The evolution of early chick welfare
Annyalla Hatchery, the only independent hatchery in the United Kingdom, has set a new standard in early chick welfare by transitioning to the revolutionary HatchCare system. Rather than introducing a subtle modification to traditional hatching, this transition represents a dramatic, industry-defining change in early chick welfare. By ensuring chicks have immediate access to light, feed, and water right after hatching, Annyalla is delivering a healthier, happier, and demonstrably superior chick to the market.
The HatchCare experience: innovation you can see
Walking into the HatchCare unit immediately blows the minds of staff and visitors alike. The environment features glass everywhere, providing complete visibility into the units. Instead of being kept in the dark, chicks are active under lights, and you can see them eating and drinking from the very start. This visual confirmation of early nutrition and hydration makes the hatchery team incredibly proud and leaves customers absolutely amazed by a concept that is entirely different from anything else on the market.
The fundamental logic of HatchCare is simple yet powerful: by immediately providing food, water, and light, Annyalla does everything the bird requires, resulting in a happier, healthier, and fuller chick.
Operational & biological results
The adoption of HatchCare has yielded outstanding biological and operational outcomes for Annyalla:
98% hatching rates over the life of the flock · +15% heavier hatch weight · <1% seven-day mortality, even from young parent flocks · halved late-stage rejects at 47–48 days, staying well below 1%.
Commercial advantage & customer demand
Because the quality of the chicks is so visibly and measurably superior, Annyalla has found that the product practically sells itself. Customers are proactively ringing up the hatchery to place orders. Growers recognize the immense value of a stronger, healthier chick and are willingly paying a premium of 3 to 4 cents more per chick compared to standard prices. This intense customer demand has turned selling these chicks into what is described as “the easiest job in the poultry industry,” providing Annyalla with a powerful, distinct advantage in the competitive market.
Future outlook: the welfare-driven market
As customer demand for welfare-friendly poultry continues to grow, early feeding is increasingly recognized as the only right direction forward. Major supermarkets are expected to soon insist on some form of early feeding for the chickens they source. Currently, the HatchCare system stands as the only truly viable option on the market to meet these upcoming retail mandates. By adopting this technology early, Annyalla is not only securing a strong commercial market advantage but is also leading the way in ethical poultry farming.