Chickens 101: Students aren't the only ones back to school at Saint Alphonsus Ligouri

Cluck, cluck, cluck! The fifth grade class at Saint Alphonsus Ligouri School in Prospect Heights welcomed back one of its feathered friends this week. "Fluff," a five-month-old Mille Fleur D' Uccle hen, was raised by the fifth graders last year as part of a school hatching project. She returned Tuesday to visit students.

Glenn Crosswhite, dedicated science teacher for grades Pre-K through eighth, began the hatching project last year with his class. Students incubated eggs, observed the hatching process and cared for six chicks. All of the chicks found forever homes with students at the end of the school year.

Fifth graders, Melina, Calla and Ariana Blank, adopted four of the chicks including "Fluff." At home, "Fluff" is joined by two roosters and a hen. The three sisters educated classmates about raising grown chickens and the daily care that is involved.

"We have to feed and water the chickens every day," Melina explained. "They eat grain, which is similar to cereal. You can just think of it as cereal for chickens," she added.

Students asked a variety of questions, including whether the roosters are loud. "They are very loud," responded Calla. "And yes, they cockle doodle doo!" she exclaimed.

The hatching project was so popular that students are hoping for the opportunity to do it again. Until then, there are plenty of critters for students to nurture. Saint Alphonsus is home to several rats, a red-eared turtle, hermit crabs and a variety of fish.

According to the Blank sisters, one thing is for certain. The chickens will be making several more appearances at school. "This was their first home," shared Ariana. "And they want to come back to visit."