Rent-a-Chick: A Special Opportunity to Experience Farm Life Up Close

As we prepare for the seventh year of our beloved Rent-a-Chick program, we can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and gratitude. This program has grown each year, connecting families, classrooms, couples, individuals, organizations, memory care units, and so much more, to the joy of farm life and providing an opportunity to experience the incredible transformation that happens during the first two weeks of a chick’s life.

You will take home three chicks, a tub, heat lamp, and food.

Raising a baby chick is one of the most rewarding, cutest, and fluffiest experiences on the farm, and we are thrilled to offer our community the chance to partake in it. There’s something truly magical about those first few weeks when the chicks are fluffy, chirping, and growing rapidly under the warmth of a heat lamp. It’s a perfect time to observe how quickly life changes.

What is Rent-a-Chick?

The Rent-a-Chick program is simple yet impactful. Families or organizations can take home three adorable baby chicks for two weeks. We provide everything you need— a cozy box to keep them in, nutritious food, and a heat lamp. All you need to do is provide a safe, warm place in your home where the chicks can grow and be observed. The program offers a chance to watch as the chicks grow from tiny balls of fluff into curious, active birds.

The first two weeks of a chick’s life are a remarkable time of development, and there’s no better way to witness it than by having them in your home. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they change—how their feathers start to grow, how they begin to develop personalities, and how fast they learn to eat, drink, and explore their environment. It’s a chance to witness the miracle of life in real-time, and it’s something you’ll remember forever.

A card drawn by a child who participated in Rent-a-Chick

Why Rent-a-Chick Matters

When we share about Rent-a-Chick, there are always those who question the program saying things like, “I bet you loose a lot of chicks." This is not a topic we avoid with our participants, we try to equip each group with tools for the conversation in case this happens, but it also honestly doesn't happen much at all. Last year, over 100 chicks left the farm and we only lost 3. The most beautiful thing about each of those were the texts from parents each in their own way saying how much that piece of the program really added to their child's understanding. It wasn't like they wished for it to happen for sure, but they saw the gift the conversation and experience was for their children even in the heartache.

The focus of Rent-a-Chick isn’t on perfection—it’s about the experience. It’s about watching your chicks grow and change, learning about animal care, and seeing firsthand the dedication it takes to raise animals that will ultimately provide nutrient-dense food for the community.

The Rewards of Rent-a-Chick

The rewards are truly priceless. One of the most amazing parts of Rent-a-Chick is hearing the stories that families bring back to the farm. Every year, the names given to the chicks and the tales families tell us about their time together are heartwarming and humorous. Some families go all out, giving their chicks funny or sentimental names, while others document their chicks’ adventures in daily journals or even create little chick “houses” for them to explore.

There’s something special about watching people connect with animals, especially animals that will one day contribute to the food that nourishes their community. Many people are surprised at how quickly they become attached to their little chicks. The simple act of nurturing and caring for them becomes a lasting memory. In fact, one mother, upon dropping off her chicks, exclaimed, “BEST. EXPERIENCE. EVER!” We couldn’t agree more.

These chicks go on the most fun adventures, whether it's a Magna-Tile maze or Barbie Car adventure.

The Journey of a Chick

After the two weeks are up, the chicks are returned to the farm, where they continue to grow and mature. By the time they return, they are usually big enough to cause a bit of mischief, but they’re still full of personality and curiosity. These chicks will eventually join our laying hen flock, or some may be be purchased by other families later in the spring, continuing their journey and eventually providing eggs that help nourish that local community.

Looking Ahead

As we head into our seventh year of Rent-a-Chick, we’re excited to see the program continue to grow and reach even more families, classrooms, and groups. It’s a chance for us to share a little bit of farm life with our community, and to help people understand the hard work, dedication, and love that goes into raising animals.

Our goal is to inspire a connection with the land, the animals, and the food that sustains us. If you’ve ever wanted to get an close-up view of how life begins on the farm, Rent-a-Chick is the perfect way to start.

So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for this year’s Rent-a-Chick program and give your family the opportunity to witness the wonder of life on the farm. It might just be the best experience you have all year!

Sign Up Here

Don't forget to take your Easter Picture early with your three adorable chicks!