Broiler farmer in Tienray positive about hatching in the house

Wild chicken farmer Gerard Witlox from Tienray, Limburg, switched to a new concept of hatching chicks in the house a few years ago. He is positive about the results. "After we let the chicks hatch in the house, we no longer have leg problems due to enterococci and the use of antibiotics decreased."

Normally, newborn chicks are transported to poultry farmers' barns, but when they hatch in the barn, the farmer receives pre-hatched eggs. After a few days in the house, the incubation process is complete, giving the chicks direct access to water and feed in optimal, stress-free conditions.

Witlox implemented two methods in its houses: the Nestborn hatching eggs from chick hatchery Van Hulst and the One2Born hatching eggs from chick hatchery Schotman. At the former, the pre-hatched eggs are placed on a natural litter bed in the house and hatched. At One2Born, the eggs are in trays before hatching. The poultry farmer chose these two parties because they do not require large installations or other investments. Both can be easily applied in any barn.

Hatching

The benefits of hatching in the house quickly became apparent. "The first thing we saw was that the chicks were very calm. And the weight in the first fourteen days was 15 grams more than normal." Witlox chose the new methodology because his chicks were struggling with leg problems due to enterococci. He also saw this problem significantly reduced, which means he has to administer far fewer antibiotics. His chicks are stronger and more robust.

Biggest innovation in 30 years

Gerard Witlox thinks this 'natural on farm hatching' concept is highly recommended. "It doesn't cost any more than the regular method. You just have to plan the work differently. During incubation you have to supervise the process better and intervene if necessary, but this time you gain back later with healthier chicks." The Limburg farmer has gained more pleasure in his work now that he has switched to hatching eggs. "I have been using hatching in the house for two years now and consider it the most important innovation in broiler production in the last 30 years."

Source: EIP-AGRI