Lighting Management for Poultry Welfare

Lighting conditions in poultry houses significantly affect bird welfare, influencing behavior, health, and activity patterns.

Key Facts

Poultry require regular light-dark cycles that support natural circadian rhythms and normal behavior
Continuous lighting, historically used to maximize activity and feed intake, disrupts sleep and increases stress
Dimmer periods that allow rest and reduce aggression improve welfare outcomes in laying hens and broilers
Natural light provision in poultry houses is associated with improved welfare and outdoor space use

Welfare Considerations

Lighting management is a low-cost, high-impact welfare intervention in poultry production. Historical practices of continuous or near-continuous lighting to maximize feeding and growth time disrupted natural circadian rhythms, prevented adequate rest, and contributed to elevated aggression. Evidence-based lighting programs that include minimum dark periods, gradual dawn and dusk transitions mimicking natural photoperiods, and appropriate intensity for the age and type of bird significantly improve welfare. For laying hens and broilers with outdoor access, windows that allow natural light cues are associated with increased use of outdoor areas and improved welfare outcomes compared to windowless houses relying entirely on artificial lighting.

What You Can Do

Support poultry welfare standards that include evidence-based lighting requirements
Choose certified poultry products from farms with documented lighting management programs
Advocate for natural light provision as a standard requirement in new poultry house design
Engage with poultry producers and welfare scientists on optimal lighting programs for different species and systems