By Jamie Kleman
Delaware Live
Coverdale’s Chicken Tenders Program Invites Families to Raise Chicks at Home
There is something undeniably sweet about holding a fluffy chick in your hands. This spring, local families will have the opportunity to do just that while playing a meaningful role in supporting the next generation of hens at Coverdale Farm Preserve.
The Chicken Tenders Program from Delaware Nature Society invites families to raise two chicks at home from March through May 2026. After five to six weeks of care, the young birds are returned to the farm, where they continue growing and eventually join the adult flock of laying hens.
Designed as a hands-on agricultural experience, the program requires no prior farming knowledge. Farm staff provide weekly guidance, live Zoom check-ins, and all necessary supplies to help families feel confident and supported throughout the process. The program fee of $375 includes the chicks, feed, brooder supplies, and full access to staff support. Delaware Nature Society members receive a 15 percent discount.
For children, the experience offers more than adorable photo opportunities. Caring for chicks teaches responsibility, empathy, and an understanding of where food comes from. Families learn about proper brooder setup, safe handling, feeding schedules, and the early stages of poultry development. For many participants, it is their first real introduction to farm life and the rhythms of seasonal agriculture.
The program also supports Coverdale Farm’s flock in a unique, community-centered way. Instead of the chicks remaining solely on the farm, families become part of the growth process. When the birds return after their time at home, participants can see how their efforts contribute to the larger ecosystem of a working farm.
Applications for the 2026 Chicken Tenders Program are due Sunday, March 1, 2026. Space is limited.
For families looking for a meaningful spring activity that blends education, agriculture, and a little bit of barnyard charm, Chicken Tenders offers a memorable opportunity. It is both adorable and impactful, giving children a firsthand look at the care and commitment that go into sustaining a farm.