Nature does a great job in maintaining the correct conditions in order to hatch an egg. But in the artificial environment of a commercial egg hatchery it becomes the job of the hatchery manager to ensure all conditions are as perfect as they can be in order to ensure maximum yield of quality chicks from each batch of eggs. Not only are temperature and air flow critical but humidity also plays a crucial part in whole process.

A healthy chick is more likely to hatch from an egg that has lost between 10 and 15 percent of its original weight. Egg shell is porous and therefore water vapour diffuses from the egg during the hatching cycle. The porosity of the shell, which is determined when the egg is laid, and the relative humidity of the air surrounding the egg, determines how much or how little water vapour is lost.

Maintaining the correct level of humidity, along with precise temperature and airflow within the incubator at each stage of the hatching cycle is crucial.

We understand the importance of hygiene within the hatchery environment. JS Humidifiers offers a total hygienic solution for the hatchery manager. With WRAS, CE, L8 ACOP and VDi approval you can be assured that we will comply with any hatchery maintenance schedule you have in place.

Steam humidifiers, such as the Condair Mk5, are popular as they provide totally sterile vapour to an atmosphere. However, advanced cold water humidifiers such as the JetSpray and HumEvap MC3 offer hygienic humidification with the extra advantage of free cooling.

Pre-incubation storage up to seven days: 70-80%rH to reduce the risk of dehydration

Pre-incubation storage more than seven days: 80-88%rH to reduce the risk of dehydration

Early Incubation: 50-60%rH to prevent excessive moisture loss resulting in dehydrated albumen and damaged embryo

Growth: 50-60%rH to allow the air space to develop to the correct size allowing chick’s lungs to develop correctly after internal pipping

Development: 50-60%rH to prevent wet navel and red hocks

Hatching: 50-60%rH to prevent shell sticking to down

Chick Pen and Broiler House first three days after hatching: 70%rH to prevent chicks dehydrating in the first few days after hatching

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