It's been almost a week since the chickens moved into the Lab's backyard. Although their coop and run accommodates them quite comfortably, our goal was to provide them with adequate exploration time outside of the run. In addition to satisfying their incredible curiosity, wandering the backyard garden also allows the chickens to assist with pest control and diversify's their omnivorous diet.

For several days, we opened the run door for the chickens to come out and they never did. Most times they walked up into the coop and patiently waited for the door to be closed again. We continued to try until finally they came over to the coop door and and peeked their heads out. It took some more time before the first chicken wandered out...then jumped right back in again.

The second time one of the chickens hopped out of the run, it was gently picked it up and placed further away from the coop door. The second chicken quickly followed and the exploration began.

As of July 13th, we have harvested the following from the Kiddie Science Lab garden. We would like to acknowledge our young scientists for their hard work, dedication, and gentle care of our garden. 

2.1 lbs Collard Greens
1.2 lbs mixed herbs (Mint, Parsley, Dill, Cilantro, Basil, Thyme)
1 lb Rainbow Chard
1.5 lbs Lettuce (mix of red and green)
1.8 lbs Cherry Tomatoes
​3.1 lbs Cucumbers
.9 lb Onions & Scapes

There's much more to come!

We've started our summer with field trip visits from local daycare groups, Camp Ft. Greene, and the Flatbush Beacon Center. Young scientists explored chemical reactions, cared for our garden, learned about urban agriculture, and met our backyard chickens. 

Thank you for making this possible! Your direct support has made The Chicken Project a reality! Over the last month, we've been busy working to get the backyard ready for the chickens so we can expand our learning space. We are pleased to announce that two hens recently joined the Lab. They're in their "teen" years so we have plenty of time to get to learn from them!

Again, thank you! Your tax deductible donation, your in-kind purchases from our wish list, your ti me and help assisting with the process, your words of encouragement, it has all created something wonderful for our children to experience. Thank you for planting the seeds of science.

It's been an exciting several days at the Kiddie Science Lab backyard! We've put the finishing touches on the coop, build the raised platform for the base, added a couple more coats of seal, and began the wire trench. Buried chicken wire is the final layer of protection from predators. Once that's in place, the chickens are coming! We anticipate they'll arrive in the next day or two.