Hatching ducklings at DUCKS

The Kindergarten and Infants’ School were buzzing last week following the delivery of some hatching duck eggs. The children welcomed the new arrivals with much anticipation and began the expectant wait for the eggs to start their cycle from incubator to playpen. We did not know what breeds the eggs would turn out to be, which added to our collective imagination of what colour, shape, or size the chicks might have once they hatched. An added layer of mystery to an unforgettable experience.

Over the next few days, both the kids and adults experienced the magic of seeing the eggs hatch and shared the joy of these sweet-natured little creatures as they took their first steps into the world. As part of the ducklings’ stay at DUCKS, the children learned about these animals, how to look after them, and their eating and sleeping habits. They witnessed first-hand how the little ducklings grew each day; from the first tiny crack on the eggshell to their tentative ‘baby’ steps and the delight of their first bath a few days later.

To ensure that the children (and all College staff) could keep an eye on the ducklings at all times, we set up a ‘live feed’ of the incubator and playpen that was available in every classroom throughout the school. The arrival of the duckling eggs was a highlight in the DUCKS calendar as it brought with it much joy, anticipation, and excitement, and a much-needed confirmation that Spring had finally arrived too.