A hatchery is a facility where eggs are hatched under artificial conditions, especially those of fish or poultry.

It may be used for ex-situ conservation purposes, i.e. to breed rare or endangered species under controlled conditions; alternatively, it may be for economic reasons (i.e. to enhance food supplies or fishery resources). Poultry hatcheries produce a majority of the birds consumed in the developed world including chickens, turkeys, ducks and some other minor bird species. It is a multibillion dollar industry, with highly regimented production systems used to maximize bird size versus feed consumed. Poultry generally start with naturally (chickens) or artificially (turkeys) inseminated hens that lay eggs; the eggs are cleaned and shells are checked for soundness before putting them in the incubators. The incubators control temperature and humidity, and turn the eggs until they hatch. Generally large numbers are produced at one time so the resulting birds are uniform in size and can be harvested at the same time. Once the eggs hatch and the chicks are a few days old, they are often vaccinated.