The beginning and growth of new life
The beginning and growth of new life is one of the most fascinating of events. It is possible to observe and learn about this process by looking at Baby Chicks. Below are three stages - 'The Embryo', 'Incubation', and 'After Hatching' - which explore and explain what happens from the moment an egg is laid to how the baby chick should be looked after. You may have been lucky enough to have your own incubator, or you may have seen baby chicks hatch out. If you haven't don't worry - this section will enable you to see exactly what goes on!

The Embryo Embryos of different animals have many things in common: (a) they all grow from fertilised eggs which divide, producing more and more cells, (b) they all need food and oxygen to grow, (c) they are all surrounded by water as they grow. The human embryo, a developing baby, grows inside its mother's womb. Baby chicks and baby ducks are examples of embryos which grow inside eggs until they have completely developed.

Incubation: How Eggs Hatch A newly laid egg needs to be incubated (kept warm) at a constant temperature of about 40°C during the gestation period of 21 days. The hen will do this naturally if she has gone 'broody', or a specially made incubator can be used. The developing embryo (the chick) feeds on the eggs yolk through a series of blood vessels. This is why an egg is so good and nutritious for you to eat.

After Hatching: Caring for the chicks When chicks are hatching they should be left alone. At first they are wet and look a bit bedraggled. It will take several hours before they move about properly - remember they have been curled up inside the egg for 21 days! Upon completion of hatching the chicks should remain in the incubator overnight. They need no food for the first 24 hours after hatching because they are still absorbing the last of the yolk. It is important to prepare a 'brooder' for the chicks.

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