The environment in which poultry are raised plays a huge role in determining their health, growth, and productivity. Two of the most influential factors in poultry management are heat and light. When not properly balanced, these elements can trigger stress, reduce performance, and even lead to high mortality rates. Understanding how heat and light affect poultry behavior and physiology is essential for any successful poultry farmer.
Heat stress is one of the most common environmental challenges in poultry farming. Chickens, for instance, do not have sweat glands, so they rely on panting and wing-flapping to cool themselves. When temperatures rise beyond their comfort zone—typically between 18°C and 24°C—birds begin to experience discomfort. As heat levels continue to increase, feed intake drops dramatically because birds eat less to avoid generating internal heat. This leads to slower growth in broilers and a decline in egg production and shell quality among layers. In severe cases, prolonged heat exposure can cause dehydration, organ failure, or even death.
To counteract these effects, farmers must adopt effective cooling and ventilation strategies. Proper airflow within poultry houses helps remove hot air and humidity, creating a cooler and more breathable environment. Installing fans, using evaporative cooling pads, and ensuring adequate spacing between birds all contribute to better air circulation. Water management also becomes critical during hot weather. Birds should always have access to cool, clean water since dehydration sets in quickly under heat stress. Some farmers add electrolytes and vitamins to drinking water to help birds maintain their energy and hydration levels. Additionally, feeding birds early in the morning or late in the evening—when temperatures are cooler—helps maintain feed consumption and energy balance.
Light management, on the other hand, is equally crucial yet often overlooked. Light controls not only the birds’ activity levels but also their hormonal cycles, feeding habits, and reproduction. In layers, light exposure directly affects egg-laying patterns, while in broilers, it influences feeding and resting behavior. Overexposure to bright or continuous light can cause hyperactivity, feather pecking, and reduced feed efficiency. Conversely, too little or poorly timed lighting can make birds lethargic, lowering their productivity.
The best approach is to create a consistent and controlled lighting schedule that mimics natural daylight patterns. For example, providing 14–16 hours of moderate light daily for layers encourages steady egg production, while broilers benefit from balanced light-dark cycles that promote both feeding and rest. Using energy-efficient LED bulbs helps maintain uniform brightness without producing excess heat. Light intensity should also vary by bird age—chicks need brighter light to locate feed and water, while adult birds perform better under softer illumination.
Poor management of heat and light doesn’t just reduce productivity—it also weakens the birds’ immune system. Continuous stress makes poultry more vulnerable to diseases such as coccidiosis, respiratory infections, and bacterial illnesses. The economic losses from reduced growth, poor feed conversion, and high mortality can be devastating for farmers. Conversely, when environmental factors are well-managed, poultry remain calm, active, and productive, ensuring better returns and long-term flock health.
Monitoring tools such as thermometers, hygrometers, and light meters are indispensable for maintaining optimal conditions. Observing bird behavior—such as crowding near fans or excessive panting—can also provide early warnings of discomfort. Adjusting ventilation speed, water flow, or lighting hours promptly can prevent stress before it escalates.
In conclusion, maintaining the right balance of heat and light is not just a matter of comfort—it is a science that directly influences poultry welfare and profitability. Farmers who invest in proper environmental control systems and remain attentive to their flocks’ behavior will always gain the upper hand in production efficiency. Healthy, comfortable birds translate into higher yields, better-quality eggs and meat, and a more sustainable poultry industry overall.
