If you want to succeed in life it is important to get the best possible start. Our understanding of the incubation cycle has grown and our hatcheries have developed to better meet the chick’s needs, however, all these gains can be lost if the simple basics of cleanliness and hygiene are not met.

Bacteria, like E. coli, can grow from one bacterium to over two million in just seven hours in a dirty hatchery, rapidly infecting all areas. For this reason, routine hygiene with monitoring and analysis of results is vital. The information can be used to alter the cleaning programme so as to allow the control of potential pathogens and minimise contamination.

Immediately after the chicks have been taken out of the incubator, a three-stage cleaning programme, tailored to the structure of the hatchery and hatchery equipment materials is recommended. This should include a wash-down to remove hatch debris, the application of detergent(s), rinsing and finally disinfecting both surfaces and the air.

Of course, stopping infection coming in is vital. As the saying goes, a good offence is started by a good defence.

Further information on wash in/out facilities for staff and other hygiene tips can be found in the Aviagen technical note on Hatchery Maintenance.