Learn more about managing hatch window.

1. Managing HatchManaging Hatch
WindowWindow
By Ben LawtonBy Ben Lawton

2. What is Hatch Window?What is Hatch Window?
 The time that elapses between the first chickThe time that elapses between the first chick
hatched and the last.hatched and the last.

3. Why is it Important?Why is it Important?
 Early hatched chicks become dehydrated andEarly hatched chicks become dehydrated and
heat stressedheat stressed
 Late hatched chicks are subject to chilling andLate hatched chicks are subject to chilling and
are often weaker chicks to begin with.are often weaker chicks to begin with.

4. What Causes Variation in HatchWhat Causes Variation in Hatch
Times?Times?
- Uncontrollable variablesUncontrollable variables
1) Physiological1) Physiological
2) Physical2) Physical
3) Genetic3) Genetic

5. - Manageable Variables – ManagementManageable Variables – Management
TechniquesTechniques
1) Egg size – set time1) Egg size – set time
2) Age of egg – set time2) Age of egg – set time
3) Pre-warming eggs – sufficient time period3) Pre-warming eggs – sufficient time period
4) Incubator type – profile and set time4) Incubator type – profile and set time
5) Stage/time of production – set time and egg5) Stage/time of production – set time and egg
handlinghandling
6) Fertility and fullness of baskets – candling and6) Fertility and fullness of baskets – candling and
combiningcombining

6. Learn to Manage Hatch Window inLearn to Manage Hatch Window in
Your Own SystemYour Own System
 Understand the influencing factorsUnderstand the influencing factors
 Keep procedures constantKeep procedures constant
 Hatch time surveys as a toolHatch time surveys as a tool

7. ConclusionConclusion
 Multiple factors influence hatch time andMultiple factors influence hatch time and
subsequently hatch windowsubsequently hatch window
 Many of these factors can be controlledMany of these factors can be controlled
 Doing hatch time surveys will give you theDoing hatch time surveys will give you the
information to effectively shorten the hatchinformation to effectively shorten the hatch
windowwindow

8. Hatch Time SurveyHatch Time Survey
Hours Prior to Hatch
36 30 24 18 12 6 Hatch
TimeBreed
Age of Eggs
Time Set
Time Transferred
Position
Inc. #
Hatcher #
% Hatch