Farm Animals

Poultry Hatchery Welfare Improvements

The commercial hatchery is a major welfare challenge point for poultry, encompassing male chick culling, handling, transport and incubation conditions.

Key Facts

Male chicks in layer hatcheries are killed at day one by maceration or gassing
In-ovo sexing technology can determine sex before hatching, eliminating killing
Incubation temperature fluctuations cause developmental stress in embryos
Post-hatch handling and transport cause significant physical stress
Dual-purpose breeds allow male chicks to be raised for meat

Welfare Considerations

Hatchery welfare is one of the most significant and underaddressed areas of poultry production. The killing of billions of male chicks annually is the most visible issue, but incubation conditions, handling and transport also affect welfare of every chick that enters production. In-ovo sexing investment should be an industry priority.

What You Can Do

Support in-ovo sexing adoption through purchasing companies with commitments
Advocate for hatchery welfare standards in egg certification schemes
Consider dual-purpose eggs from systems raising both sexes