hatchling

A hatchling is a young animal that has recently emerged from an egg. The term is used across many egg-laying groups, including birds, reptiles, amphibians, and some fish. A hatchling is typically active and mobile from birth, though its level of independence varies by species.

After hatching, new individuals may rely on remaining yolk reserves for nourishment or begin feeding immediately. The early life of hatchlings is influenced by development type: precocial hatchlings are relatively mature and mobile soon after emergence, while altricial hatchlings are often blind, feathered or furred later, and require parental care.

Variations among groups are notable. Bird hatchlings range from precocial chicks that forage with minimal parental supervision to altricial chicks that depend entirely on caregivers. Reptile hatchlings often emerge well-developed and capable of moving about, though many species continue to grow and learn essential survival skills. In fish and amphibians, hatchlings may pass through larval stages before reaching resembling juveniles, with survival shaped by habitat conditions and predation.

Incubation temperature, humidity, and nest or habitat quality can influence hatchling development, including sex determination in some reptiles and overall vigor at birth. Predation, food availability, and environmental stability remain major factors affecting hatchling survival and population dynamics.

In human contexts, hatchlings are a focus of breeding, conservation, and captive-rearing programs. Proper husbandry, nutrition, and environmental controls are essential for healthy development of hatchlings in facilities and aquaculture.