LINCOLN, England, August 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Numerous studies have been conducted into the long-term effects a lack of outdoor play and dissociation from nature can have on children. Those brought up in urban areas are more likely to suffer from high levels of stress, a higher risk of ADHD and decreased motor fitness.

Being disconnected from nature may also lead to a lack of understanding of where food comes from which could contribute to poor eating habits and obesity. As bonkers as it sounds, a recently study published in the Daily Mail showed that 1 in 10 young adults believed that eggs were in fact a wheat or maize-based product.

There may not be an easy solution, but one person with an answer is Madeline McRanor founder of the happy chick co., an organisation which brings nature direct to the classroom by delivering fertilized eggs to nurseries and schools just prior to hatching. the happy chick co., which has recently renewed its partnership with the happy egg co., seeks to provide inner-city kids with an enlightening journey that leads them to form meaningful connection to the natural world and teaches them to appreciate more vividly and enduringly how life comes to be.

"I've seen first-hand how caring for a chick - even for a short time - can inspire the young to take more notice of the natural world around them." says Maddie "The more in touch with animals they become, the more respect they have for them, and the more interest they take in their lives. This motivates them to make use of the natural surroundings that are accessible, however limited they may be. Even in the biggest cities there are parks, inner-city farms and nature reserves. Together with the happy egg co. our aim is to encourage and inspire people to make use of them."

So what can teachers at inner city schools expect their students to look forward to from the happy chick co. experience?

When the chicks are delivered, the team, who know everything there is to know about chicks, sets up the incubator which ensures temperature and humidity levels are closely controlled - all the time taking great care to explain everything. Detailed instructions are left behind and further questions can be answered by the advice line, available 7 days a week, 7am until 10pm.

Shortly after delivery, expectant "mother hens" will see signs that their chick is on the way. They will see the eggs wobble and may even hear cheeping coming from inside the egg.  the happy chick co. suggests that you make your own clucking noises at the egg - your feeling of silliness will quickly vanish when you hear your chick cheeping back at you.

Once the chicks are hatched, they are transferred to a brooder box. Again, the happy chick co. provides all the equipment the chicks need, leaving students or residents free to enjoy watching the chicks and their antics.

A week later, the happy chick company team returns to collect the equipment and the chicks… but be warned…chickens are addictive! This can be a very sad moment for everyone involved.  In many cases, individuals choose to adopt their chicks permanently. In these circumstances the happy chick company first ensures the 'adoptive parent' is suitable and then provides an aftercare support service. All chicks that are not adopted in this way are rehomed.    

"the happy egg co. is delighted that organisations such as the happy chick co. exist" says Claire Jappy of the happy egg co. "There isn't an easy answer to the problems faced by inner-city children but the more people that take the initiative to make a difference, the greater chance we have of succeeding. Our support and investment will enable Maddie to continue and expand upon her fabulous work in many more cities across the country, stirring a fascination with nature for generations to come".

To arrange a happy chick company hatching experience at your school, nursery, college or care/retirement home please contact +44(0)173-370-0853 or visit http://www.thehappychickcompany.co.uk

SOURCE the happy egg co.