CHICKENS
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Which Came First?
Which Came First?
At The farmSTED, the garden came first—by about a year. 😄
The decision to add a chicken coop grew out of our commitment to hands-on, interdisciplinary learning and sustainable practices. From the beginning, the coop was designed as a student-led project. IB Design Technology students drafted plans, created supply lists, and built the structure over the course of a semester (see the Summer 2022 issue of the Leaflet for the full story).
Since then, the chickens have become an integral part of the program. Students across disciplines continue to take ownership of their care. Our St. André Scholars initially managed daily responsibilities like feeding the hens and collecting eggs, while Business and Entrepreneurship students developed and ran our in-house egg business, St. Eggward.
The Flock
The Flock
Today, the coop houses up to 24 hens, with a diverse mix of breeds including Plymouth Rock, Green Queen, Olive Egger, Chocolate Orpington, Rhode Island Red, Welsummer, and Polish.
The hens have access to a secure run where they can forage, scratch, and exhibit natural behaviors. An automatic door regulates their daily movement, and a dedicated student team—our “Chicken Tenders”—ensures they are fed, watered, and cared for every day.
Eggs and Impact
The eggs produced at The farmSTED are collected daily and made available to the school community. Proceeds from egg sales support the program and contribute to its broader mission of sustainability and service.
👉 SEHS faculty, staff, students, and families can place orders through the Eggs page.
Chicken Resources
Do you have a back yard flock or are interested in starting one? Here are some of our favorite resources.
Back Yard Chickens is a website full of articles and practical tips for keeping chickens. There is a robust forum where you can post questions and get input and advice from hundreds of other users.
Meyer Hatchery, located about an hour away in Polk, Ohio, is where we source all of our chicks. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and they have a great variety of breeds. Also, their website is a treasure trove of information about all topics chicken-related.
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