Biology teachers Patrick Wildermuth and Rene Gillibert have again collaborated to raise chickens on campus as part of their science course activities. The eggs, held in classroom incubators, hatched on October 5.

While the were nearly twice the number of chicks scurrying around the G-wing, some eggs failed to produce. Once the birds are mature enough, they will be moved to the campus garden. “It’s good for the kids to see that life is precious and doesn’t alway happen, so within a year they can see what it’s like,” Wildermuth explained.

1 male and 3 females from the previous year’s litter, now residents of the garden coop, provided some of the eggs.  The rest were purchased from a Connecticut supplier.

Freshman Caroline Coates noted that the eggs from the campus coop proved more reliable than the ones shipped.

Currently, Gillibert has 13 chickens in his room while Wildermuth has 23. Wildermuth bought a black dog cage to act as a big pen for the playful feathered youngsters.

Needless to say, the cuddly chicks are a big hit with most students. “I like holding the chickens in my hands and allowing them to collect the warmth,” said Coates.

Sophomore Fiona Deane-Grundman added, “I like it when you can turn them upside down and just let them fall asleep in your hands.”

Students have developed a strong connection to the animals, with some viewing them like children with quirky personalities. “They are very talkative and they act like I’m their mom and say, ‘Feed me,'” Coates explained.

According to Deane-Grundman, the chicks are “weird little cotton balls.”

Understandably, some students have grown attached to their science experiment. “They are very silly but love you no matter what,” Dean-Grundman added.