In poultry farming, the term “chick pull” refers to the process of removing newly hatched chicks from the hatching trays in a hatchery and transferring them into chick boxes or holding areas for counting, grading, vaccination, and transport. This stage is a critical link between the hatching process and the beginning of the chick’s journey toward becoming a productive bird, whether it’s destined for broiler production, egg laying, or breeding stock.
Although it may seem like a simple task, chick pulling requires skill, care, and attention to detail. The way chicks are handled during this short but important window can have a lasting impact on their health, survival rate, and performance. Improper chick pull procedures can lead to stress, injury, dehydration, or even death, which can harm both animal welfare and the profitability of the farm.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore when to pull chicks, how to handle them, the tools and equipment needed, the best environmental conditions, post-pull care, and common mistakes to avoid. The goal is to provide a thorough understanding of how chick pulling fits into modern hatchery management and how to carry it out effectively.
Understanding the Chick Pull Process
Chick pull happens after eggs have completed the incubation process in the hatchers. In commercial hatcheries, eggs are first incubated in setters for about 18 days (for chickens), after which they are transferred to hatchers for the final stage. Chicks emerge over a 12–24 hour hatching window, but not all chicks hatch at the same time. The chick pull must be timed so that the majority of chicks have fully dried and fluffed up, but before they become dehydrated or suffer from overheating.
The process involves:
- Identifying optimal hatching completion time — Ensuring most chicks have hatched and are ready for handling.
- Removing chicks from hatching trays — Done manually or with semi-automated systems, taking care not to injure them.
- Placing chicks into chick boxes — These are ventilated containers that provide a safe temporary holding environment.
- Sorting and grading — Weak, unthrifty, or deformed chicks are separated from healthy ones.
- Vaccination and treatment (optional at this stage) — Some hatcheries vaccinate against diseases before shipping.
- Transport or holding — Chicks are either moved to the rearing facility or kept temporarily in a controlled environment.
The Importance of Proper Timing
Timing is one of the most important factors in chick pulling. Pulling too early means some chicks may still be wet, fragile, and susceptible to chilling. Pulling too late can result in dehydration, leg weakness, or a condition known as “starve-outs,” where chicks fail to find feed and water quickly enough after hatching.
The ideal time to pull chicks is when at least 95% of them are fully dry, active, and showing signs of alertness, but before more than a few hours have passed since they emerged. In most cases, this is around 8–12 hours after the majority of chicks have hatched, but environmental conditions and hatchery schedules can affect this window.
Equipment and Setup for Chick Pulling
To carry out a chick pull efficiently and safely, hatcheries need the right equipment and environmental setup. Essential items include:
- Hatchers with easy-access trays for smooth chick removal.
- Ventilated chick boxes made of durable plastic with slotted sides and bottoms for airflow.
- Grading tables for sorting healthy and cull chicks.
- Soft lighting to keep chicks calm without causing them to overheat.
- Environmental controls such as heaters or humidifiers in the pull area to maintain an optimal climate.
Chick pulling should ideally happen in an area with ambient temperatures of 32–35°C (90–95°F) and moderate humidity to prevent chilling or dehydration.
Step-by-Step Chick Pull Procedure
- Prepare the Environment
Before starting, ensure the pulling area is clean, disinfected, and warm. Chick boxes should be sanitized and ready for use. - Check Hatch Completion
Open the hatcher carefully and check the chicks. Look for fluffiness, dry feathers, open eyes, and active movement. - Gentle Removal
Use both hands to scoop chicks from the tray, avoiding squeezing or holding them by wings, legs, or necks. Place them into chick boxes gently. - Grading and Sorting
Move chicks to a grading table where workers can remove weak, injured, or abnormal chicks. Cull chicks humanely in accordance with welfare guidelines. - Vaccination (if applicable)
Some hatcheries use spray or subcutaneous vaccines immediately after pulling to provide early disease protection. - Counting and Recording
Keep an accurate count of chicks pulled, culls, and late-hatching eggs for production records and hatchery performance tracking. - Transport or Holding
Once boxed, chicks should be either moved directly to farms or held in a warmed, ventilated room until transport.
Handling Techniques to Reduce Stress
Stress is one of the biggest threats during chick pulling. Chicks that are stressed at this stage can have reduced immunity, slower growth, and higher mortality rates. Here are handling principles that help:
- Always use two hands for lifting to support the chick’s body fully.
- Avoid stacking boxes too high, as this can restrict airflow.
- Keep noise levels low in the pulling area.
- Limit the time chicks spend outside of controlled temperatures.
- Handle chicks with steady, gentle movements to avoid panic.
Post-Pull Chick Care
After pulling, chicks are particularly vulnerable because they are adjusting to life outside the egg. They rely on residual yolk reserves for nutrition during the first 48 hours, but they still need proper warmth, ventilation, and protection from stress.
- Temperature control — Keep holding areas at 32–35°C with consistent airflow.
- Avoid overcrowding — Provide enough space in boxes for chicks to lie down comfortably.
- Hydration — While chicks can survive for 24–48 hours without feed and water, prompt access at the farm helps reduce dehydration risk.
- Minimize holding time — Aim to deliver chicks to farms within 24 hours of pulling.
Common Mistakes in Chick Pulling and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced hatcheries can make errors during chick pulling. The most frequent mistakes include:
- Pulling too early, resulting in weak or chilled chicks.
- Leaving chicks in hatchers too long, causing dehydration.
- Handling chicks roughly or carelessly.
- Using dirty boxes or contaminated pulling equipment.
- Storing chicks in poorly ventilated areas.
Avoiding these mistakes comes down to training staff, following standard operating procedures, and prioritizing chick welfare over speed.
The Role of Chick Pull in Poultry Productivity
A well-managed chick pull sets the tone for the bird’s entire life. Chicks that are handled correctly, kept warm, and delivered to farms in optimal condition tend to have higher growth rates, better feed conversion, and lower mortality. Poor chick pulling, on the other hand, can cause losses that cannot be fully recovered later.
This is why large commercial hatcheries invest heavily in staff training, quality control, and environmental monitoring during chick pulling.
Conclusion
Chick pulling may be just one step in the poultry production chain, but it is a step that requires careful timing, proper handling, and the right environmental conditions. Whether you are running a small hatchery or a large-scale commercial operation, focusing on chick welfare during pulling will pay off in better flock performance, higher survival rates, and more efficient operations.
The key is to remember that every chick is a future producer, and the first hours after hatching are some of the most important in its life. By following best practices in chick pulling, poultry farmers and hatchery managers can ensure their chicks get the healthiest possible start.
FAQs
1. What is the main purpose of chick pulling in a hatchery?
Chick pulling ensures newly hatched chicks are removed from hatchers at the right time, sorted, and prepared for safe transport to farms.
2. How do I know when to pull chicks?
Pull chicks when they are fully dry, active, and alert — usually about 8–12 hours after most have hatched.
3. Can chicks be harmed if pulled too early?
Yes. Early pulling can lead to chilling, weakness, and higher mortality because chicks may not be strong enough to handle transport.
4. How long can chicks survive without feed or water after pulling?
Healthy chicks can survive on yolk reserves for about 24–48 hours, but prompt access to feed and water is best.
5. What temperature should be maintained during chick pulling?
The pulling area should be kept between 32–35°C to prevent chilling and ensure chick comfort.
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