Farm Animals

Poultry Welfare and Natural Light

Natural light access in poultry houses improves welfare through its effects on circadian rhythm, behaviour, and bone health compared to artificial lighting programmes.

Key Facts

Natural light provides the full spectrum including UV that artificial lighting cannot match
UV exposure enables chickens to synthesise vitamin D3 reducing bone problems
Windows and light panels providing natural daylight access improve bird activity
Organic and higher welfare standards typically require natural light access
Some studies show improved welfare indicators and reduced fearfulness in naturally lit flocks

Welfare Considerations

Natural light provides qualitative differences from artificial lighting that affect multiple aspects of poultry welfare simultaneously. UV-synthesised vitamin D3 reduces bone disease prevalence. Circadian-appropriate natural light patterns normalise sleep-wake cycles. Higher activity levels under natural light improve muscle development and welfare. Requiring natural light access in higher welfare standards reflects this evidence.

What You Can Do

Choose poultry from systems with natural light access requirements
Support organic and higher welfare standards including natural light provisions
Advocate for natural light access requirements in poultry welfare legislation
Support research into the welfare benefits of natural light for different poultry species
Encourage poultry producers to retrofit windows or light panels in existing houses