Chicken Update

Three of the chickens hatched out over Science Week have established a permanent home outside 041. We have 2 hens and a cockerel. Pupils campaigned to keep the chickens and we now have a group of official chicken keepers who take care of the day to day feeding and care of the chickens. There is a continual stream of visitors to see the chickens at break and lunch time and pupils are learning lots about the care and upkeep of these creatures. The chickens also have a place in Science lessons. Don't worry we are not doing experiments on them or dissecting them but they are used in lessons to look at adaptation of birds and how selective breeding takes place. Pupils really enjoy seeing real life examples when these topics are being discussed.

An Introduction to the chickens

The chickens have been up to lots of adventures this term.

There’s Eric, the cockerel, who loves to crow every five seconds to annoy the Art Department. Eric’s favourite pastime is attacking Mr. Jones’ feet and chasing Jordan round the art block.

Then there’s Betty-Boris, one of the hens, she was originally called Boris, however we later realised she was a girl… Boris’ favourite thing to do is eat – everything! She has been known to eat sausages, shoes, mice, people and anything she can fit in her beak. However, Boris also lays the largest eggs. Her second favourite pastime is wandering into the science class after escaping.

Finally there’s Bruno, the other hen. She is quieter and shyer than the other two, but most people’s favourite. Bruno is always calm, despite what the other two chickens are doing and spends more time in the pen than out of it. She loves cuddles and will quite happily go to sleep in your arms.

The chickens are currently laying around 10 or 11 eggs per week. They now have a bigger run, with netting over the top to stop Boris from escaping.

By Catherine Marsh