Hatching eggs in the barn is better for future laying hens.

Rondeel has three years of experience with in ovo sexing of brown laying hens and hatching the chicks directly in the barn. “By using in ovo sex determination, we ensure that all hatched chicks are allowed to live. We call this ‘Born to Live’,” says Rondeel director Peter Koelewijn.

To further improve sustainability, Albert Heijn wanted Rondeel to switch to white hens. This is now possible because rearing integrator Pluriton uses the in ovo method from Genus Focus. On day 12 of the incubation process, this device determines the sex of the chick inside the egg using an MRI scan. “It uses artificial intelligence,” says Corné Verwijs, operations manager at Pluriton. “Thanks to its self-learning ability, the number of male chicks keeps decreasing.”

According to Verwijs, it is essential that Genus Focus does not make a hole in the egg. “This keeps the eggshell intact, allowing us to use in ovo vaccination on day 18. When the hens hatch on day 21, the buildup of protection against diseases like Marek’s, Gumboro, and ILT has already begun.”

Hatching chicks directly in the barn is better for the chick and, consequently, for the future laying hen. The final phase of the incubation process now takes place in the barn, allowing the chicks immediate access to water and feed. Verwijs explains, “That doesn’t mean they start eating or drinking right away. They first rest and use the residual yolk. This can sustain them for a few days, but when the need arises, food and water are available.”

**Behavior management**
The males that were not identified during the in ovo sexing hatch together with the hens in the barn and remain with them during the rearing and laying period. Koelewijn says, “We noticed with the brown hens that this works well for their behavior. The roosters take care of a group of hens, prevent fighting among them, and manage their behavior. They go outside together and come back inside together. We are investigating what the optimal ratio of males is.”

For Klop, this is the first time the chicks hatch in the barn. “That was quite exciting. I immediately started monitoring the temperature of the eggs. The barn temperature is about 37 degrees Celsius, and the egg temperature needs to be around that as well. That way, you know the chick stays active.” Measuring the egg temperature every four hours at various spots in the barn was quite a task. “But it was wonderful to do,” says Klop. “The hatching of the chicks was a great experience.”

[This article was published in Nieuwe Oogst.](https://www.nieuweoogst.nl/nieuws/2025/03/12/ei-laten-uitkomen-in-de-stal-is-beter-voor-toekomstige-leghen)

All born Rondeel chicks stay alive, a life guarantee ‘Born to Live!®’ . The Dutch Society for the Protection of Animals supports this advancement and is a “strong supporter of hatching in the house.

This has allowed Rondeel to realize the next step for white chickens as well. Hatching the hatching eggs at a fixed rearing facility in the house and then housing all born chicks at the Rondeel. In this way Rondeel offers all chicks the space to hatch at their individual natural moment. The hens grow up together with their brothers. It also further shortens the Rondeel chain and realizes the following:

• Higher level of animal welfare (egg handling instead of handling day-old chicks)
• Healthier environment with more hygienic conditions for the newly born chicks
• Direct free access to feed and water
• No more on-day old chick transport required
• Natural incorporation of all born chicks into the Rondeel

This Rondeel-initiated approach with ‘hatchlings in the house’ has been realized in cooperation with the rearing organization and Vencomatic. The project is supported by our trade partners (including Albert Heijn), to make real innovation steps in the transition to healthy, animal-oriented and integrally sustainable poultry farming.