New research by The Roslin Institute in Scotland suggests that exposing chicks to light before they hatch can benefit their behaviour, development and welfare.
Compiled by Charmain Lines
In the study, scientists incubated groups of eggs either in continuous darkness (as is typically done in hatcheries) or under a light schedule. Once hatched, chicks were placed either in pens containing a shelter, a form of enrichment, or in pens without one. Their behaviour was monitored over several weeks, specifically in terms of how they used the shelter.
Shelters proved popular across all groups, with chicks using them to rest inside, perch upon or sit against. However, chicks exposed to light during incubation used the shelters significantly more often.
Light during incubation has previously been linked to reduced stress, improved hatching success and positive effects on brain development. Birds possess light-sensitive receptors deep within the brain that regulate circadian rhythms – even before hatching – which may help explain why regular light-dark cycles could improve behavioural outcomes.
A notable finding was that female chicks incubated under light weighed more at four weeks of age than those reared in darkness. Although the reason for this is unclear, the finding shows that even small differences in early growth can influence long-term productivity in laying systems.
While light exposure did not change when the chicks hatched, it did seem to contribute to them hatching at more or less the same time – a factor that could streamline chick management in commercial operations.
Chicks exposed to light before they hatch may grow and develop faster, a study shows.
Source: Poultry Bulletin (Issue 31) April/May 2026
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