D. Hill, DVM, MAM, Dipl. ACPV
What is the “natural” hatch window for a set of eggs? The definition of the “natural” hatch window is the time that it takes to hatch all chicks in an ideal incubation environment. In reality, a natural hatch window can only occur when the hen incubates the eggs. Only in this “natural” situation can the hatch window be defined from the embryo perspective. In other words, there is no effect of the incubator on the hatch window. In any commercial incubation situation, the hatch window is influenced by the interaction between incubator design, operation, profiles, the egg quality, and the embryo characteristics. All commercial incubation is the result of the embryo and equipment interaction. Download the entire article via the button below.
