how do hatcheries keep their breeders?

[sydney13]

their doesn't seem to be much info on the breeder chickens that hatcheries use which is what im curious about. ive always assumed that they are kept in cages but after reading an article about metzer farms it showed pics of their breeding ducks and geese that where kept in big grassy outdoor pens. so i was wondering do most hatcheries keep their birds those large outdoor pens or are the kept in indoor cages?

 

[MrChicken207]

Thats a good question. I've always wondered the same thing. I had heard that some hatcheries buy eggs from outside/contracted breeders and then just hatch them. No birds on premisis. Anyone know?

 

[ghulst]

We keep ours on the floor. Go to www.townlinehatchery.com and check the pictures. I think all hatcheries keep on the floor in large pens.

 

[arherp]

Yes, on the floor. A large, barn-like building. Straw goes on the floor for easy cleanup.

 

[DragonEggs]

Just wanted to say be careful where this goes. There are a lot of people who think hatcheries are no better than puppy mills and this tends to lead to heated debate.

I'd like to think they have more space (maybe even close to free range) than most factory laying hens since the roo needs some room to do his job.

 

[ShrekDawg]

That's a good question, Im wondering that too. But the floor thing makes sense, seems like the easiest way to keep large amounts of birds, but thats a good question...

 

[Guinea Goonie]

I visited Cackle hatchery. They DO NOT have thier breeders on the premisses. They use independent breeder farms for thier eggs. Apparently these people have some breeds and others have other breeds for the eggs.

i guess iit workes out well for both parties.