Managing Hatch Managing Hatch WindowWindow

By Ben LawtonBy Ben Lawton

What is Hatch Window?What is Hatch Window? The time that elapses between the The time that elapses between the

first chick hatched and the last.first chick hatched and the last.

Why is it Important?Why is it Important? Early hatched chicks become Early hatched chicks become

dehydrated and heat stresseddehydrated and heat stressed

Late hatched chicks are subject to Late hatched chicks are subject to chilling and are often weaker chicks chilling and are often weaker chicks to begin with.to begin with.

What Causes Variation in What Causes Variation in Hatch Times?Hatch Times?

- Uncontrollable variablesUncontrollable variables

1) Physiological1) Physiological2) Physical2) Physical3) Genetic3) Genetic

- Manageable Variables – Management Manageable Variables – Management TechniquesTechniques

1) Egg size – set time1) Egg size – set time2) Age of egg – set time2) Age of egg – set time3) Pre-warming eggs – sufficient time 3) Pre-warming eggs – sufficient time

periodperiod4) Incubator type – profile and set time4) Incubator type – profile and set time5) Stage/time of production – set time 5) Stage/time of production – set time

and egg handlingand egg handling6) Fertility and fullness of baskets – 6) Fertility and fullness of baskets –

candling and combiningcandling and combining

Learn to Manage Hatch Learn to Manage Hatch Window in Your Own Window in Your Own

SystemSystem Understand the influencing factorsUnderstand the influencing factors Keep procedures constantKeep procedures constant Hatch time surveys as a toolHatch time surveys as a tool

ConclusionConclusion Multiple factors influence hatch time Multiple factors influence hatch time

and subsequently hatch windowand subsequently hatch window Many of these factors can be Many of these factors can be

controlledcontrolled Doing hatch time surveys will give Doing hatch time surveys will give

you the information to effectively you the information to effectively shorten the hatch windowshorten the hatch window

Hatch Time SurveyHatch Time SurveyHours Prior to Hatch

36 30 24 18 12 6 Hatch TimeBreed

Age of Eggs

Time Set

Time Transferred

Position

Inc. #

Hatcher #

% Hatch