Lighting Welfare for Laying Hens and Broilers

Lighting conditions in poultry houses profoundly affect behaviour, health, and welfare; evidence-based lighting management balances productivity with welfare requirements.

Key Facts

Hens in natural light cycles show better welfare indicators than those on continuous artificial light
Dim light in broiler houses reduces activity but is associated with worse leg health
Red light spectra reduce feather pecking in some housing systems
Providing 8 hours of darkness daily is a minimum welfare requirement under EU law

Welfare Considerations

Lighting management in poultry production involves genuine tensions between production goals and welfare requirements. Dim light reduces activity-related injuries but also reduces the foraging and exploratory behaviour that characterises positive welfare. Continuous light used to extend eating periods impairs circadian rhythm and disrupts rest. Evidence-based lighting regimes that provide adequate intensity, appropriate spectrum, and sufficient dark periods optimise welfare while meeting production requirements.

What You Can Do

Support welfare standards requiring minimum dark periods and appropriate light intensity
Advocate for lighting welfare requirements in broiler and laying hen legislation
Choose certified poultry products from producers with documented welfare-appropriate lighting regimes