We’re So Egg-Cited!

The library is hatching baby chicks this spring! We received eggs from our friends at The Children’s Farm in Palos Park and we are incubating them until they’re ready to hatch. You can also follow the eggs’ progress on our Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!

Step 1: Incubate

The fertilized eggs are currently resting in an incubator, a machine that makes sure the eggs are at the perfect temperature and humidity to help each chick grow inside their egg. Our eggs will be in the incubator for about 3 weeks.

Each day, the eggs will be turned at least three times to make sure each one is nice and warm on all sides.

Step 2: Hatch

When the chicks are getting ready to hatch, you might see their egg rocking back and forth. That means the chick inside the egg is active and ready to come out! Little by little the chick will peck a small hole into the egg and slowly make its way out.

Keep in mind that even though we are taking the best care of our eggs, not all of them might hatch. This is normal and is just part of the egg incubating/hatching process.

Step 3: Fluffy Chicks

Once the chicks have hatched, they will be moved to a cozy enclosure called a brooder. Baby chicks will eat, drink, and be kept warm and happy in the brooder under a heat lamp.

After a week or two, our healthy chicks will travel back to The Children’s Farm in Palos Park.

Egg-cellent Events

Egg Candling

Monday, April 22: 6–6:30 pm
Drop-in Event
Ages 3-8 years with adult(s): Have you ever wondered what’s inside an egg? Join us for this fun egg candling event where we take an egg out of the incubator and take a look at what’s inside.  
More Info

Chicken Birthday Party!

Monday, May 6: 5–5:30 pm
Drop-in Event
Ages 3-8 years with adult(s): Our chickens have hatched, just us in celebrating with a birthday party!
More Info