Do not turn eggs within 3 days of hatching. Heredity Proper culling and breeding practices will reduce problems. Slick hatching trays Use trays with wire floors or place crinoline on hatching surface. Improper nutrition of breeders Provide a well-balanced nutritional diet to breeders. Symptoms Probable Cause Corrective Measures Abnormal, weak, or small chicks High incubation or hatching temperatures Follow recommended incubation temperatures.
Small eggs hatch small chicks Set only standard or large sized eggs.
Improper ventilation in hatcher unit Increase ventilation rate, but avoid drafts. Diseased or poorly conditioned breeder flock Use eggs from disease-free sources only. Have NPIP representatives blood-test the breeder flock. Excessive fumigation in hatcher Fumigate using proper procedures. Symptoms Probable Cause Corrective Measures Chicks with labored breathing Excessive use of fumigant Follow recommended fumigation procedures.