Day 11: So much we can't see.

3/4/2018

We're over one-third of the way through our embryonic development project now. The chicks that are growing are starting to form more recognizable chick shape and characteristics--according to statistics. We can't see anything from this side of the shell! But it's been smooth sailing here so far. The humidity has continued to be fairly stable inside the incubator. We added a bit more water to the tray inside the incubator on Friday afternoon after we noticed the humidity had lowered into the low 40s. Temperature, however, has remained just below 100 degrees. All good signs. We have not handled the eggs, or opened the incubator at all except to add water on those days necessary. We will plan to "candle" the eggs on Wednesday in order to determine if we have chick growth in each as hoped.

Today's Stats:

Temperature: 99.6 degrees
Humidity: 56%

Did you know?

An American inventor by the name of Granville Woods invented the chicken egg incubator in 1900. Woods was born in Columbus, Ohio in 1856. Look him up!

**Now would be a good time to check out all the body systems that are forming on our chicks. What do you know about them? Which organs are involved in those systems? Which cells are involved? Review those systems of your human body as well.

What's been happening inside that shell?

(from poultryhub.org, aces.edu, and ohio4h.org)

Day 8: Beginning formation of feathers. Wings and legs are easier to see. Neck elongating.
Day 9: Embryo begins to look more bird-like. Toes begin to form.
Mouth opening appears. DIGESTIVE SYSTEM!
Day 10: Beak starts to harden. Skin pores visible. Egg tooth forms at upper beak. INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM!
Day 11: Eyelids grow over eyes. Tail feathers forming.
Day 12 (tomorrow): Toes fully formed. Ear openings can be seen. First few visible feathers appear!

If you'd like to view daily images of chick development, you may like one of these sites: (please check the graphics before showing them to children)

0 Comments

2017-18 Embryology Project