Bushey pupils welcome newly hatched chicks (From Watford Observer)

Pupils at Bournehall Primary School welcome newly hatched chicks

4:30pm Wednesday 6th March 2013 in News By Kathryn Snowdon, Reporter

Tweeting and chirping could be heard from a Bushey classroom today as youngsters observed some recently-hatched chicks.

Bournehall Primary School, of Bournehall Avenue, has been home to ten young chickens since Monday, February 25.

The chicks came when they were still eggs and are part of the school’s ‘life cycle’ programme, where children can observe the birds grow up.

Reception teacher and organiser, Bethany Ward, said: "It has been a great experience and the children have absolutely loved it."

When the eggs arrive they are kept in an incubator and on Tuesday, February 26 they began to hatch.

Miss Ward said the pupils then do a lot of activities about the lifecycle of the chicken.

She added: "It’s a really beneficial and exciting opportunity for the children in the classroom."

A member of staff and a parent have already decided to keep the female chicks, meaning that all six of them will soon be going home with their new owners.

The four boys will return to the Happy Chick Company on Friday.