SCHOOL pupils from Kilmacolm Primary hatched a perfect plan to learn all about life and living things — by nurturing nine newborn chicks.

More than 40 children in primary three and P3/2 have been taking part in the popular Living Eggs Project, where they were given the ‘eggciting’ opportunity to see chicks hatching.

There were a total of nine new additions to the school and the pupils have been making their fluffy friends feel right at home.

Youngsters have taken control of all aspects of their welfare, including feeding, making sure they have fresh water and cleaning up after them.

The pupils also learned a great deal about the life cycle and responsibilities, among other things.

Grace Reid, Kilmacolm Primary acting head teacher, said: “The chicks are part of the Living Eggs Project learning about spring time, birth and new life.

“It’s been so exciting in the classroom, the pupils have been watching and were there when the eggs actually hatched, so they saw it.

“They’ve been keeping a diary of what’s been happening and watching for any changes.

“The children have been really excited by it and were responsible for feeding them and making sure they had fresh water and watching the life cycle and looking after them.” The project works by embryo eggs being provided to the school two to three days from hatching, along with an incubator specially designed for the classroom.

It has large viewing windows to make sure the children don’t miss a moment and an electronic thermostat, ensuring accurate temperature control for a high hatch rate.

There is also a ‘brooder box’ complete with a heat light, bedding and feed, which allows teachers and children access to the chicks.