The hatch window

D. Hill, DVM, MAM, Dipl. ACPV1

HatchTech B.V., P.O. Box 256, 3900 AG Veenendaal, The Netherlands.

What is the “natural” hatch window for a set of eggs? The definition of the “natural” hatch window is the time that it takes the chicks to hatch in an ideal incubation environment. In reality, a natural hatch window can only occur when the hen sets and hatches the eggs. Only in this “natural” situation can the hatch window be defined from the embryo perspective. In other words, there is no equipment influence on the hatch window.

In any commercial incubation situation, the hatch window is influenced by the equipment design, operation and profile. All commercial incubation is the result of the embryo and machine interaction. The picture on the left illustrates the interaction of the machine and the embryo. The interpretation of the hatch window, long or short, is only relevant as it relates to the requirements of the production hatchery and the environment that the chicks are in after hatch. In other words, when does the hatchery need the chicks and does the hatcher maintain the chick in a thermo neutral state or not?