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Kim,

In May of 1983, I created the "BioCorner" Embryology
Exhibit at Pittsburgh's original Buhl Planetarium and
Institute of Popular Science, where chicks [and
occasionally ducklings] were hatched each weekend,
year-round. I was Curator of this rather unique
exhibit, which quickly became one of the most popular
exhibits in the building [particularly for young
children], for four years.

I have written a history of this exhibit, which
includes details of operation as well as some of the
problems encountered, at the History of Buhl
Planetarium web site at this link:

<
http://buhlplanetarium4.tripod.com/biocorner/historybiocorner.html
>

I do want to caution you about one thing: bird flu.
Had you asked about starting such an exhibit a yaar or
so ago, I would have recommended against it, since at
that time bird flu seemed imminent.

Today, bird flu does not seem as great a threat.
However, that could change quickly.

If and when bird flu reaches North America, I would
STRONGLY recommend that a chick-hatching exhibit
immediately be suspended, until such a time that bird
flu is no longer a threat.

If bird flu reaches North America, and you have a
chick-hatching exhibit in your institution, there will
always be a certain percentage of people, particularly
parents, who will avoid your institution, quite
literally "like the plaque" !!! It will not matter if
you try to publicize that the chicks you hatch are
considered safe, or if you eliminate all visitor
contact with the chicks [which, under normal
circumstances, would partially defeat the purpose of
the exhibit!].

Even if you try to publicize how safe the exhibit is,
first of all there will always be people who do not
receive your publicity. If people know that there are
chicks in your institution and bird flu reaches North
America, there will always be a certain percentage of
people who will want to take no chances, and hence,
will stay away from your institution.

I certainly hope bird flu never reaches North America
so you do not have to deal with this issue. Good luck
on your new exhibit. After reading the "BioCorne" web
page, feel free to contact me with any further
questions.

gaw

--- Kim Allgeier <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Date: Thu, 17 May 2007 14:59:19 -0400 
From: "Kim Allgeier" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Baby Chicks 
To: [log in to unmask]

> 
> Hello! 
> I was wondering if anyone has tried raising chicks
> in house (with an egg incubator/chick brooder) as an
> educational program. We currently have a sponser who
> is willing to give us eggs (and take our fully grown
> chickens). However, if anyone can give me some
> insight into what this may require beyond general
> care  (demands of the animals, permits, etc), I
> would greatly appreciate the insight!
> 
> thanks!
> Kim Allgeier
> 
> Kimberly Allgeier
> Group Programs Coordinator
> Orlando Science Center
> 407-514-2097
> [log in to unmask]

gaw

Glenn A. Walsh
Electronic Mail - < [log in to unmask] >
NEWS - Astronomy, Space, Science:
< http://buhlplanetarium.tripod.com/#news >
Author of History Web Sites on the Internet --
* Buhl Planetarium, Pittsburgh: 
  < http://www.planetarium.cc > 
* Adler Planetarium, Chicago: 
  < http://adlerplanetarium.tripod.com >
* Astronomer & Optician John A. Brashear: 
  < http://johnbrashear.tripod.com > 
* Andrew Carnegie & Carnegie Libraries: 
  < http://www.andrewcarnegie.cc > 
* Duquesne Incline cable-car railway, Pittsburgh: 
  < http://www.incline.cc >


       
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