- To investigate immediately and to understand how the chicks are hatching after the eggs have been transferred to the hatcher, use the top three trays marked as 1, 2 and 3 to test. This allows the hatching trays to be taken out and replaced quickly without interfering with the hatching process.
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- Before the examination, ensure that you have a table for a work area adjacent to the hatcher and a sheet to record the number of chicks hatched. Ideally, work with two people. The first person can bring the hatcher tray to the table and return the hatcher tray once the count is complete, while the second person counts the chicks and records the data.
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- Record the figures and return the hatcher trays as quickly as possible to the hatcher.
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- Check the setter. To check how the setters are functioning from the time of set to transfer, select a flock and place a minimum of three trays in the Top, Middle and Bottom positions of the setter.
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- At transfer, carefully mark the hatchery tray with the position of the setter tray. Ensure that an identification label is securely attached to the tray, which will not be removed. Place the transferred eggs in the top three positions in the front of the hatcher for ease of manoeuvrability when checking.
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- Select the times that you wish to carry out the examination.
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48 to 33 hours before pull
Ideally, there should be no chicks hatching [below].
| 23 hours before pull
25% of the total pull should be hatched [below].
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13 hours before pull
75% of the total pull should be hatched [below].
| Day of pull
100% of the total pull should be hatched. The chicks should be dry and ready to process [below].
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The shell debris should be clean [right]. | |
An example of advanced wing feather growth: this indicates that the chicks have hatched too early [below].
| If the shell debris is soiled with meconium, it is another indication that the chicks have hatched early [below].
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This is the normal wing feather growth when the incubation cycle is correct [right]. | |