Bell & Evans, Fredericksburg, Pa., HatchTech, Veenendaal, the Netherlands, and Viscon, Gravendeel, the Netherlands, have signed an agreement for the construction of the first Humane Animal Welfare Focused Chick Hatchery in the United States. The hatchery utilizes HatchTech’s advanced technology using MicroClimer Setters, HatchCare units, along with a complete ventilation system, cooling and heating distributors, and hatchery management systems. This system will provide immediate access of fresh food, water, air and light for the newly hatched chicks, something currently unheard of in the US poultry industry. Viscon will supply the new hatchery with state-of-the-art Live Embryo Detection, transferring only the living embryos into incubation, as well as an effective in-ovo vaccination machine and stress-free chick transfer line to contribute to the humane handling of the chicks.
“I’ve made many trips to Europe in search of our next hatchery system,” said Scott Sechler, Sr., President, Owner and Founder of Bell & Evans. “HatchTech and Viscon are the perfect fit for Bell & Evans, not only because of the advanced technology they offer, but because they are passionate and forward-thinking in what they do. Their focus on humane animal welfare is directly in line with my philosophy to continually reduce stress and improve the welfare and comfort of our chickens. It is a well-designed and thought-out system. We at Bell & Evans are very excited and proud to partner with them to build the first Humane Animal Welfare Focused Chick Hatcheryin the United States.”