Breeder Farm
The breeder farm produces fertile eggs that will be hatched in a hatchery.
Growing and Housing
The chicks live in large houses which hold as many as 20,000 birds. These grow-out houses are kept at about 85° F (29.4° C) through heating and ventilation controls.
Mating and Collection
The chicks live in the growing-out houses for about six weeks. Broiler chickens have been bred for excessive weight gain, especially in their breasts and thighs. At six weeks, the chicks usually weigh about 4 lb (1.8 kg), and are ready for slaughter.
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Incubation and hatching
Eggs are typically collected from breeder farms, taken to a hatchery and stored from 0 to 10 days prior to being set in an incubator. These eggs will be stored at temperatures between 55-68° F, depending on when they are to be incubated. When the eggs are placed in incubators, embryonic development begins. Different species of birds require different incubation times. Chickens hatch in 21 days while turkeys and ducks need 28 days.
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