everything, saving you precious time and eliminating any cleaning concerns. With all the necessary supplies included and easy-to-follow guides provided, you can dive into the exciting world of chick hatching without a second thought about tidying up afterward. It's hassle-free learning at its finest!

Reserve My Kit Now!

Or, Read on for responses to our Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Scroll down for some answers to common questions we get from customers. Have a question that isn't addressed here? Reach out to us!

What comes in the chick hatching rental kit?

Our kits include: A top-of-the-line incubator, 7 fertilized eggs, a brooding box (with lid), a warming plate, waterer, feeder, an egg candler to monitor the development of the embryos, live text/email/call support, puppy pads, chick food and bedding for 1 week, a student unit study and digital guides for every step of the process.

How Long Is the Rental For?

Rental is for 28 days total. 21 days for the eggs to incubate and 7 days to care, play and observe the chicks.

What's the best day to start my rental?

This will differ depending on if you are hatching in a classroom setting or at home in a homeschool or family learning environment. When you reserve the kit we will go over this with you and recommend a weekday that will work best for your circumstances.

What happens if the eggs don't hatch?

While we strive for a successful hatch every time, and have not yet had to deal with a situation where no chicks have hatched, nature can be unpredictable. If none of the eggs hatch, we offer a guarantee that allows you to schedule another hatch free of charge. Additionally, live support is always available to help troubleshoot and provide guidance to maximize your chances of a successful hatch rate.

How many of the eggs can I expect to hatch?

While we strive for a high hatch rate, the exact number of eggs that will hatch can vary due to factors such as different seasons, the health (seen or unseen) of the parent hen and rooster, the incubation process and other factors. On average, you can expect a hatch rate of around 70%., or 3-5 eggs. More information on what to do with eggs that don't hatch is included in the instructional guides emailed to you 1 week before your reservation.

How does the chick return process work?

At the end of the rental period, you have a few options for returning the chicks.

You can choose to keep the chicks and raise them at home. We can give you book and website information to help support your transition to long term care. If you choose to keep them and find out in a few months that you have a rooster we offer a Rooster Return Program - we will take the rooster back! Keep in mind that, if keeping, you will need to source your own warming plate, brooder box and other supplies to take care of them for the weeks after your rental is returned. If you need recommendations on products please don't hesitate to reach out.
The other option if you cannot keep the chicks (or do not want to!) is to return the chicks to our farm. Currently, about 30-50% of the chicks returned are kept as free-ranging chickens on our farm and provide us with bug eating power and delicious farm fresh eggs. Most of the remaining ones are sold to be beloved backyard chickens for local families.

Is it safe for my kids to handle the chicks?

Yes, with proper supervision and hygiene practices, it is safe for the kids to handle the chicks. We recommend washing hands thoroughly before and after handling the chicks and being gentle to ensure the chicks well-being.

How do I integrate this experience into my homeschooling curriculum or classroom?

Our kit comes with a student unit study that includes educational resources and activities broken down by the week. This guide was designed to either be used from start to finish throughout the 28 days with weekly vocabulary words, diagrams, history, fun facts, science experiments and more each week or, if you are short on time or looking for a less formal structure you can pick and choose which activities you want to incorporate into your learning each week. The unit study also includes recommended books and videos to enhance the learning experience.

When will I receive my guides?

The student unit study and all guides will be emailed to you 1 week before the start of your rental. This advance delivery is to give you an opportunity to look through the guide and collect any library books or other resources in advance to be ready to go when you get your kit!

What age is the Unit Study aimed at and what is included?

The Unit Study is mainly aimed at the elementary level (around 3rd grade) but can be easily modified up or down for your elementary students. While the unit study was not made for older kids, we wanted to include some items for the homeschooling families with mixed ages. We made sure to include a short list of more in-depth books and video recommendations covering topics like history and anatomy so that the older kids can go where their interests lead them. Throughout the unit study your learners will cover different vocabulary words, anatomy, science experiments, history of chickens, fun facts, how to care for them, behavior observations and more.

Can I extend my rental period?

Yes! If, for any reason, you would like to extend your rental by a week you can for an additional $25. This can be great if you are driving from farther away, want more time to cuddle the chicks and/or are undecided if you want to keep the chicks or not. Please just let us know this when placing your reservation so we can account for this in our scheduling. **Note: if you need to extend the rental last minute please reach out to us. We may still be able to accommodate a last minute extension depending on our schedule or can be flexible on a return date that works better for you. If, you are a no show on your return date and have not communicated with us you will incur a late fee of $45.

Will there be any smell from the chicks or the hatching process?

While the chicks themselves do not have a strong odor, there can be a mild smell associated with the brooding box. To minimize any potential smells we provide puppy pads in each rental kit. These help to absorb moisture and greatly reduce odor. If a lot of water is spilled in the brooder box you will want to make sure you clean it up promptly, otherwise the box will produce a stronger odor.