Farm Animals

Poultry Welfare: Improving Hatcher Welfare

Conditions during the hatching process in commercial hatcheries affect day-old chick welfare, immunity, and lifetime health outcomes.

Key Facts

Chicks can experience hypoxia, hyperthermia, and dehydration if hatcher conditions are suboptimal
First feed within 12 hours of hatch improves immune function and reduces stress in day-old chicks
Hatcher temperature and humidity management are critical welfare parameters with lifetime consequences
Extending time in hatchers while waiting for uniform hatch completion causes welfare costs for first-hatched chicks

Welfare Considerations

Hatcher welfare is a welfare opportunity that is frequently overlooked in favour of downstream production concerns. Optimising hatcher conditions and providing first feed early are achievable interventions with measurable lifetime welfare benefits for the billions of chicks that pass through hatcheries annually.

What You Can Do

Support hatchery welfare research organisations developing evidence-based hatcher management guidelines
Advocate for hatcher welfare standards to be included in poultry welfare certification
Engage with poultry science organisations on first feed and hatcher condition optimisation