CORVALLIS, Ore. – Viewers around the world can once again watch new life begin as the Oregon State University Extension Service brings back its annual chick-hatching livestream.
The livestream starts on April 20 and will document the chicks as they hatch. The expected hatch date is April 21, and the cameras will remain on until April 23.
Faculty and staff at the OSU Extension Office in Astoria set up cameras to stream to the public. After emerging from their shells, the chicks are moved into a brooding pen where they stay warm and continue growing before heading to their new homes, according to Alisabeth Ogier, education program assistant with the OSU Extension 4-H Youth Development Program in Clatsop County.
“Watching chicks hatch helps children and families learn about the life cycle, responsibility, and how animals grow and develop,” Ogier said. “It’s a hands-on way to see science in action and understand how careful care, the right temperature and patience all play a role in new life.”
Once they are strong enough, the chicks are adopted by local 4-H families who raise and care for them and may later show them at county and state fairs.
“Being part of the process teaches kindness, patience and respect for animals,” Ogier said. “It creates memories that stay with kids that last a lifetime.”
Since the annual livestream launched in 2014, more than 91,000 people from around the world have watched chicks hatching on the OSU Extension website and more have watched on TV station websites.
